I have the limited, so I can't speak to the digital rear view. But, I pretty much agree with everything you said. The map isn't intuitive like the 20 year old system I was using on my old LX470. And, I hate the piano gloss finish on the infotainment screen.

 

- It stinks Toyota still shuts the engine off when you open the door after remote start, the GS did the same thing. The remote start range is also terrible. The Explorer had incredible range for its remote start (apologies if it seems like I'm bashing the Highlander vs Explorer, I'd still choose the Highlander every time).

There is a auto start stop bypass you can install in this topic. Auto Stop/Start feature bypass soon to be available

- HUD is nice, but the brightness doesn't seem to adjust to ambient light, so it ends up either too bright at night or too dim during the day. I also had one instance where the HUD was really dim during the day (around twilight), even with max brightness setting. It worked fine though on my next drive out, perhaps there is an ambient light sensor that was tricked because of twilight? This is my first experience w/ HUD , so I'm not sure how the Highlander's stacks up to the competition.

It's been fine for me, the only issue I've had with it is when I wear UV polarized sunglasses. It makes it hard to see then.

- The digital rearview mirror is sweet, works well at night too. Also love all the other cameras, but worried about how they will be affected in inclement weather. Speaking of inclement weather, how worried should I be about all the safety features that rely on sonar and cameras when it's raining/snowing? Is there a schematic that shows where every sensor is on the Highlander so I can clear them in bad weather?

No issues other than it sometimes fogs up, but weather doesn't seem to cause an issue with it. A lot of the sensors are in top of the windshield. The others in the bumper and behind the Toyota emblem haven't been effected by weather that I have noticed so far.

- Multimedia interface is OK, snappy but not that intuitive. While the screen is huge, I wish Apple CarPlay could be viewed fullscreen. Btw the navigation voice guidance via Google Maps on CarPlay is really loud and can't be adjusted w/ the car's volume control. It's still loud even when I change the volume settings in the app (on my iPhone) to "softer" - anyone know another way to adjust this setting? On the Explorer all I had to do was turn the volume knob down while in CarPlay...

I have this issue as well, haven't figured it out yet.

- The multimedia screen is VERY glossy, to the point where if the passenger is wearing lighter color clothing during the day, the reflection is pretty bad and I have difficulty reading the screen.

Keep a microfiber in the console, I wipe mine down when it gets bad.

- I wish the physical climate control buttons had indicator lights so you could tell if they're on or not without looking for it on the digital screen. There are 3 indicator lights for heated/ventilated seat buttons, but not 1 for main climate? I wish the opposite for the heated steering wheel, where it was digitally controlled instead of a physical button you press/depress (although I guess in winter I'd probably always leave it on). On a related note, I wish the top of the steering wheel was also heated as I like to drive like I'm a cool dad w/ one hand at noon.

Auto light should always be on if you are using it, that is how you can tell when its on.

- Is it just me or is built in navigation looking more and more dated on newer cars? Maybe car manufacturers have basically thrown in the towel since they know everyone will be using Google Maps... I wasn't expecting Audi-level graphics, but the Highlander's nav doesn't look much better than what I had in my 2008 cars.

I never use the built in one. Just use Google Maps through airplay.

- No power folding mirrors on a $50k vehicle?

Agreed.

- Do the interior lights automatically turn off if accidentally left on, or will they eventually kill the battery?

Yes they turn off after so many minutes.

 

I agreed most of your observation, like mirror is folding, it's really strange as they sit way out.


We have one major complain, I thought as I and my wife drove it has a little more space as looking at the Highlander. But we are coming from Sienna and before that “Suburban” XL Like design is one best looking CUV design along with 2021 Ford Explorer. It's not a box. I hate look all other competitions, just no reason to buy for 2 inches space. We are definitely knew the trunk a smaller and third row, but driver seat, like I’m 6, if I wear jeans, the material folds knee area just perfect enough so the knee is right against center console wall and creates pressure on knee (I’m not big just about <200 lbs) If another .5 inch will be just perfect, knee would not touch this spot. Yes I’m peaky and it might sounds stupid, but I do Uber part time (Fri and Sat) on this CUV, long sitting positions, mix driving hwy and city, it really gets noticed. I’m really happy with cruise control is just perfect, it’s one the best feature.
Also my view can be subjective as I’m driving most cases my Titan XD.

 

Welcome to Gen 4 Highlander ownership....... I love Ruby but she has quirks.

#MeToo, I agree with all the above.

The mirrors are a real wtf? in my book, and I do not want to rip into them yet to add the power retract feature as it is kind of still an iffy experiment, but it is offered on other new US Toyota models like the Venza and Sienna. I do not agree it is a cost of the vehicle thing, but size matters and the HL is big enough to need them. Lexus RX do so maybe it is a non compete thing. I will be extra unhappy if I ever one is broken because it what sticking out so far!

The car stops / starts running during two normal operations. One it stops if you started outside and opened a door, as noted above. Also, it will start, if it autostops and you put it in Park. Both these use cases seem to react wrong in my book.

None of these are show stoppers but are annoying!

We will see what "real" problems pop up as the cars age.

HAVE FUN!

 

One of the thing which is a mystery for me is how to switch off the A/C completely. Like nothing - completely switched off in Platinum AWD.

 

Turn fan OFF. At the bottom of the climate control screen make sure all the bottom selections are dark...It is OFF then....

 

you forgot stupid remote start activation from the key fob. But yes, even my wife's 2020 Sienna Limited (2019 build) has folding mirrors.

 

Hello all!

First post as a new Highlander owner (only had it for 1 week). I had previously been leasing for > 10 years, most recently coming from a 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum which I loved, but couldn't bring myself to commit to a Ford long-term. Prior to that I had a 2014 Lexus GS350, 2011 MB ML350, 2008 BMW 335xi and 2008 Infiniti G35x. They all had pros and cons, but I'd say my favorite (prior to this Highlander!) was the Explorer w/ 365hp, massaging front seats, and power (up and down) 3rd row split folding seats.

Initial thoughts on the Highlander:

- Generally looks good. I was determined to get it in Silver because I'm not in love w/ the chrome trim that extends out from the front emblem and wanted it to blend in as much as possible. It's a shame Toyota didn't center the emblem on the grill like on the XSE, I think it looks so much better! I was set on running boards as well (despite minimal functionality) just to beef up the looks. The rear fender bulge looks OK, in certain angles and lighting it does look huge though...

- It stinks Toyota still shuts the engine off when you open the door after remote start, the GS did the same thing. The remote start range is also terrible. The Explorer had incredible range for its remote start (apologies if it seems like I'm bashing the Highlander vs Explorer, I'd still choose the Highlander every time).

- HUD is nice, but the brightness doesn't seem to adjust to ambient light, so it ends up either too bright at night or too dim during the day. I also had one instance where the HUD was really dim during the day (around twilight), even with max brightness setting. It worked fine though on my next drive out, perhaps there is an ambient light sensor that was tricked because of twilight? This is my first experience w/ HUD , so I'm not sure how the Highlander's stacks up to the competition.

- The digital rearview mirror is sweet, works well at night too. Also love all the other cameras, but worried about how they will be affected in inclement weather. Speaking of inclement weather, how worried should I be about all the safety features that rely on sonar and cameras when it's raining/snowing? Is there a schematic that shows where every sensor is on the Highlander so I can clear them in bad weather?

- Multimedia interface is OK, snappy but not that intuitive. While the screen is huge, I wish Apple CarPlay could be viewed fullscreen. Btw the navigation voice guidance via Google Maps on CarPlay is really loud and can't be adjusted w/ the car's volume control. It's still loud even when I change the volume settings in the app (on my iPhone) to "softer" - anyone know another way to adjust this setting? On the Explorer all I had to do was turn the volume knob down while in CarPlay...

- The multimedia screen is VERY glossy, to the point where if the passenger is wearing lighter color clothing during the day, the reflection is pretty bad and I have difficulty reading the screen.

- I wish the physical climate control buttons had indicator lights so you could tell if they're on or not without looking for it on the digital screen. There are 3 indicator lights for heated/ventilated seat buttons, but not 1 for main climate? I wish the opposite for the heated steering wheel, where it was digitally controlled instead of a physical button you press/depress (although I guess in winter I'd probably always leave it on). On a related note, I wish the top of the steering wheel was also heated as I like to drive like I'm a cool dad w/ one hand at noon.

- Is it just me or is built in navigation looking more and more dated on newer cars? Maybe car manufacturers have basically thrown in the towel since they know everyone will be using Google Maps... I wasn't expecting Audi-level graphics, but the Highlander's nav doesn't look much better than what I had in my 2008 cars.

- You seriously can't lock the vehicle w/ the remote key fob while it's running, and need to use the physical key to lock/unlock?

- No power folding mirrors on a $50k vehicle?

- 3rd row is usable and I like that I can still access it w/ a convertible booster seat installed as the armrests and center cupholders make passing through between the seats difficult

- I expected more storage up front, but maybe it's a result of looking at the new Sienna too much...

- Do the interior lights automatically turn off if accidentally left on, or will they eventually kill the battery?

- The all weather floor liners are a great included option

- I haven't noticed any excess wind noise from driver side mirror

It may seem like a whole list of complaints about the Highlander, but in reality I like the Highlander a lot. There's a ton of tech and safety features (and a whole lot of beeping!) that will greatly assist the wifey when she's driving, and I'm expecting high reliability, which was the main reason I was looking only at Toyota/Lexus. It drives smoothly, although the transmission sometimes feels like it's still trying to figure out my driving style. I'm sure I'll get to love the vehicle even more as I learn more about all the features and how to adjust settings etc. Anyway, happy to join the Toyota community!

I bought this week .. Blizzard Peral with Galzed Caramel .. so far loving it/

 

I've had mine for a couple of weeks now and there are a few things I would add to the list. First, I don't mind that I can't have one app (e.g. maps) use the full screen...what I do mind is that I can't change which apps.....I don't need the A/C controls on the screen all the time. Why couldn't they have made it that I can have maps and audio and if one of the a/c buttons get's touched, then it changes to a/c.

Second, I wish that the Waze or Google Maps would show on the HUD like the truck's navigation does.

Third, If (a big IF) I do decide to pay for services, why can't Toyota create a discount bundle?

Fourth: I can't find what all the options do in the toyota app, is there a manual?

 

How to enable Blind Spot Monitor?

 

New Limited Hybrid in Silver/Black, 3 days Like it overall. Gas mileage only 29 mpg driving gently, hopefully it will improve. Only 1 USB plug in the whole car! Plenty of charge ports, but only 1 USB for data is poor. Tried a splitter and it didn't work. JBL stereo not that impressive. Would be nice to have storage in the back by the hatch on the sides like many other SUV's have fro small items. Wireless phone charger, is in the way since we don't use it with the phone plugged in for CarPlay and why no wireless CarPlay? Love the Silver, pretty quiet when not accelerating, not much wind or tire noise yet. Seats comfortable.

Edit: Sorry should have posted on Hybrid thread.

 

- The multimedia screen is VERY glossy, to the point where if the passenger is wearing lighter color clothing during the day, the reflection is pretty bad and I have difficulty reading the screen.

You can buy a screen protector which fixes this and also reduces finger prints greatly. Much like your phone. Highly recommended. We got the DayVue one. They make 2 options which is cool.

Toyota Car Navigation protected by NuShield

Toyota Car Navigation screen protectors made by NuShield

www.nushield.com

 

Thanks for the link, going to give that DayVue option a shot.

 

The lack of Android auto directional info on the HUD is a little disappointing. AA certainly does make this information available to the vehicle; Toyota has chosen to do nothing with it.
My '17 Accord has two independent displays: the second display will always mirror the Android Autos displays "next turn" instructions.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

The lack of Android auto directional info on the HUD is a little disappointing. AA certainly does make this information available to the vehicle; Toyota has chosen to do nothing with it.
My '17 Accord has two independent displays: the second display will always mirror the Android Autos displays "next turn" instructions.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

Yes, the info / infotainment system is woefully lacking features and likely never see an update....

While I want the Lexus version when it comes out, I doubt it will be any better.

This part of the car is sort of obsolete by the time it makes it to market.

The electronics cycle is much faster than the automotive cycle. This time disparpity seems to be getting worse.... Tesla, like computers, addresses this via their update system. Toyota and other makers could but they are happy with the the status quo. Until they feel it hurting sales enough, they may offer updates too. Their current method of having a tech do any updates is too expensive (old school.)

 

Platinum OEM mirrors Nav info in color from the 12" screen to the center of the 6" screen in the cluster, plus turn by turn can be activated on under settings to also appear in the HUD.

Phone connected by Bluetooth always stays in my pocket or in the inductive charger with no PITA cord and flash drive with dozens of audio albums and videos remains in the 1 USB port. So who needs AA anyway?

 

I prefer Google maps or Waze, as their traffic is more up to date than Toyota's. Furthermore, it's free, as opposed to toyota's which, as I understand it, we would need to pay to get traffic info once the trial ends.

 

Hi All,
I a new to the forum, Question, just purchased a 2021 Highlander platinum, and I am only getting 21MPG on the HWY, and I am driving in ECO mode 70-75MPH. Will the car return better millage as it gets older?

 

Hi All,
I a new to the forum, Question, just purchased a 2021 Highlander platinum, and I am only getting 21MPG on the HWY, and I am driving in ECO mode 70-75MPH. Will the car return better millage as it gets older?

I was finding I was getting not great gas mileage in ECO mode 11.5L/100km (20mpg) Not sure why. I now always drive in Normal mode and I get 10.2L/100km (23mpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk