Quick Review | 2017 Toyota Highlander | Ambivalence 

Can u just give Toyota a round of applause for giving us NA V6 and 8 speed....none turbo and cvt transmission is always a winner in my book

These things hold value like gold. They just don't break down. Chain driven engine = reliable and low maintenance. 5K tow capacity. Press the lift gate button on the remote as you are walking up...it'll be open by the time you get there. 3rd row in virtually all cars is typically for emergency purposes only. Not for long road trips. Not for picking up 7 people from the airport. Consumer reports 2nd and 3rd best Midsized Suv for 2019. Hybrid 2nd, XLE 3rd.. Only beat out in 2019 by the Subaru Ascent. For 2015-2018 it was number 1 mid-sized SUV.. Mini-van isn't going to tow 5000 lbs.

Actually this is a very good looking SUV. Love the rims. Honestly to call this a appliance isn't fair. It's just damn good at what's it's made to do. Every car in this category want to be this car their all people movers

Ladies and gentlemen, until you see it and test it in person, this vehicle is by all means a true Masterpiece!

Going to pick one of these up with only 32k miles on it. If the biggest complaint is that the tailgate is too slow, then I'm in for a great experience

Best real life demo of a liftgate ever

I bought it in 2016 December and have been owning it for 4 years. Has about 80k miles on it and it still runs great and I believe it was a wise decision I made to go with this SUV. I agree with him on tail gate delay but it never has been a bothering thing. Have driven it across north east and into Canada and it is so comfortable. Still pretty happy and do not have plans to sell it anytime soon.

Your reviews are outstanding, Just jumped from a 2016 highlander limited to a 2017 Highlander limited (Canadian), I have absolutely no regrets, having received it yesterday here are my comments. To be clear I rate this newer edition 9.5/10 if not more. The 2016 would be a 9/10 (to be fair i've driven less then 200 KM so far so its fresh out of the "box" comments The things I like less: The Transmission seems hesitant in low gears, especially when your accelerating after slowing down, it does not appear to be as refined. I find that the Navi screen is dimmer and I have to remove my polarized sunglasses when backing up where It was clear on the 2016. Brightness at max everywhere I could tweak it. Lane keep assist even at optimal setting is somewhat effective, adaptive cruise disconnects at 40 KPH so warning to anyone if you rely on that, you'll learn that one quick anyway. The things I like the most: Without knowing if they jigged the suspension this edition sounds quieter, smoother and tiny bit closer Lexus like ride. The technology for 360 Camera, the detail such as highlander logo displaying on the ground at night is sweet and elegant (logo). Finally modified the cup holder separator for smaller coffee cup, If you own a 2016 or 14-15, I'd order one from Toyota now. I dont mind the engine stop, my understanding is that if you don't press fully on the brake then engine keeps running therefore you don't have to bother with the button to disable. Steering appears smoother with less feedback(good or bad thing) again compared to the 2016. Removal of the physical Blind spot monitoring button is great news, If you rely on this there is no warning that its disabled, beside a heated steering wheel button you easily deactivate it (its thru the console setting now). The new fascia is a significant improvement on the overall look of the vehicule. Overall extremely impressed and satisfied, love the Ooh La La red Mica colour and the technological changes they brought in. If you still have the Highlander try the "power on" (forget the setting name its written in a rectangle green box within the setup) in the setting, based on the red collar appearing in the console screen I believe its the "sport" mode and might help with the take off.

As far as appliances goes...This Toyota Highlander is a no-fuss daily driver that does everything just fine. A good record of being reliable and while not exciting to drive, it delivers the goods for what it is. Compared to it's competition it's drive and ride is on par at a more than reasonable price.

You slammed your head at 4:42!!! Don't think we didn't notice. Anyways solid review

3.5 v6 slow? imagine how sad people with 2.7 feel

That is an honest driver experience review right there. No sugar coated, tell what his heart meant to say. I hate it when a review has nothing bad to say about the car they review and always give a rave review in just about every categories.

Great review. Regarding the conclusion, we bought one of these AND a minivan. Ultimate for above average size families.

I bought a 2017 Highlander in July 2017. I'm coming up on 3 years of ownership and 50K miles and I absolutely love this car. I think it's the best looking mid size crossover SUV and I would still rather have my Highlander than any other similar SUV.

I must be a dinosaur. I actually like soft, comfortable, reliable vehicles. The lift-gate on this is slow as cold molasses, but otherwise, it's a great car. If you want a 911 for screaming around corners and straight out acceleration, then by all means, go buy one. This isn't that car, and reviewing it with a clear longing for it to be something else... a track queen which the driver has to fight to restrain the inner racing demon is a major disservice.

.... I was Uber-ing around on vacation recently and was always picked up in a Highlander. I actually started thinking why you didn't review them and was going to leave a comment "requesting" it. But as soon as I got back, this masterpiece is waiting in my sub box... reading my mind somehow! Beautiful review

I have seen many reviews, but this is absolutely great.

Elegant SUV with smooth ride quality.

LMAO that running around the car. Won't see that anywhere else.

Got one and it is awesome

We are glade we got the 2016 Highlander XLE we don't like the new front end at all. We got it the end of August 2016 & have almost 18,000 miles & no problems. I did shop around for price & got a very good price the way we wanted & color we wanted all in just under 2 hours .

Had one as a rental for a week. Excellent car.

Your car reviews are the best anywhere, print or video.! Love the channel! My wife has a 2017 we have had it for a year. Its the 4 cyl fwd. Bought it because was a super cheap lease. She loves it. But 2 things i notice are: 1) They got the suspension tuning all wrong on the 4cl fwd. waaaaayyyy too stiff. They must have put the same or similar shocks and springs from the 6cyl awd in the 4 cyl 2wd. As it rides super stiff, it handles excellent for a suv, with very little body roll. The other thing is that this car has a really high cowl and a low roof. If you set the seat at a height that lets you feel normal looking out compared to other cars, you really really have to duck your head getting in or you will bang your head on the top of the door opening. Its a safety thing I know on new cars, to have the strongest body and so short glass, but it is really pronounced in this car. Having said that she loves it and we will probably buy it or get another at lease end if the deal is similar..

The SE trim is my favorite. The black accents really do this car justice.

i dont think it can be overstated how refreshing it is to see a manufacturer have the restraint to not put stupid shiny fake chrome all over the cabin, and build a car where they considered the usability instead of letting the designers just jizz all over the dashboard with stupid shit thats going to be unbelievably annoying 5 years down the road, it reminds me of 90s honda and 90s toyota, thats really good to see

Great review. I appreciate your ambivalent candour. Took one for a test drive, liked it and ordered one.

I don’t think he likes it. Personally, I love it. It does what I want when I want. My only complaint? The second row seats don’t lie flat.

I love my 18 highlander! The v6 is pretty snappy but I'm not impressed with the 3rd row at all lol

another unbiased and honest vid. agree about the idiotic electronic liftgates. hope my future car after 5-10 years, when I'll be done with my current car, will have the normal shut it up and go type of deal. the engine does sound good.

It'd be awesome if you could get your hands on a Land Cruiser, hopefully you can get something funneled through the pipe line.

The liftgate is not really an issue. This looks just like my moms Venza lift gate, and in her car you can manually open and close the lift gate instead of waiting for that slow mechanism. I prefer to open it manually and I appreciate that option. In my ML350, you can't operate it manually - you have to use the slow electronic pump and it's known to fail after so many years. So I appreciate Toyotas approach to the lift gate.

Highlander the best SUV I've ever had

3:30 , you can do more than 2 rounds with the front doors closed!!!

Good review, we bought one and LOVE IT!

I don’t need nothing too much to be done about it its fine luv my highlander reliability and resale values is what I luv 👍🏾

That was the most dramatic lift I’ve ever seen in my life!

I own one and this review is spot on. The lift gate is a joke its so dam slow. At least the glass opens separately if you just need to grab something small out. The driving experience is forgettable. Its numb to everything. But that's what its about. Its a comfy hauler. It does everything very well. the best all a round vehicle I have owned.

Thank God they didn’t downsize the engine and slap a turbo on it. Eco-boost or whatever else you want to call it equals fairly long term disastrous reliability. The overdone eco-boost complexity doesn’t get you the gas mileage of this V6. . An update; our 2018 Toyota highlander has had nothing but tire rotations oil changes and a cabin air filter change. Mechanically, knock on wood, has been absolutely flawless! Something I can’t say for Ford and General Motors products I have purchased in the past. Generally you buy one of those vehicles and it spends the first month or two at the dealer getting all the bugs out! And that used to be acceptable, and normal! With the Highlander it may be bland and I don’t care for the styling of the front end at all but once behind the wheel every knob and button is butter smooth the ride is near luxury. The confidence you have in the Highlander because if it’s reliability you just can’t buy in a GM or Ford. Sure you can spend more on extended warranties but that doesn’t help you when you’re broken down on the side of the road. This is an excellent appliance that does everything it’s intended to extremely well. A moment of silence for the rear hatch window that has now since then sent into oblivion. Up to 2019 it has it after that you’re on your own.

Power lift gates are slow but less taxing

What's with the lift gate nonsense all the time? Honestly, how fast do you expect it to be? You're not supposed to be standing in front of it waiting for it to open and close. That's like expecting power windows to go up and down fast. Obviously it seems forever if you're holding the button watching it both ways.

Man your reviews are the best! Keep it up man!

Why do you need to stand next to the tailgate when it is closing? Who cares how long it takes for it to close? I don't get his complaint.

I love the fact that you put the same effort into your videos no matter the price tag or purpose of the car. Is there any chance that you'll be reviewing a Honda Pilot in the future? Keep it up!

Nice review...desperate to see your review of the 2018-2019 toyota land cruiser prado.

Thank you. Been waiting for you to do a review on highlander. Your channel never disappoints. Keep them coming 👍. Waiting for a vw atlas review.

The radio controls are on the steering wheel -No reason to reach. The rear hatch glass opens manually if you are just grabbing something that isn't too big and you don't need to open that rear hatch. The third row seats are a waste of space as far as I am concerned as I don't have any grand kids or midget friends. Don't get me wrong, it is a fantastic vehicle and does exactly what I need it to do.

Hey I love that you know your way around a cameras and there's little you can do to improve there, BUT you have a lot of room to enhance you ability of talk. When I say this I don't mean that the words you use are too lengthy, that is something that I like. What I'm referring to is your enthusiasm something that is there is little of. You should make the goal to where if a person that doesn't like cars or isn't looking for cars finds one of your videos they will continue to watch it just because it's a good video. Other than that I love the work your doing.

Where's Turbowski?

Love the head bang at 4:42! And dude, all power lift gates ARE SLOW!

Thanks for the quick review and posting. I'm looking at the Highlander and the Ford Edge Sport. I don't really need the 3rd row in the Highlander. Have you test driven the Edge Sport? I kinda liked it better than the Highlander.

Bravo for the final fantasy 6 sound effect at the end.

In other words, Toyota needs to make a camry wagon (estate) or an avalon wagon that's not the venza...the market needs more outback/allroad/xc/sportwagon competition

good review. we know you're a drivering enthusiast and would probably painful to have to review this car but you still found some good insights and some points to like about the car. it would be nice if you were review the Ford Explorer Sport which has intentions to deliver 7 passenger vehicle with some better suspension in engine. I would be curious to see your take on that car. otherwise love the camera angles and the insightful commentary

30 pairs of soiled underwear. I never expected to hear that phrase before but here we are.

Thank you for your detailed and helpful review.

Still Highest selling 3rd row SUV of 2019

That electronic liftgate made me age ten years in twenty seconds

Best car reviews on tube. Any thoughts on the 2018 highlander hybrid?

Good thing you ran around the car to test your hypothesis!

I like how the 4runner has 2 row seat options no need for 3rd road IMO, if 4 runner was same price range and milage would not look at the highlander

Great review and running!

why the heated steering is not heated, only partially . Should be advertised as a partially heated steering wheel. I have arthritis and a (trigger) finger and this was important to me I did not know it didn't know it wasn't until too late

Great review as always!

🤔🧐🤑🥺😞 Savageese, looks like you have buyers remorse. Just trade it in or sell it since it’s has great resale value. Sell it to me. My friend owns 2016 xle. and it’s a nice ride.

I'd like to see your opinion on the Volkswagen Atlas. It looks a lot bigger than a Highlander but I think it's the same class of vehicle.

Great review, does Toyota think people are knee-less? Will they ever give us knee space?

wouldn't look at a vehicle without watching your reviews, seems like you like the Highlander, are you ever going to do a review on the Lincoln MKC? been looking at the Highlander, The Lincoln and the Lexus NX, what say you?

Such dramatic reviews......but, they are well made and intelligently done.

I was hopping you would do shop review!😩

Toyota has always been the Japanese buick. It continues with highlander,avalon,Camry.

It is what it is and for what it is i d take it blind!

I was so unexpected to see Tiffany from Girls' Generation in the picture Lol

Need more space...buy a Sienna, you should see the stuff I can put in this thing....Love it~!

I can't contain myself. I'm used to sitting in a tub of wet french fries and now I get to look forward to the Highlander. Do you get a sword?

That 8 speed transmission is a disaster. Avoid it.

No chassis and suspension view and review?

Can you please take a look at the Dodge Durango, and take it against Highlander, cx-9, Pilot, Sorento and what not?

With electronic tail gate you can open it on your way to the car though. Or just leave the button when closing and then move to your seat straight away, don't need to stand there and wait. But yeah, don't like them either.

the face when you close that tailgate its the face of a defeated men

I love electronic lift gates.When you grow up and have things ,you will appreciate it. I lift mine long before I get to the car.(jeep) When its raining and your arms are full of stuff its great.

great review for this vehicle.

Deal killer for me when looking at this vehicle was two things (1) as you mentioned the infotainment screen and controls were dangerously out of reach (2) that stupid "shelf" they built across the lower dash. What the.....?

If you are at the point in your life where you need three rows of seats, you should've stopped having kids two kids ago :P

Let's get this guy to 70k subs!

Is there a redesigned Highlander coming for 2019?

seing these around a bit we gotta say these 5 spoke wheels age very bad the chrome chips away after only 2-3 years :-(( , no android and apple sucks... i love it and consider buying still

How does it compare to Kia Sorento?

First year of this Generation was 2014 not 2013.

I'm not young and I don't want to raise my blood pressure when I drive at all.

what about the Honda Pilot?

Could u do a review on Lexus gx 2017 and Honda Odyssey 2018

2- hecko' nice front grill

I Like a lot the video quality.

We asian like to bland in.

@Savagegeese this or CX 9?

The intro music makes me feel like I'm watching the cell games from DBZ

Why is port injection better than direct injection?

Looks like the same motor as the RX350. I happen to like it in mine, but could do with a more eager transmission. When floored it takes a couple seconds to decide to gear down and doesnt drop as many gears as I'd like, usually. Terrible fuel economy though.

What, only 11 min review?!?!?!?!

this guy is good!!👍