Toyota Highlander AWD Off-Road test in SAND! | Keep your momentum!!

With the Toyota Highlander, Toyota combined the space and versatility of an SUV with the ride comfort and handling of a premium sedan! Inside, the Highlander cabin is designed to make every road trip a pleasant adventure, with room for seven or eight adults (depending on model and trim level). Conventionally-powered models are built around a 295 peak horsepower 3.5L V6 engine featuring dual variable valve timing with intelligence and other technologies to maximize power and efficiency. Every Highlander is equipped with many standard safety systems, headlined by Toyota Safety Sense P. There is even a Toyota Highlander Hybrid if you want to save a lot of fuel! The Highlander is a synonym of good value and long-term durability!
So check out our video review of the 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited!
Car Question Ranking Chart:
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Competition in three-row crossovers:
GMC Acadia | Chevrolet Traverse | Jeep Grand Cherokee | Toyota Highlander | Honda Pilot | Hyundai Santa Fe | Kia Sorento
Toyota Highlander Playlist:
goo.gl/kEiUTu
1st Part: 2018 Toyota Highlander review
• 2018 Toyota Highlander...
2nd Part: Acceleration test | 0-60mph / 0-100kmh
• 2018 Toyota Highlander...
3rd Part: Toyota Highlander AWD Diagonal test
• Toyota Highlander AWD ...
4th Part: Toyota Highlander AWD Sand off-road test
• Toyota Highlander AWD ...
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[@classicgames9947]

It did great!!! Some people expect these type of vehicles to rock climb steep hills and mud bog and do the Baja 1000. Its a great family SUV!!

[@jeffladd1146]

Totally agree. Technically a crossover though 🤙🏼

[@PatrickRich]

This is a perfect example of why "lock" doesn't mean locked. it just means the full clutch pressure is applied to the PTU clutches which have limits that are less than what being "locked" would actually imply. Toyota used to have actual center diffs that would actually lock, but never in the Highlander.

[@seasicks2243]

The lock wont engaged with the traction on

[@jeffladd1146]

Actually not terrible for a crossover. True test of off-road capabilities comes down to what happens without momentum. With another couple inches of ground clearance and slightly larger tires it would improve quite a bit. I live in a coastal town where we drive on our beach. The sand gets very soft and without proper ground clearance you can get bogged down fast. That’s why I’ll only take our lifted 2021 Sequoia out there, not the 2022 Highlander!

[@johnmadsen37]

I took mine to the Hollister ORV Park. It does great. Don’t do it though, low front and back parts hit stuff.

[@josiahbjertness1083]

Turn traction control off

[@ناشدالعلم]

Thanks .. But I think it is better to explain the tire pressure and tire type (rough or smooth?)

[@brazeagle]

I believe this video has answered my question...NO HIGHLANDER for me as I go surfing and need a 4x4. I will try the 4Runner Limited as I think the TRD PRO is an overkill for sand driving only. Any expert opinions? THANKS FOR THE VIDEO.

[@renzodelacruz7281]

It did pretty good in this video!

[@CarQuestion]

yep! just the diagonal test that was not great.

[@jrproductions9191]

Car Question true

[@yahilamillion1565]

it seems to be not AWD at time 3;35 , the front tires are move so fast while the back tires not move , so all tires should move if its AWD. Please clarify.

[@importbeater24]

When mom gets the urge to wheel on her way to hot yoga.

[@cosync]

this would have done significantly better with les air in the tyres. it doesnt look like the tyres are down at all.

[@cosync]

in fact it looks like theyve overinflated the tyres to make it look worse to prove a point or something

[@faustinagorman2234]

Will I be facing problems in driving this vehicle

[@duathlete827]

Disappointing to not see all wheels turning when it got bogged down. Fronts were spinning and rear didn't kick in. Even when attempting to go slowly uphill the rears just weren't helping.

[@andrewt5421]

Not surprised it got stuck here a few times after seeing your other video. Any chance in testing the atlas soon?

[@dmarkj22]

How much does weight have to do with a car's ability to operate in the sand? Highlanders weigh a lot.

[@tricklude]

I understand the Traction Mode as either on or off, but what is "Lock"? Does the Highlander AWD have a specific "lock" mode, similar to a dIff lock on a 4x4? thanks!

[@weekendinwa.]

Ha ha, I watched that video before we bought our Toyota Kluger/Highlander AWD.

[@xaoc25]

Awesome channel, nice.

[@flight2k5]

Why does he keep letting off the gas?

[@rodriguez3939]

Traction control

[@flight2k5]

@@rodriguez3939 that makes sense

[@CarQuestion]

Like WE would lift the gas... it's called TCS.

[@DJ-zl4fy]

Subaru Ascent will take care it.

[@chinoandinorivera6113]

CHANGE THE TIRES!

[@cheetahobx]

Still looking for the beach sand......

[@CarQuestion]

what exactly do you want to know?

[@issasafar1107]

Thats not a beach sand. Take to the beach it will be stuck in 2mins

[@alphawolfadventures1470]

I’ve seen them on the beach. Where big dodge rams are getting stuck. A lot is the driver

[@GibblersNoob]

This is sad. Please do a side by side with the Ascent so we can laugh

[@RTI_MD]

So the Pilot is a true offroader compared to this ). This has to be worse than a CRV...

[@rob-sam5]

First!.

[@jrproductions9191]

congrats bud !

[@timberlinecline3667]

A Ford explorer would do better

[@kartboarder22g17]

Sadly probably.

[@user-oq3lv6lv7x]

cline jansen but the highlander is an on road vehicle? you want to go off-road get a sequoia , tacoma, tundra or the 4runner

[@debendragurung3033]

Yes that's correct. Highlander is just a crossover and not a offroad SUV built for fuel efficiency of a sedan. Its just a 8 seater RAV 4. Sequoia, LandCruiser and 4-Runner are Toyota's large 8 seater off-road SUV that comes with craw control as standard and all those ooffroads gadgets in cockpit . The disadvantage is you sacrifice Fuel efficiency.

[@kartboarder22g17]

But what is a Ford Explorer? Pilot and other crossovers perform better in the same platform. This vehicle would suck going up my snow covered driveway after a long day at the office. While the pilot would drive me right up into the garage, so for me I'd choose that.

[@user-oq3lv6lv7x]

Kartboarder22G you sure about that? why don’t you test it bud, this highlander will last longer then any suv you just named

[@bsfunk44]

These tests are fucking pointless....my wife is never going to be running sand dunes with her Highlander...maybe you could show how many cars it can jump in a monster jam style competition while you're at it since she'll never do that either.

[@Crap783851]

AWD wanabe, just a little better that a FWD Camry without the ground clearance. Cheaper AWD SUV's can handle this better

[@evz1244]

This isn't an offroad vehicle tho...

[@weijinji1616]

I have this car and I like it. I don’t go off-road. But this video about the tests are so dumb. It’s not even like how we driving while we sets in this situation. Also you guys don’t has this car. So you don’t have any right to talk about this car. Dumbs

[@_rameez]

Tire pressure - 15 psi Traction control - Off Best combination for desert or beach

[@zero2sixty244]

Toyota and Lexus’ shitty AWD systems rely EXTREMELY heavily on traction control

[@zero2sixty244]

@DavidRC I Said it relies heavy on traction control. The lock doesn’t do anything, especially with it off lol

[@anonymousnoname7457]

@@zero2sixty244 I drove Kluger on beach the other day. worked way better w no traction control

[@mariuszharasim9156]

Try to do that in Utah desert, where sand is quite different.Good luck with that

[@phillippardo5712]

@@zero2sixty244 so you're saying I should keep traction and VSC on when I'm in loose sand at the beach in my 2011 Toyota Highlander AWD?

[@TriGuy1978]

was tire pressure decreased for these tests? and if so, to what psi/ bar?

[@timmytootall1]

Go for 20psi

[@Freedomtooffroad]

@@timmytootall1 you crazy 20 psi and lower

[@Sirgromulus]

While the dry traction and steep/diagonal angle tests are interesting, I would be most interested in how these AWD crossovers perform and compare in winter conditions. This is the reason many people buy them in the first place. Of course tires play the biggest part so it would have to be an apples-to-apples comparison e (comparable all seasons or comparable winter tires).

[@sadekhussain6949]

Many people interested to buy it oversease if it has lowrange 4w drive

[@CarQuestion]

We tried many time to do a faceoff but we can't afford for now to do it. Price got high quickly to get to a point of a fair and uniform test. From machines to make the ice perfect on each pass to buying identical tires for all... $$$

[@Noypi54494]

2013 Highlander Hybrid Limited on Yokohama Iceguards with more than 130K miles has been through some crazy Upper Midwest wintry conditions that put many semis toppled into the ditch. Even with all seasons and 5/32's trad depth I could accelerate in deep slush/snow. But cornering and stopping were poor so you must factor that into your driving skill sets. When stuck in deep snow simply turn off traction control to rock the highlander back and forth and get back on track. I haven't been stuck or lost control of the highlander in the worst winter conditions.

[@DHEvans]

For what the Highlander AWD system is, I am relatively surprised at how well it performs. It does appear to be in the hands of an experienced driver who understands the value of momentum. Whether it be in sand, mud or snow, its very important however, no beach patrol will allow AWD vehicles on the beach, including Subaru's. No matter which vehicle we discuss, I think it comes down to the drivers skill and experience and I like what Toyota are doing with their MTS ( multi-terrain select ) in RAV4 because its a system that varies the amount of wheel spin permitted so the driver can modulate the throttle land prevent the vehicle from getting stuck.

[@richardmcree6992]

A driver that knew what he was doing would have never gotten stuck. Power and momentum would have solved all of his problems. I'd love to see how it does on muddy trails!

[@no-lodesigns]

Great view of the highlanders awd. Sand really puts it to the test!

[@matthewramirez4670]

Will you do the 2019 pilot in this test i want to see how the SH-AWD do in this situation?

[@kartboarder22g17]

He should, love to see that.

[@patriottexan]

TFL truck has done the test. The SH-AWD overheated.

[@shiboi941]

what about the "trac." off, and "snow" on performance in the sand? my family's 4wd Highlander doesn't have diff lock. only traction, snow, and downhill assist buttons

[@phillippardo5712]

How did yours do?

[@sadekhussain6949]

High lander will be more breafer able if they add a Lowe renge 4w drive down it will be good for off road

[@evz1244]

that's what the 4runner is for

[@rikwilliams388]

@@evz1244 Naah that's what the Landcruiser is for ;)

[@magellanmax]

@@evz1244 I'm just surprised you understood what he was saying.🤔

[@bogart5131]

I noticed that the front wheel is the only one spinning, i thaught its AWD? rear wheel dosnt spin

[@melrose9252]

Highlanders are great cars. I pull a 22 foot Suntracker with mine with no problems.

[@MS-tc1nc]

Is this guy even aired down? Those tires seem full!

[@fernandocortes6143]

100% throttle??? Didn’t hear it hit red line.

[@dlpereira]

Traction Control was managing the Throttle.

[@guciogucio758]

Ile kosztuje nowa z salonu w Ameryce?

[@Epluribusunom6166]

No snow mode?

[@chuggalugg182]

snow mode is the ECT mode I think

[@JustinLaNoue]

The fake exhaust tips make me irrationally upset at this vehicle and the Acura MDX also.

[@Josh-179]

These aren't trying to be exhaust tips. It's just trim around the rear reflecter. VW on the other hand actually is putting fake exhaust outlets on their cars now.

[@JustinLaNoue]

- JPL - I disagree, there’s no reason to put trim on rear reflectors like that other than to mimic exhaust ports in those locations.

[@user-oq3lv6lv7x]

Justin LaNoue it’s not a fake exhaust tip, it’s to break up the colors back there.

[@Josh-179]

@@JustinLaNoue , if they were trying to make them look like exhaust tips, there wouldn't be a big red reflector in them but rather an open hole like VW. Automakers are putting chrome trim everywhere for a supposedly more upscale look.

[@HaiLe-io5uh]

It would be great if you ever get the opportunity to put the Subaru Ascent through a few of your off-road tests. Thanks in advance if you do.

[@CarQuestion]

will do, around November.

[@HaiLe-io5uh]

@@CarQuestion you just got me excited. You just got yourself another subscriber. Lol

[@coolsquad7428]

Is it a hybrid

[@aky19832001]

When will you do the 4runner kimmited?-My parents have this. Its no where near as good as my 4runner limmited.

[@wrewstervideo]

If you think I am going to put my $45K Highlander in a ton of sand like this you are out of your mind! Once you get sand into the components you can't easily get it out. This video is a moot point. Test it in the real world conditions like ice and snowy roads and wet pavement. This is the most mine will ever see, other than an occasional fire road.

[@CarQuestion]

That's why we test them for you! For the ice and snowy roads, it's only from December to March, other than that we have sand! :) a+

[@johnmadsen37]

Forever Metal agreed. We never see real world tests like when I drive drunk through a graveyard.

[@BriansRCStuff]

lots of people take their SUVs on the beach. Buy a minivan if you don't need AWD....

[@uzairh2768]

I put my lx570 on beach dunes / and yea after a car wash it’s all gone

[@dymattkim]

Jeep is better perform those :) Love it

[@4606james]

My 2017 Highlander got stuck in 10-12 inches of snow drift on the side of the road while the left side wheels were still on pavement. Put in 4 WD and nothing. Tires would not even spin. Got out after shoveling snow from under wheels.

[@GUMMYBEAYUH]

There's always a factor of ground clearance and the type of snow involved, and no matter how capable a vehicle is physics simply cannot be overcome when you're pushing against heavy enough snow at a great enough depth.

[@chad1755]

I bet you didn't have winter tires!

[@ankurs9086]

After watching the roller test of the Highlanders, I can believe that you got stuck.

[@fa300ry]

Why are we bothering with this Toyota garbage ? This vehicle just like 90% of the AWD/4WD (whatever nonsense name manufacturers chose) are a total waste . If it's not a Subaru (in this category) then it's garbage . We'll talk when we get into the true 4x4 vehicles . These tests are a true eye openers to see how useless these vehicles are in the simplest of situations. Thanks Matt. Keep exposing the nonsense of the car companies.

[@jonathans4503]

Gotta be honest though, it didn't do bad at all with traction off.

[@fa300ry]

Jonathan S , true , but at the end of the day it doesn't deliver what it's supposed to. That's why I'm getting rid of my RAV for a Subaru .

[@fa300ry]

Dave Smith , please note the lack of FRICTION with the tires not the lack of TRACTION POWER . You can have a 10WD vehicle that would not be able to go up that hill if there's not enough friction with the surface . Simple physics.

[@audiwankenobi361]

PAUL BREITNER as soon as you classified it as "garbage" I stopped reading....you better go back to watching flower videos.

[@mtt3870]

It did well for what it is, a Range Rover would not have done much better in this scenario, sand and with a gradient, the Highlander did better than i would have anticipated. I just LOVE when people are like "I hate Toyota, they are garbage blah blah blah...but Subaru!! that's the best!!! " apparently such people ignore that Toyota has a more than moderate stakes a Fuji Heavy Industries... and both Subaru vehicles and Toyota vehicles share components. Yes... the AWD system they use in Subarus apparently has some advantages... but that does not make Toyota garbage... actually over all Toyota quality is far superior than a lot other cars... and the only thing the Highlander has not been able to do is the diagonal course, other than that in snow, sand and mud is performs quite acceptable.