2015 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD: Is it any different? Full Review and Test
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- There are a lot of crossover choices on the market...so what makes the Highlander any different from the rest of them?
In this review I look at space, fuel economy, the 3rd row, driving dynamics, tech and more. As always I try to bring an unscripted, real world analysis that represents the average consumer's perspective.
Just bought an XLE with 109k miles and love it. Cars are so expensive these days new really wasn't an option. I've owned 2009 pilot, 2015 CRV & 2014 RAV4 but this is easily the nicest of the lot.
Captains chairs make a diff
My mother bought a 2015 Limited. She loves it. I have driven it multiple occasions. I totally agree with this review!
Being an owner of the Highlander, I was quick to check out the Pilot when it came out later in the year. I was presently surprised that I enjoyed driving the Highlander better. It seem to have better driving dynamics and less noise intruding into the interior. Being a previous owner of a 2012 Honda CRV, which we loved, but needed more room, I was a little disappointed in the Honda Pilot. My expectations were high.
As far as the third row , good job on the review and good job explaining the third row. In regards to the Highlander's second row vs the pilot, what is overlooked by reviewers is that the Highlander's second row will adjust fore and aft to accommodate passengers. The Highlander's nice in that it offers more leg room in the second row, in my opinion, but it can be adjusted when the third row is needed. Also, the Highlander can be had with captains chairs in the second row from mid trim level up. The Honda Pilot only offers that option in upper trim. This is convenient for getting to the third row and for those sitting in the middle spot of the third row.
Thanks for the nice review, but don't over look the Toyota, until you adjust that second row to accommodate third row passengers.
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just bought the le plus and I am so happy with it . it drives great !! I left the mini van and I have no regrets. this highlander 2016 is stunning !!
carol maybrook just purchased the 2018 LE plus. I hope you're still enjoying your LE plus..
Excellent review! Id probably get the XLE with a full bench 2nd row than the limited. You don't get all the amenities but the assurance of 5 people sitting comfortably all the time. Thanks.
My 2008 CR-V was totaled and I am renting the 2015 Highlander. So far I really like it. It does feel kind of heavy compared to my CR-V, especially on turns, but I feel safer inside and it has some pretty nice acceleration. The shelf is also very very useful. I see tons of yellow cabs using Highlanders and many other people driving these. I do like it, only concern is parking in NYC and this is longer than the CR-V. Also, 2015 CR-V has engine vibration issues so I am staying away. Also looking at QX 50.
Just bought one yesterday with 30k miles. Love it so far. The review was very helpful! Thanks!
A 2015? How is it on gas?
@@RitaGreen Most of my driving is in the city and I am very light on the pedal. With that said I have been getting around 18-19 Miles Per Gallon.
We just bought a new 2015 Limited. Love it. We also have a 2007 Highlander 178,000 miles and still going strong.
Absolutely right about the 3rd row, it's good for temporary use only. I have the 2015 Limited Platinum and absolutely love it. For the wife and I, plus our two small kids, this vehicle is perfect. It does really well in the snow too.
Matt Lady Thanks for sharing your real world experience!
-Greg
Omg finally someone making good reviews about that 3rd row
Thanks for sharing. We just purchased a used 2015 Highlander. It replaced our total loss , caused by someone rear ending us on our previous 2015 Toyota Highlander. Yes, we enjoy this type vehicle. This newer one is Limited version with more amenities. It has over 150,000 miles, but I trust Toyota to take us down the road for a long time. Oh, we only recently figured out the flip open back window by pressing the small black rubber button.
You might want to give the JBL stereo system another listen. Check the big woofer in the back and make sure it's working properly.
Center the left/right balance, then bias the front/rear balance slightly to the rear. Finally, adjust the treble/bass SLIGHTLY toward the bass side. (Too much bass makes the system sound "muffled.")
Zachary Zarko I messed with it a bit...I used to be really into car audio...but just wasn't that impressed. Thanks for chiming in, this would be worth it for others to check!
-Greg
@@gcavy1 Also with the sound system, Toyota defaults into the surround sound option which muddies the audio. This "surround" option can be disabled in the settings and greatly improves the sound clarity. In addition, I lowered the bass and boosted the midrange and treble and was able to get some really good sound if the source material was not sub-par.
@@appleman59 thanks for sharing!
-Greg
I just picked up my 2015 Toyota Highlander limited and its everything Greg said it would be. I want to drive all the time now. Great purchase...Thanks!
We got a 2015 XLE September of 2014. We traded a 2008 Audi Q7, and the feel of driving the Highlander is pretty close to the feel of the Q7. The rear glass hatch is a wonderful option I too wish other crossovers had. We took a two and a half week trip around the country and the glass hatch helps when unloading especially when loaded to the roof.
+Sam Glorioso thanks for chiming in!
-Greg
I have a white LE AWD. Love it. Everyone who rides with me mentions what a wonderful drive it has (and that's on their own....I've never prodded anyone). I can get 3 medium and small purses in the center console.
I watch a lot of car reviews. This is the first time I watch a review and not skip through. Awesome detailed review! - from a New Subscriber
thanks!
Great review. Some of the "professional reviewers" give way to much technical information that means NOTHING to the average buyer. Keep it up.
My grandmother has one to replace her old used 2001 Toyota Camry (it had at least over 300,000 miles on it, and she lives out in the country which equals a lot of driving). It's a very smooth ride. I hope to drive it real soon.
Driving a 2015 xle: it has 70,000 miles on it and the radio head is having issues where it resets and the usb connector is intermittent at times. Not sure if we just got a lemon radio or if it's an issue that could be in potentially most, but it's not fun trying to figure out where you're going on vacations when you are waiting for the system to reboot. When it is going to reboot, you'll know because you can't control the radio station, volume, nav, or anything pertaining to the unit. Another issue that's seeming to become an issue is the door actuator that controls locking the door goes out and so you can't lock the car unless you manually do it when you leave. Now if you're still reading the pros of the highlander: the leather is lexus grade so it's extremely comfortable to travel in. The Highlander also has a seemingly smooth ride (like he said), I would compare it to the first gen Audi Q7 base model. The shelf under the dash is also quite handy. It's a great vehicle but it suffers from its share of issues as does every other new vehicle. The entune can also get annoying since you can't put in addresses or access all the radio stations from satellite even if the passenger is the one trying to access these features. If you read this to try to get owner feedback before you make a purchase, I hope it helps as much as the video🤙🏼
Own a 2017 limited, this is a great driving car, there are a couple thing I don’t like and should be mentioned in review are the wheels on limited model are plastic covered, not aluminum and can be crack if the tire mechanic is not careful with it, then the gas tank is kinda small for this size of car, a full gas tank can only drive 360 miles.
My Hyundai Ionic 2020 gives over 500 miles on full tank.
Looking at one in 2024. Has 100k on her. One owner, Long Island, New York garage kept everyday of its life.
Great review! While I know you focus on reviewing new model year cars, I think it would be interesting to hear you compare the 'new design' vs the old design and know if the new model is really worth it.
Thanks!
Cool review! I have seen quite a few of these new Highlanders myself and I think they look sweet. I myself also have a Highlander, but it isn't this newest one. I have a 2nd generation one, the 2011 model to be exact. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it. I just have the base/LE V6 model, so nothing too fancy, but what it is it gets the job done. While I do like the newer Highlanders very much, I really have a soft spot for the 2nd gen one. Sure, it doesn't have all the cool tech features that now come standard from the LE model and upward, but what I have with the stock stereo on mine (which actually sounds REALLY good with having the settings tweaked just right) with the aux port works just fine for me.
saxman112 cool. Thanks for watching and sharing.
-Greg
i love the blue led lights in the interior going by doors and the dash
J Daaij yeah, they're nice. Thanks for chiming in.
-Greg
J Daaij it looks so cool at night time, better than some of the luxury cars.
Thank you for this excellent review. This will help me this weekend in taking a look at a used 2015 Highlander Limited.
What did you buy?
Great review. Absolutely agree about the small third row. Don't buy this car if you're going to use the third row frequently and on long trips. Yes, the second row has TONS of room. My son is no longer kicking my seat :). Yes, the shelf! It's Awesome. This car is incredibly well screwed together for a non-luxury. I do disagree about the ride. In my experience it rides very well and smoothly indeed, and I've driven a lot of different kinds of cars over the years. Not sure the Limited is worth the money tbh, unless you want all the electronic safety features, which most people probably won't bother to learn; the sub-versions have the main safety stuff anyway. Also the Limited shiny wheels look tacky imho. LE Plus is probably a good compromise option. I think the flip up window on the back is standard in all versions? Yeah, you could buy an Acadia or a Durango, but will they still be around in good shape in 10 years? (especially the Durango ;) )
endrightwinglunacy thanks for chiming in. You make some great points...even the ones that don't agree with me! :)
-Greg
I liked your review more than any others on this vehicle because you make very valid points, have great camera angles and discuss the vehicle from different customer-type perspectives.
Nice review.. Have a 2002 Highlander which I absolutely love, decided to go with the 2015 version.. My only comment wish they made a pretty red metallic one so had to settle on a blue one... Hope it gets here this week.
That was a very throughout and good review. One of the best I've seen.
i know Im asking randomly but does anyone know of a trick to get back into an instagram account?
I was dumb forgot my login password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me.
@Grey Esteban Instablaster =)
really great video. i liked how in-depth you went with the 2nd and 3rd row. most videos don't even touch upon the 3rd row
Brandon Doan Thanks, I think that's highly relevant for many Highlander customers, so I thought I better give it some footage!
Thanks for watching.
-Greg
Great review but I was really surprised you said it wasn't a smooth ride. I have a 2016 and I've driven Cadillacs for almost 20 years and this was the only suv I drove that I found smooth including the acadia denali.
agree
2014 owner. Mine is one of the smoothest riding vehicles I've ever driven. My wife has spinal cord issues, and I have rheumatoid arthritis, plus spinal degeneration. Drove it Colorado 3 times last year, once pulling a trailer, and had both rows of back seats folded flat, and loaded to the roof. No problems whatsoever.
I highly recommend Toyota vehicles.
Agree! 100% would buy again! Great overall value, resale, tech, in all terrain
Does the "snow" mode make the AWD Highlander operate as a 4WD?
MV Wisherman Yes, it engages it full time. Also ACC is disabled in snow mode if you have ACC . There is a cool 4WD graphic display to snow how power is distributed between wheels. When snow mode is engaged, you sense it when driving, almost equal push and pull, and also see it graphically.
Agreed. The JBL sound system is not worth the extra money. You could get the stock system, put some good speakers in it, and it would sound better than the JBL. Get Infinity "Kappa series" speakers = Heaven sound. If you buy the limited model, buy it for the other features and just understand that the JBL speakers and greenedge amp is a downgrade. Underpowered and no bass.
tribunation glad it wasn't just me who thought that. Stock systems have gotten pretty good to the point where usually I think they're just fine...not so much here.
Thanks for chiming in!
-Greg
+tribunation I was really excited about this new model until i heard the disappointing JBL system. Not a deal breaker for buying the car but would do as you suggested, upgrade sound on my own. That or since I'm not in a rush, wait till Toyota improves this JBL system for next year.
are you serious? I was expecting good bass.
Great review ... Good camera work, and great audio!
thanks!
Great review. Just what I am looking for. I like the fact that you focus on the most important aspect of the car.
niyikan5 thanks for watching, glad to help!
-Greg
Good job. one of the best reviews I've seen either amateur or professional.
Great review Greg. Hit all of the high and low points I would've said had I made the review myself. We have two small boys 7 and 9 and have the occasional older teenage sister aboard. Kids in the back, 'bigger' kids up front when needed and all is good. Captain's chairs in second row was big for me. Lose a little seating capacity but get get a more roomy feeling (almost like a minivan). Great tech pkgs and nice new touches (shelf up front and flip-up window on tailgate...like my old explorer had). Ordered mine with the tow pkg. Still have to put the torque and HP to the test while pulling a load. As far as looks and dependability, right on as well Greg. Compared to most of the crossovers out there, I think the Highlander has a very good look. Sculpted sides and a Lexus-like grill among others. Waited for the 2016 Honda Pilot to come out for comparison to make a final decision and was kinda disappointed with the Pilot. Generic looking IMO(thinking GM Traverse or Enclave) compared to the Highlander. Slightly more tech with the Pilot and captain's chairs only available on the top trim level (Elite..more $$). Overall I think you'd have few complaints about the Highlander. Again, Great review Greg.
A nice helpful review, but it is a wee bit alarming seeing how often you completely let go of the steering wheel.
Thanks for this review. Can you also do a review for Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Everest. Thanks man! You doing great to many if not all.
Great review and I love that you went straight to the information I war looking for @ 3 row seating. Thanks!
good review, you told me what I wanted to know.... we are looking at a 2015 USED Platinum...
Great review, one of the best reviews I have seen. Review was bang on and answered some questions I had. Been thinking about buying the 2016 Honda Pilot but it seems like there is a lot of issues with the transmission (don't need that kind of inconvenience for the price) so I started looking at the Highlander as an alternative. Question? What do you know and or think about the 2016 Honda pilots. I live in Canada btw. Not sure if that makes a difference. Great review still. Thanks.
Sir, you have done a great job explaining the car. could you do the same way on honda pilot 2016.
The jeep is nice;
Question please;
How can I fix this problem? Check AWD system on the dashboard
Explanation so detailed... Kudos man 👍
Thanks for your review. I'm so ready to ditch my Honda Odyssey but my kids are getting bigger! Looking at the Highlander, new Volvo, Audi Q7, new Honda Pilot...
M Jacobson That's quite the list! You won't beat your Honda for space with any of those crossovers. If space=sanity...stay with the Odyssey. (The Q7 diesel is awesome though!)
Thanks for sharing.
-Greg
I found your review to bevery helpful-you are very knowledgeable, so articulate- keep up the good work!!
Hey Greg I wish u did the Toyota land crusier I had it 5 years ago and I absolutely love it
I don't understand why Toyota uses the crappy JBL system when its gotten poor reviews for years, I currently drive an Acura with the ELS system and its great!
+richard blackcloud thanks for watching and chiming in!
-Greg
We just bought this car today , let's see how we going with it??
Great review and very helpful in making a choice about my next purchase.
Syed Izhar thanks for watching!
-Greg
Great review, it does address all the aspects of this car, thanks.
We own highlander limited and it's a great car, I have a question and excuse me if it sounds weird, can we buy a bench seat and install it instead of the captain seats?
We have a third baby now and we would like to keep our kids together in the middle raw. What do you think?
I appreciate your reply
M. Alhasani Good question, I'd bet you can, although I'd guess it'd be pretty expensive as there likely aren't a lot of bench seats for the new Highlander around.
-Greg
I liked your review, I would really like your review on the new 2016 honda pilot. It is supposed to have more room inside and get better fuel mileage. Been looking at both, but having trouble and complaints with both.
One of the best reviews out there on 2015 highlander. Should be same for 2014 and 2016 as well. But definitely you got it wrong on the ride quality. You somewhat contradict yourself in that statement you make. In any case this is one of the most silent and smooth riding 3 row CUV out there. This one is almost Lexus RX350 like which by the way shares the platform, power train and even some of the switchgear. Agree that JBL is not up to expectations, for many it would be just fine. But it is default on Limited and above. Looking for 2017 model review and comparison or even a drag race test between the two
Love the review....The wife and I are looking for the platinum hybrid ( we now have a prius ), we want to go bike riding, I have a Sun recumbent trike and the wife a regular 26 inch two wheeler. With the second and third seats down, do you think the both bikes will fit ? I know you used your cooler to demonstrate, but how about doing something larger like two bikes, or a bike and trike, or groceries ? Thanks again you have narrowed down our choice for a suv.
I wish you test drove the Nissan Pathfinder. I've had it for the last 2 years and love it.
Smohrtolove I'd like to, I need to get my local Nissan dealer on board. Thanks for watching.
-Greg
PAthfinder has much better interior than highlander...and larger space and better fuel economy. just don't have the rear sun shade which i really like
coolcashew365 The pathfinders interior is straight from 2007 it doesn’t even compare.
you’re wack Not to mention they’ve been rated as horrendously unreliable in comparison to the highlander!
Best review I've found. Thanks!
Thanks for the great review. I'm currently thinking about buying one of these 3 vehicles: a 2014 Highlander Limited AWD, 2014 Lexus RX 350, or a 2014 Toyota Venza limited. They each have their pro's and cons, but I'm just not sure what's the best course of action. I have 3 adult kids, but it would be rare for 5 of us to go more than 100 miles together, and most of the time there will only be 2 of us in the vehicle. So what's your take on the 3 vehicles mentioned above?
I leaning still highlander as it's a full package with AWD. I'm looking at the moment
This was an excellent review! Thank you
I'm interested in seatless prices for car living life style.
nice review Greg.. we have narrowed down to 4runner or highlander.. do you know when the 4runner review be out?
Nice review, looking forward to your 2016 Pilot review.
I would just go for the Platinum in any color other than white, dark gray, silver , or black.
Thanks for the review Greg, pretty interesting this trend of crossovers, seens pretty handy for me, to bad those cars aren't available in my country. Please if you can, review the latest jeep cherokee. thanks!!
Leonardo Antonio I'd like to get my hands on one. Thanks for watching!
-Greg
Would like to buy the Highlander but the grill just makes me cringe. It's really the perfect car for my family. I'm gonna wait till next fall 2016 year to see if they refresh the front end for 2017 model year. It can't look any worse than it is now.
Great review. I'd love to see a sport version of the Highlander. Monochromatic paint finish, lowered suspension, dark wheels and trim would give it a sinister appearance. Any chance you might review an upper trim level 2015 Dodge Durango (RT or Citadel)?
J High Good thought, I bet it'd look pretty good. Thanks for chiming in! I'm hoping to get back into Chrysler products in the near future. Need to get my local dealership back on board.
-Greg
Gallup Journey Test Drives Thank you. I just discovered your review channel a few months ago. Very good delivery and presentation. I know you don't have as many review videos as some of your competitors, but hopefully you'll post more in the future.
Highlander doesn't have the platinum trim that's only for Toyotas truck and body on frame suv lineup, but if you option the highlander up it can go into the 50's
Benjamin Ger highlander does have a Limited Platinum trim. Platinum is an option than a model in itself. Only way to get the panoramic sunroof, but lose the rear seat entertainment.
Very detailed review. Looking forward on your review on 2016 Honda Pilot. Nice job
friendlai Wish I could dive Hondas, unfortunately I don't have access to them.
Thanks for watching!
-Greg
Thanks for the reviews. You mentioned a few times what its competition was on the larger size, but not on the smaller cross-over vehicles. Care to share thoughts on what its nearest competition is on the smaller crossover-vehicles
I think the Higlander, Pathfinder, Explorer and Pilot are midsizers and the Dodge Journey and Kia Sorento are 3row small-midsizers. The Nissan Rogue and Mitsunishi Outlander are big-small crossovers and if the Equinox had a 3rd row would fit there too.
Kamaka Chang well said. My thoughts exactly. The lines seem to get pretty blurred in this category! Thanks for chiming in.
-Greg
***** thanks for watching! Kamaka's list below is worth noting. I did mention the Journey in my review, but I don't think they're really competitors. -Greg
Gallup Journey Test Drives I agree the Journey is much cheaper and a bit smaller but it's a crossover with 3 rows. I totally forgot about the Hyundai Santa Fe 3row, I haven't driven one at all since the redesign.
Kamaka Chang Yep, and the Hyundai has moved up in size to Highlander length. Unfortunately we don't have a Hyundai dealer here in town. -Greg
Excellent review. Thanks.
Wonderful review. Very informative! Thank you.
I'm a single 20 year old guy and I own a 12' Camry se but I feel way to low to the ground, looking to upgrade soon, actually looking at the 2015 4Runner limited as a new whip. Any comments if it's a good buy ??
Carlos Alberto Stop whining and move out of your mama's basement.
Comparing the Highlander to a GM is like comparing a Rolex to a toy watch ⌚
What's the ground clearance? Live on a farm like terrain with hills and trenches about 4-6 inches
Thanks for the review, well done! I'm close to making a decision. Leaning toward the Highlander XLE or Limited, but also considering a Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, or Acadia.
+no3putts99 Thanks for stopping by. Good luck with your purchase.
-Greg
I have a 3 yr old and a baby on the way so I would like the option of having a third row but definitely not a mini van. I originally wanted a dodge journey but came across the toyota highlander. Which one would you recommend? Or better yet, which suv with 3rd row would you recommend for a family with two small kids? Btw your reviews are awesome!
This comment was never replied to. I hope u got the highlander. Dodge is crap. Agree with u on minivan thing
I am looking into getting a new Highlander but am curious as to what changes will Toyota make in the 2016...I heard rumors of a different more efficient gas engine & upgraded interior. is it true ?? and if so is it worth the wait???
Colorado Good question. I'm not sure, I haven't read anything on the Highlander lately. I doubt they'll get drastically more mpg from it. Also that means good deals on the current model!
Thanks for watching.
-Greg
In terms of driving dynamics, would you prefer this over the GM lambda triplets?
I think the good thing about the triplets is the fact that they swallow a lot of stuffs and you have good amount of 3rd row rooms and should keep it that way +Turbolq4
***** you got it! thanks for chiming in.
-Greg
yiyangcheng The Highlander drives a little smaller...not sure if the handling is "better" though. In terms of ride quality I wouldn't say there's an appreciable difference.
-Greg
Awesome review. Very helpful. Thank you!
Blind spot monitoring?
Yes.
Great review sir! Thank you
Good, cool review. Would you be able to do a review over the 2015 jeep grand cherokee? I would like an honest opinion over that. Thank you for these awesome reviews by the way.
xdanielx07x I'm hoping to start driving some Jeeps and other Chrysler products again soon. Thanks for your support!
-Greg
That's great news! Thanks for your feedback.
Where is the spare tire? Did I miss that?
I bought the car and you were right the car was really good
yousif892424 - Gamer CrazyCraft,Pixelmon others , thanks for sharing! (and watching of course)
-Greg
You got yourself a new subscriber. Great review!!!
Great review. I live on Long Island in and around hills. How does it handle in snow???
chieftube1 I'm not sure. Given the AWD with a good set of snow tires I'm sure it would be great!
Thanks for watching.
-Greg
The New Tacoma has a totally different D4-S (direct/port injection) *Atkinson Cycle* v6. Not much difference power wise but much more efficient.
What's the difference btw SE,LE,XLE in cars??
I have the new highlander,...XLE...you already had the flip up flass in the back, u have to press that black button
Would this and the 2014 fit three kids who are 5’11’, 5’4” and 5’1” and average build in the second row without the need to fold down the third row for say a two to three-hour drive? I have three full-grown teen/young adults?
I'd say yes....although no kid likes sitting in the middle seat...sorry short one!!
Hahaha. Yes, the short one would be the person sitting in the middle, unless there is a pit stop along the trip and the fighting forces one to switch. I’ll ride on the roof if the fighting persists. Thanks for a great overview!
I want to do this as my job!! What kind of schooling did you have to do to get this job?
what a great review. very informative. thank you. subscribed!
laxxathome thanks for watching and your support!
-Greg
What are your kid's thoughts about the Highlander?
I'd like to know their review.
:)
SierraM363 They think any car I drive that's not our own car is cool...not sure I'd go with their opinion!
Thanks for watching!
-Greg
is the 2015 highlander all wheel drive all the time?
Is it that of a big difference getting AWD or FWD will do just fine? It's a $1,000 extra for AWD Do you think it's worth it? Thanks!
it's worth it. If 4wd is only a grand different from fwd it's totally worth it, unless you're look for better mpg get a 4wd hybrid
Thank you for calling it a crossover and not an suv. Nice reviews mate.
Hi I have a Rav4 2014 limited and I was thinking to get highlander 2015 but I don't know which one I should buy XLE or limited and whats make it different.
AnimeDubbed Version amenities! thanks for watching.
-Greg
Nice review, definitely subscribed
XXtheJUMPoffXX thanks for your support!
-Greg
Good production mate