Are you looking at hybrid or not? With my hybrid it's hardly noticeable because I'm usually on electric from a stop unless I stomp on it. It's a safe bet your next car is going to have it so I wouldn't lose too much sleep over it. Will it take some getting used to? Sure.

 

It's not a hybrid. It's gas only FWD.

 

Lots of discussion about that topic, especially back in 2020. I don't think anyone out there is jumping up and down and excited about it being a good thing. You either live with it or you hate it. Personally, I'm in the latter camp. I think it's totally crazy to shut the engine off in the middle of traffic. I know the hybrids do this a lot, but on the gas models, the engine is the only source of power. At least with a hybrid, you could use battery power to crawl out of the way while you deal with a problem. Then there's all the wear and tear on the battery and starter. If you pop the hood you'll notice that the battery is much larger than you're probably used to; they have to use what they call an Enhanced Flooded Battery to manage all that charging and discharging.

The automakers put it on because they earn an emissions credit from the USEPA that plays into their overall MPG rating. They admit that it doesn't really save any gas, but shutting off the engine does reduce emissions. So there's a button you can press to turn off the auto stop/start, but you have to press it every time you start the car. The car will not save your preference and turn it off permanently because of this EPA consideration. I have gotten in the habit of pressing the button all the time, but there are links around here to mods you can install to press the button for you each time you get in and start the car.

If you don't press the brake pedal real hard, you may find that the car doesn't activate the auto stop/start. The car has to try to judge whether or not you're at a full stop or creeping though bumper-to-bumper traffic. A lighter press of the pedal will prevent it from activating.

 

Great explanation...thanks.

 

Your can install a 3rd party device that automatically disables the auto stop/start feature so you don't have to remember to push the button each time. I installed it in mine, easy to install and is seamless.

Disable Toyota Automatic Stop Start Permanently Highlander 20, 21, 22 Model HL4 | eBay

This Will ONLY Fit Years 2020, 2021, 2022 Highlander (4th Generation) Models with Stop/Start. This is a custom design just for Toyota Stop/Start Systems. Stop Start "S/S" is a newer "feature" that Toyota has put on Highlanders and other models.

www.ebay.com

 

I ordered one of these as well and are waiting for it to arrive. I absolutely hate this "feature"

 

Thanks for the info about the disable device. If I just wanted to disable the stop/start every time I enter and start the vehicle, is the stop/start disable button right on the dash or do I have to go into a menu.

 

it is on the center console on the 2020 models, should be same for 2021 and 2022

 

It's on the center console

 

It's on the center console


View attachment 365187

Thank you very much.

 

... 2019 Showroom condition Sequoia with 6200 miles ... The dealer is willing to give me $3800 in trade.

In today's used car market, I sure hope that number is a typo! It's worth more than that. Cheers!

 

Their Highlander Platinum lists at $50,600. They have a $3000 mark-up on it...as do all the dealers in my area. I'm fine with the mark-up because all used are marked up in today's economy as well. I have no idea what my Sequoia would be worth if the economy wasn't like it is now...maybe $50,000....or less. I save in not paying taxes which is approx $3400 because of trading it in. They are giving me a check for $3800. So if you look at everything...it's like I'm getting $60,800 for my 2019 Sequoia.

 

I recently installed one on my Subaru as I, too, dislike the feature.
You will not regret it.

 

Thanks for all the replies everyone.

 

I made the devices everyone is talking about above with help from the members here.
Let me know if you have any questions
~Steve~

 

Thank you very much.

 

Yeah, great explanation by toto and picture by kurtn. I had a 2017 XLE with the disable button on the left end of the dash - a real PITA to disable (BTW, real close to the rear hatch lift button). Now my 2020 Platinum has the disable button on the console. Toyota must have listened to the complaints! I now have the position memorized and disable the S/S by habit.

 

What is the real world difference in mpg having the auto S&S disabled? I recall claiming a 15% increase in mpg but sounds like this is way overstated.

 

I think I read somewhere that there was a 1 mpg increase while using it. Sounds like something the auto manufactures had to come up with just to satisfy the EPA!

 

I would challenge any manufacturer to prove that switch made a difference. It would completely depend on what type of driving you do, whether you live in a rural area or an urban area, etc. But even more importantly, think of the wear and tear it puts on our engine and starter. I think the long term negative affects far outweigh the the benefit, if there is any. I do plan to get one of those disabler kits. Great idea.

 

There are some issues with the Highlander. Digital speedometer and the dial speedometer don't match. Also PCS doesn't work as advertised. Start stop is very smooth I barely notice that. It's actually better than the Mercedes Benz. That is one thing I noticed Toyota did well.

 

I'm sorry...I looked to find out what PCS is but can't find it. What is PCS?

 

@Joe_Seattle
Totally depends on your driving. Maybe in a ton of stop and go you could see some difference but not enough to warrant the wear and tear on the starter, in my opinion.

 

I have none of issues cited by cajung with my 2020 Limited Highlander. And I completely disagree with respect to the start stop. It is extremely annoying.

 

PCS = Pre-Collision System

 

Thank you Toto

 

 

I AM NEW WITH TOYOTA, I GOT A 2019 RAV4 PREM (GAS), MY PCS ONLY WORKS WITH THE CRUSE CONTROL ON ONCE YOU HIT THE BRAKES IT SHUT OFF. YOU WOULD THINK IT WOULD WORK ALL THE TIME YOU ARE DRIVING.

 

Got my module from funman1 today. Took no time to install and works perfectly!

 

PCS doesn't require the cruise to be active. When the car slows down while using the cruise because the car in front of you slows down, that's not PCS. PCS is emergency, sudden braking.

 

Does anyone know if that is testable?

 

Another hater here! I use the button each time I start the car to shut it off, sometimes I forget. Thinking of getting the mod but haven't pulled the trigger. Love the car otherwise and glad I bought it.

 

Check the Owners Manual for a complete list of situations where the car will not stop the engine. (There are many!) Making the cabin comfortable is one of them, so it may be trying to keep you warmer. I doubt it's a malfunction due to cold weather.

You can also check your info display at the time. If S/S turned off the engine, you'll see a timer that shows how long the engine has been off you can feel good about all the emissions you're saving. Otherwise, you'll see a message about why it's not shutting off the engine, such as "Climate Control" (like I just mentioned), or "Depress brake pedal harder".