Can Toyota Highlander Go Off Road? (Let’s Find Out)

Going off-road can be difficult for some vehicles. Operating cars in natural terrains (snow, mud, sand, etc.) can make controlling steering difficult.

Offroad driving can be challenging. So people who own Toyota hybrid, Runner, Tacoma, or Highlander wonder if they can use it for offroad trips? 

So, let’s discuss Highlander if it can go offroad or not.

Yes! Toyota Highlander can go off-road. Going off-road is not a difficult task for the Toyota highlander due to its all-wheel-drive technique. In addition, the additional ground clearance feature it possesses helps avoid getting scratched underneath and drives smoothly.

Can Highlander Go Off-road?

A highlander can suffice smoothly on offroad tracks consisting of bumpy and rough land.

The Toyota Highlander has a ground clearance, also called a ride height, meaning the distance between the rough way and underside of your vehicle.

The Toyota Highlander has an 8 inches ground height.

This enhanced feature helps prevent coming into contact with sites and obstacles when navigating rough roads allowing for a steady ride. 

Its AWD system makes going offroad easier and offers appropriate traction in snow, giving you the best supervision since it has various operating modes.

Unlike front-wheel drives, a Toyota highlander has an AWD that best in off-road conditions.

Additionally, the Toyota Highlander hybrid offers an efficient fuel economy mpg and is a great choice.

A highlander has a speed automatic transmission with safety switches that helps to reduce engine damage in case of overspeeding.

It also helps to control speed to suit any level you wish.

The speed automatic transmission is a better choice for off-roading in your Toyota highlander, as it provides smooth gear changes; so you do not lose momentum and risk your safety.

Some factors to consider when off-roading include:

• It is vital to know how traction functions in off-road as it affects the direction of the Tires.
  
• Check the weight of loads you carry because it is dangerous to be overweight.
  
  It puts more stress on the auto and affects performance.
  
• Understand the ride height of your auto to avoid scraping any obstacle against your vehicle.
  
• Use low-gear in ample situations involving reduced traction.
  
• It is necessary to lower tire pressure to ride better and minimize the risks of harm to a auto.
  
  Low tire pressure contributes to a favorable fuel economy mpg since they use less energy.

Can a Highlander Drive on Sand?

The Toyota Highlander offers various operating modes such as sand, mud, and more using a multi-terrain select feature.

A multi-terrain select technique in a Highlander helps it adapt to various conditions and enhances drivability.

You can use this car in mud, dirt, and even snow as long as they use the necessary mode.

When you activate the terrain feature, it discerns slippage or roughness and regulates wheels accordingly. 

This feature helps to enhance excellent operating performance on various surfaces, either off-road or highway.

The sport, eco, and normal modes you can find in the Toyota Highlander hybrid amplify fuel economy, performance, and better acceleration. 

There is no reason to worry about dealing with various situations because your Toyota highlander has a system to do that for you.

The terrain select option does not work on front wheels. Fortunately, your Toyota highlander is an AWD auto.

All you have to do is select the mode suitable for the road condition, and the system will oversee the circle spin. 

In operating on the sand with your Toyota, you should consider tire types as tires differ with each road condition.

It is best to go for sand times as they have extensive grooves, expanded profiles, and higher sidewalls to offer a firmer grip on loose terrains.

Tires with utmost treads and moderately low air pressure are the best because they provide sufficient grip.

You should activate the sand mode in your system utilizing the knob close to the change gear.

The selected mode button will illuminate your dashboard after that.

Can You Put a Lift Kit on a Toyota Highlander?

Yes, it is possible to add a lift kit to your Highlander to improve ground clearance for off-road driving.

A lift kit is an adaptation to help increase a vehicle’s ride height for off-roading.

Lift kits include parts required to lift a precise model of cars, such as the Toyota Highlander hybrid, and it comes with directions.

You can have your dealer install a Toyota lift. 

The Toyota lift kit does not just increase height but angles and approach.

The two-inch diameter shocks in the kit increase driving feat in natural terrains, and it is necessary to add oil to spread heat.

It is better to install the kits from a professional Toyota dealer because improper installation can damage the car.

Some advantages of lift kits are:

• It ensures your car’s protection by adding an extra two to ten inches of height to your vehicle, keeping them away from rough surfaces.
  
• It provides you with a smooth ride.
  
• Lift kits offer better visibility which helps you notice dangers quickly and avoid them. 
  
• Having your Toyota Highlander lifted makes it easier to inspect under your cars as you have sufficient access.
  
• It makes towing easy.

Is the Highlander 4WD?

Toyota offers a 4WD driving feature in a highlander, and you can activate it by hitting the 4WD switch on the gear change.

A Toyota highlander limited has a 4×4 feature.

A 4WD feature enables all four wheels to turn under force simultaneously, giving you additional supervision on rough roads.

A four-wheel drive or 4×4 is prevalent among vehicles used for off-road driving, such as the Highlander.

Force moves from the speed transmission to the transfer case and divides equally between the front and back wheels. 

Power rear wheel drives are typical in high-performance cars for efficient performance, with power going to the rear wheels to conserve weight.

But a Highlander uses an AWD or four-wheel drive for healthier operation.

Still, some trucks use power rear wheels to make driving easier.

What Problems Do Highlanders Have?

Some problems highlanders have include:

• It has cramped space in the third-row seating section and does not provide adequate room for comfort. 
  
• Most customers complain about engine failures, and while a repair can fix it, others need a complete replacement.
  
• Another highlander problem is a dysfunctional airbag sensor and the clock spring with a loose cable vulnerable to damage which affects the airbag’s deployment.
  
• A Toyota highlander suffers ruptures in the oil line.
  
• Highlander drivers complain of a whistling sound from the passenger region when driving at high speed.
  
• The fuel injector makes a ticking noise.
  
• Customers complain of a terrible smell from the air conditioning system.
  
• A void map screen in the navigation system
  
• The driver’s side window is not well lubricated to prevent overheating.

The Toyota Highlander has experienced many problems, with some cases likely to vehicles.

However, Toyota has tried its best to fix nearly all the matters with each new release. So it is either for free or through instructions on what to do.

Are Toyota Highlanders good for off-road?

Conclusion

The Toyota Highlander is one of the most beautiful models of Toyota, produced with an off-road feature.

You can use this car on rough roads such as sand, mud, or snow and have a smooth ride.

Its ground clearance enables your car to stay protected from obstacles along your path. In addition, with all loads necessary for your off-road trip, it has a 16.1 cubic feet cargo space.

All these features and more makes a Toyota Highlander resist likely damage.