2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid - 1 Year Ownership Update & Winter Driving Impressions

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
  • 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited AWD
    Tires: 235/65R18 Bridgestone Alenza As Ultra: bit.ly/3rpTQMD
    MPG: 35 city / 34 highway
    Horsepower: 243 hp @ 6,000 rpm
    Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
    Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs
    Curb weight: 4,595 lbs
    Gross vehicle weight rating: 6,000 lbs
    MSRP: $47,115
    Options:
    Seating for 8; 2nd row 60/40 bench seat instead of captain's seats
    -12.3" touchscreen, bird's eye view camera with perimeter scan, curb view $1050
    -Running Boards $599
    -Illuminated Door Sills $299
    -Door Edge Guards $125
    Destination: $1175
    Total Price as tested: $50,363
    TheTopher on Twitch: / thetopherlive
    TheTopher on Instagram: / thetopher2
    The audio in this video was recorded with in-ear binaural microphones, headphones are highly recommended!
    Here's the equipment I use (with affiliate links):
    -GoPro Hero 11 Black amzn.to/3CWWeRQ
    -Binaural Audio - Roland CS-10EM Microphones amzn.to/2qKRbwA
    -Connected to & powered by the Zoom H2n recorder amzn.to/2pQqVkq
    -Don't forget the Hat Clip mount for that perfect POV angle: amzn.to/2GW7nmd
    -The best place to get tires: bit.ly/2JyRg3j
    Need a Bluetooth OBD-2 reader? Order FIXD for only $20 with my affiliate link (normally $60)! bit.ly/3eDN8gN
    Off The Record makes it easy and affordable to fight your traffic tickets. Sign up with the code "TheTopher" for 10% off your first ticket whether you need it now or later: fight.offthere...
    Sound system test track playlist: open.spotify.c...
    You can help support the channel by whitelisting TheTopher on your browser's AdBlock or becoming a patron: / thetopher
    Facebook: / thetopheryoutube
    I'm also the producer for the Winding Road UA-cam Channel:
    / windingroadmagazine
    Thanks for watching!

КОМЕНТАРІ • 110

  • @slump45
    @slump45 Рік тому +84

    You can adjust the backup camera brightness in the settings I believe, someone might have turned it down because that’s not normal.

    • @TheTopher
      @TheTopher  Рік тому +33

      Went in and adjusted it to full brightness, will see if that helps!

    • @igeekone
      @igeekone Рік тому +4

      @@TheTopher That's definitely not normal. It's still under warranty, have the dealership replace the damaged camera.

    • @jonkrispeterson6678
      @jonkrispeterson6678 Рік тому +2

      My RAV4 can go into EV mode if I hit a decline on the interstate going 70.

    • @jaydenpizza10
      @jaydenpizza10 Рік тому +1

      @@TheTopher break up with wife

    • @jaydenpizza10
      @jaydenpizza10 Рік тому +1

      @@TheTopher break up with wife

  • @rightlanehog3151
    @rightlanehog3151 Рік тому +24

    Chris, My top lesson in your switch from the CX-30 to the Highlander Hybrid is the importance of rear seat space/legroom to accommodate REAR-FACING child seats. 🥳🥳Any car, CUV or SUV in 2023 that calls itself a 'family vehicle' needs to accept today's rear-facing child seats with full-size adults in the front seats. In regard to ALL-Season tires, save the All Seasons and alloy rims for the other three seasons and get some cheap steel wheels with high quality snow tires for winter. Speaking of tire logic, your brave decision to downsize the OEM rims and increase sidewall in the face of overwhelming auto fashion forces deserves praise. 👏👏👏👏

    • @jsfbay1
      @jsfbay1 Рік тому +5

      Agreed about downsizing the wheels. The current craze *has* to stop, otherwise we'll eventually just ride on wheels with no tires 🙂

    • @rightlanehog3151
      @rightlanehog3151 Рік тому

      @@jsfbay1 Exactly.

  • @FatalAnimal
    @FatalAnimal Рік тому +14

    Yep - this is what we have as well. Excellent family vehicle. That said I kept my 4runner as well for times when I need a rig that speaks to my heart instead of my brain like the highlander.

    • @mikemayers8672
      @mikemayers8672 Рік тому

      No need for 2 Just keep the 4Runner

    • @FatalAnimal
      @FatalAnimal Рік тому +1

      @@mikemayers8672 lol tell that to my wife! She would prefer not to walk lol

    • @yennyjen5742
      @yennyjen5742 3 місяці тому

      How is your vehicle doing? Are you still liking the Highlander? I been wanting to trade in my 2006 4runner but I am in so much love with it. 😢 still deciding.. don’t want to do the wrong decision

    • @FatalAnimal
      @FatalAnimal 3 місяці тому +1

      @@yennyjen5742 Absolutely - as our Highlander has broken in it rides smoother and gets even better gas mileage. The ONLY compliant I really have with it is the 3rd row is pretty small and only usable by children. I think if we had to do it over again we might get a Sienna (same exact power train as the highlander) The Highlander really is a fantastic vehicle for every day use. With the 3rd row down it has a gigantic cargo hold which is fantastic. We do not regret the purchase one bit.

    • @yennyjen5742
      @yennyjen5742 3 місяці тому

      @@FatalAnimal thanks

  • @TheNovaSlyBat
    @TheNovaSlyBat Рік тому +6

    You had me at "It's just a big Prius!"

  • @nycad2484
    @nycad2484 Рік тому +13

    That dark reverse cam is super weird. My 2021 Highlander non hybrid is super easy to see, plenty bright. Something is definitely wrong there.

    • @attackb5349
      @attackb5349 Рік тому +1

      Agreed something is off. Camera module may need to be replaced. We have a 2022 Highlander hybrid and a recently departed 2019 Camry both of which have phenomenal night time brightness visibility on the reverse cameras.

  • @scenicroutedriving8644
    @scenicroutedriving8644 Рік тому +6

    2:47 "It is just a big Prius!"

  • @10cpaul
    @10cpaul Рік тому +5

    Recently had A 23 Highlander rental w the new 2.4 turbo ran excellent! no lag had a lot of b@lls for moving.... mpg not bad. Great move on Toyota to change over from v6.

  • @REDTERM7
    @REDTERM7 Рік тому +5

    This is like the representtation of an suv an model if you heard the word suv the image would be this toyota cause it has everthing it has to offer as an suv thanks for the amazing content as always topher.

  • @sane3432
    @sane3432 Рік тому +10

    Loved the review! Highlander is currently at the top of my list for a family car. Question, is there a way for CarPlay to be edge to edge? Or does it always have that split-screen layout?

  • @jenniferswift2381
    @jenniferswift2381 9 місяців тому

    I have this car and my backup camera is much brighter than that, no issues.

  • @areallytallguy
    @areallytallguy Рік тому +5

    Man, the space inside is basically the same as my 2023 CR-V…which gets basically the same gas mileage on the normal 1.5T model

    • @10cpaul
      @10cpaul Рік тому +2

      The 1.5 Honda engine is bad! Head gasket issues basically the kia engine for Honda. Honda reliability has gone way down hill!

    • @areallytallguy
      @areallytallguy Рік тому

      @@10cpaul lol. There’s a guy with 700k miles on his 2018 1.5T on UA-cam. Plenty of them over 200k with zero issues. You have no clue what you’re talking about. If it was actually like Kia, why doesn’t Honda have massive recalls out like Kia? The engine has been used for 7 years now. Do you think before you say dumb shit?

    • @Schreibtisch1
      @Schreibtisch1 Рік тому

      ​@@10cpaul Isn't that only affecting very few 1.5 engines? Lots of people on the Civic/CR-V forums reached 100,000+ miles and never had any issues with the engine. AC condenser on the car is crap though.

  • @bowie2004
    @bowie2004 Рік тому +42

    Y'all still got snow there??

    • @OnTheRocks71
      @OnTheRocks71 Рік тому +8

      I think this was recorded earlier. We've been having lovely weather here lately. 70's and 80's this week. We do still get a little snow once in a while beginning-mid April occasionally, but I can't remember if we did this year.

    • @yay842
      @yay842 Рік тому

      Hell no lmao unless he went to the Poles for a video

  • @Josifer4GAppFire
    @Josifer4GAppFire Рік тому +4

    That sound system is amazing.

    • @be4unvme
      @be4unvme 6 місяців тому

      It's not that loud tho. Maybe because the car is pretty big.

    • @ballistic0526
      @ballistic0526 18 годин тому

      @@be4unvmedo you put your speakers on full blast or something?

  • @e-6106
    @e-6106 Рік тому +1

    My family is buying the 2022 platinum 3.5L its not a hybrid and I can’t wait for it!

  • @keithfiredive
    @keithfiredive 3 місяці тому

    I was thinking about the Limited. I would definitely swap to 18”wheels too. I like the 1500watt power inverter. Bench seat. Wish it didn’t have a sun roof, the seal is a huge job to replace when it wears out.

  • @Oskar0424
    @Oskar0424 Рік тому +5

    Man I love your ownership videos... and I get this feeling that maybe you enjoy these more than the reviews?

    • @marlonmalave7098
      @marlonmalave7098 Рік тому +4

      maybe it’s due to the fact that he owns the vehicle and not a week/weekend “borrowed” one. he basically has more freedom in case something happens. it’s his (and wife’s) car :)

    • @Oskar0424
      @Oskar0424 Рік тому +1

      @@marlonmalave7098 yup precisely

  • @Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219
    @Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219 Рік тому +4

    I love hybrid products! I can buy one dude.

  • @mtunofun1
    @mtunofun1 Рік тому +5

    Man you bought an ex-press vehicle. Those things are driven harder than an under 25 yr old driving a rental car. Then again, that Toyota can take the abuse.

  • @rb8999
    @rb8999 Рік тому +7

    Bought a 2020 limited last year, I like it a lot for the most part. Just have a couple of small issues like the inconsistent brake feel you mentioned.
    The biggest complaint I have is for the range. Toyota lists it as a 17 gallon tank with close to a 600 mile range but I've never filled more than 13.5 gallons (10 to empty) and normally around 12.5 gallons (30 to empty) averaging 32mpg majority of the time.
    My longer trips are generally 425-450 miles so it's frustrating when I was expecting 500+ range

    • @lpflood
      @lpflood Рік тому +1

      I have a '22 Highlander XLE V6 and I'm pretty sure Toyota gives you the warning light way early, with a few gallons left to spare. I've read some comments alluding to this online.

    • @superbros1690
      @superbros1690 Рік тому +5

      Yeah its gives your like 3-4 gallons for those who procrastinate

  • @MathewBT81
    @MathewBT81 Рік тому +3

    2023 model has updated camera plus digital dash i believe 👍 Great review 🏆

  • @chowchow3335
    @chowchow3335 Рік тому +6

    I’m looking at grand highlander with this powertrain, I like the fuel economy number for it since I will be keeping the car for a long time, but I’m worry that it’s not powerful enough for the grand highlander and it’s gonna be too sluggish and frustrating, thoughts??

  • @knightshadow4474
    @knightshadow4474 Рік тому +2

    I wouldn't have ever bought a car used from testing, imagine how degraded the battery became by the amount of 0-60's it has had.

  • @davidwpoon
    @davidwpoon Рік тому +1

    😮 If only I could get a second row 60/40 instead of captains with the current model year

  • @dschinkal
    @dschinkal Рік тому

    Please keep doing tire reviews. Tire rack is ok but I’ve been disappointed with my last two purchases that were tire rack’s most recommended tire

  • @SerPurple51
    @SerPurple51 Рік тому

    A little surprised you bought a press car since you know how they're treated. But I guess, it makes sense to buy a Toyota of all vehicles, since they're known to be pretty reliable.

  • @yay842
    @yay842 Рік тому +2

    What a nice daily 👍

  • @MRX5000X
    @MRX5000X Рік тому

    Speaking of big Prius, I wish they'd make a new Prius V. The height of the rear doors on new Prius are very short for dealing with child seat occupants, and I don't want a crossover hybrid.

  • @howardkeys
    @howardkeys Рік тому +2

    I’m on the waiting list for this exact model and colour combo. Question, would you rather have this or a CX90?

  • @aa19nn
    @aa19nn Рік тому +1

    The snow is beautiful, Which state was this filmed in?

  • @edmundohillary
    @edmundohillary Рік тому +2

    With three kids (or one in your case) explain to me how this makes any sense when compared with the extra room and auto sliding doors you get in AWD hybrid Sienna.

    • @KristheKoala
      @KristheKoala Рік тому +1

      A lot of people don't want minivans anymore. But for 3 kids I would certainly go with the sienna!

  • @awilson72
    @awilson72 Рік тому

    For the price the Q7 isn’t that far off. Went to it from my S7 and really don’t regret it.

  • @tsizzle
    @tsizzle Рік тому +2

    Hmm should one think about a Sienna if considering the Highlander? How does the ride compare to the RAV4 woodland you previously reviewed?

  • @brq44
    @brq44 Рік тому +1

    Was this published later because it’s very weird to see snow in may

  • @googleaccount7318
    @googleaccount7318 Рік тому

    You can make the cam brighter in the settings

  • @abdurrahman.maricar
    @abdurrahman.maricar Рік тому +2

    Snowing? In May?

  • @cassinihuygens
    @cassinihuygens Рік тому +1

    Yeah the camera being dark is not normal. Something is messed up with the settings.

  • @googleaccount7318
    @googleaccount7318 Рік тому

    Love the color on the outside

  • @TaijiArban
    @TaijiArban Рік тому +1

    Does the eco mode not feel sluggish to you? All toyota models I have been in, the eco mode makes me drive more roughly because the throttle response is slow and I inadvertently press the pedal more

  • @angrybear888
    @angrybear888 Рік тому +1

    time for a new audio test song, and no need to play it for that long tbh

  • @jeffdeboer1679
    @jeffdeboer1679 Рік тому

    How long ago did you film this? I hope the weather in Michigan wasn't like that in early May! 😂

  • @timsouttahere
    @timsouttahere Рік тому

    Did you make this video months ago because its 90 degrees here 🥵

  • @JoesGoldenGarage
    @JoesGoldenGarage Рік тому

    Man I missed this one. I did not know you bought one. So is the fleet include the BRZ, Miata and this?

  • @K4Cachet
    @K4Cachet Рік тому +2

    Nice!

  • @thibaaanthibaaan4287
    @thibaaanthibaaan4287 11 місяців тому +1

    does the coldness effects the age of the batteries ?

  • @danielson5850
    @danielson5850 Рік тому

    Should I buy a used 2020 Toyota highlander platinum with 45,125k km priced at 55k Canadian or a 2023 Toyota highlander xle hybrid priced at 54k Canadian

  • @babakpakbaz
    @babakpakbaz 8 місяців тому

    for 9 month we have snow in michigan😊

  • @NathanCouture-pn3tn
    @NathanCouture-pn3tn Рік тому

    Amazing video

  • @sf98321
    @sf98321 Рік тому +1

    Now that the CX-90 Hybrid is an option, will we be seeing a switch back to Mazda?

    • @mckyra
      @mckyra Місяць тому

      I tested both and would still prefer the highlander. not that mazda rides worse but the interior was not practical in mazda. less storage, too minimalistic design, good looking but weird cloth materials on dash that would look horrible when dirty and you cannot remove or clean them. also buttons felt a bit lower quality, although i trust mazda's quality. oh and the sunroof is much better on highlander. mazda's sunroof opens only partially, just enough to put your hand out. design wise however, it is mazda hands down.

  • @jdparas
    @jdparas 8 місяців тому

    does the break really feel sluggish? Like you wouldnt really feel like its slowing down that you have to step on the break pedal a little more?

  • @KYIV0482
    @KYIV0482 11 місяців тому

    Nice interior

  • @frankenelimtangco2400
    @frankenelimtangco2400 Рік тому

    Mine is 22 Highlander XLE AWD V6 so comfortable, spacious for family of 5 didn’t regret buying it. The only downside is the gas guzzling V6. 😂🤣 btw where did you bought those blindspot mirrors?

  • @4runnerMod
    @4runnerMod Рік тому

    Are you gonna do a test drive on the grand highlander when it’s released?

  • @Wasabi9111
    @Wasabi9111 Рік тому +1

    What’s the circular mirror on your side mirrors? Are they useful?

    • @gilboman
      @gilboman Рік тому +1

      they let you see your blindspot at all times, basically an analog and more reliable 360 camera and BSM

  • @bensonwu1238
    @bensonwu1238 Рік тому

    What is the difference between highlander and 4runner?

  • @paranromallover4543
    @paranromallover4543 Рік тому

    If i ever had kids i would get a lifted station wagon.

  • @francesco4542
    @francesco4542 Рік тому

    can you put your camera a little higher

  • @tesilimunadejare1218
    @tesilimunadejare1218 Рік тому

    I have a question. Do they have Toyota venza NO hybrid OR all toyota Venza are always Hybrid ?

  • @meyomix2816
    @meyomix2816 Рік тому +1

    why tf it snowing in may

  • @danhoria2003
    @danhoria2003 4 місяці тому

    Why did you remove de running boards¿ Is there a performance issue or just an estetic preference of yours? Thanks...

    • @mckyra
      @mckyra Місяць тому

      he mentioned on another video that for the highlander, running boards are unnecessary as the car is not high anyway and it gets in the way when you try to enter in and out. so a practicality issue.

  • @AndyGrouch
    @AndyGrouch Рік тому

    Is Lexus RX based on this model?

  • @dianaarteaga9753
    @dianaarteaga9753 8 місяців тому

    Is the engine super loud? I have a ‘23 & hate how loud it is 😭

  • @marlonmalave7098
    @marlonmalave7098 Рік тому

    my in my turbocharged CX-30 hearing 400 miles out of a tank: 👁️👄👁️
    i drive hard so i only get like 150 or less 😭

  • @JoesGoldenGarage
    @JoesGoldenGarage Рік тому

    Curious if Toyota can fix that camera for you? Looked way to dim

    • @TheTopher
      @TheTopher  Рік тому +1

      I did play around with the brightness/contrast and that seems to have helped a lot. Before I didn’t realize there was a separate menu setting for the reverse camera

  • @jeffreyerickson6766
    @jeffreyerickson6766 Рік тому

    I wish we could see what you look like!

  • @xlthumper
    @xlthumper Рік тому

    What settings are your audio at?

  • @josemiguel4069
    @josemiguel4069 Рік тому

    What is the interior color?

  • @JJ-mh3hb
    @JJ-mh3hb Рік тому

    Can an average Joe get a press car?

  • @Chandroth
    @Chandroth Рік тому

    Ooyy should be paying you by now for all the promotions you did for him.

  • @supraphonic88
    @supraphonic88 Рік тому

    Cringed when I heard "press fleet"... but I guess folks probably weren't thrashing a Highlander too badly

  • @laithmusa798
    @laithmusa798 Рік тому

    What’s up with the snow lmao?

  • @KL60486
    @KL60486 Рік тому

    what happened to your cx30?

    • @BrandonG8Man
      @BrandonG8Man Рік тому

      He mentioned in the beginning of the video that they sold it and his 4Runner to combine funds for the Highlander.

  • @01tonghab17
    @01tonghab17 Рік тому +4

    snow wtf

  • @daviddaniel2198
    @daviddaniel2198 7 місяців тому

    Does anyone still own one? I might trade in my 21 Ram 1500 quad cab HEMI for one

  • @QuartzE-cb3cp
    @QuartzE-cb3cp Рік тому

    The go to to song you play in every video I think… 🤔 it does not come across well. Buy an instrumental rock song to play. 💡🤷🏼‍♂️

  • @b286guy
    @b286guy Рік тому

    ⛄️

  • @KingKong-
    @KingKong- 9 місяців тому

    Why didn't you take this hybrid on a rougher snow track????? You drove 90% of the time on highway without snow.....which SUV could not tackle that!!!!😂😂😂😂😂😂 Praise the car's winter performance if the SUV can tackle fresh snow without tracks of other cars to follow.....Toyota awd never comes even 50% of top awd by Quattro, 4motion or Subaru. But good point is ofcourse mpg. Your tires does not even have 3pmsf🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙......18" rubber gets cushioned drive for sure. Overall not so great review or video......Try to post realistic adventurous videos which people would encounter in a blizzard or white-out conditions. So I'm not subscribing......sorry boss!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

  • @thehunterofhumans5370
    @thehunterofhumans5370 Рік тому +2

    First