Toyota Highlander II (2007-2013) is built on a platform shared with Camry and other models. It has a reliable engine and an indestructible machine gun.
Japanese-assembled cars were officially delivered to Russia – since 2010 and already restyled. The pre-styling, front-wheel drive and hybrid versions came in different ways, mainly from the US market (the model was not sold in Japan).
Toyota Highlander II
Advantages:
- A very reliable car.
- Thoughtfully comfortable interior.
- Excellent handling.
- Clearance 206 mm.
Defects
- High tax, expensive service.
- Most cars have an unclear history and twisted mileage.
engines
Officially only cars with naturally aspirated 2GR-FE V6 3.5 (273 hp)known to us from the Camry. Many believe the AI-92 is his, but no, the 10.8 compression ratio definitely points to the AI-95.
The main drawbacks are the small resource of the water pump and the huge fuel consumption, more than 20 liters per hundred in the city. The lubrication of the gas distribution system is not optimal, which the phase shifter clutch suffers from and announces this with sound. For this reason, the recommended oil change interval must be strictly observed – no more than 10,000 km.
The distribution chain lives up to 200 thousand. Any serious problems with the engine can occur even later, and theoretically it is capable of half a million. There are hydraulic lifters, but no repair dimensions – a thin-walled aluminum block.
“American” base engine1AR-FE 2.7 (189 hp) it is also quite reliable, it serves more than 300 thousand km, the weak point is the water pump. The timing chain sometimes needs to be replaced in the vicinity of 150 thousand km.
The engine runs on hybrid versions 3MZ-FE 3.3 (212 HP). His resource is great, but he charges the traction battery and works a lot at slow speeds. Soot quickly forms, nozzles and throttles become dirty. Fear of overheating. Certain problems will supply and the electrical part.
Transfer
There are no mechanics. Only a five-speed hydraulic Aisin with the Toyota index U151F and a resource of 350 thousand km. Known for being indestructible. But you can still kill him – for example, by ignoring the change of the working fluid every 60 thousand km. Most often it is repaired with burnt oil and friction clutches – the result of aggressive operation.
Private advertisements for the sale of hybrids mention a CVT type transmission. A simple planetary gearbox is implied – there is nothing special to break in it, but the oil needs to be changed.
Four-wheel drive – permanent, with central differential and imitation of locks with electronics and brakes. The system is without weaknesses, although it howls at high speeds. Disadvantage – not suitable for off-road.
operational ulcers
- In the suspension adapted for Russia, the shock absorbers are not very resistant. But if you do not get off the asphalt, then all components can withstand 100-150 thousand km.
- When steering, the situation is even worse: the play of the spline connection of the intermediate shaft develops quickly. They try to cope with this with folk remedies, adding bearings or welding the connection tightly. But this violates the safety of the system in a frontal collision and is prohibited by law.
- In the braking system, the fragility of the discs is noted – 40-60 thousand km go. Brake calipers need to be cleaned and lubricated – they become acidic.
- There are frequent breakdowns of the heater at low mileage, the problem is with contacts – to disassemble and re-solder. However, in older cars, any electrical system can fail.
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Euro NCAP: not tested
The most massive offer on the secondary: Highlander 3.5 automatic transmission
Optimal choice: Highlander 3.5 automatic transmission
For the same money: Audi Q5, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda CR-V, Mercedes-Benz GLK
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- “Behind the wheel” can also be read in Telegram.