The Highlander’s temporary is sort of easy: preserve it cozy. We discover the XSE mannequin and its sportier suspension a bit odd, however even that specific mannequin errs on the facet of consolation. Since that is primarily a household automobile, it solely must go forwards, backwards, and sideways with out falling over. Ideally, the passengers ought to be snug as nicely.
Toyota hits the mark completely. The damping is spot-on, making certain all passengers take pleasure in a journey smoother than a tall glass of heat milk. It does have a Sport mode, nonetheless, which is an oddity in a car like this. Push the button and the throttle response is extra aggressive. You may chuck it round a bit, and you will be stunned at how agile it’s – for a household provider, that’s – however it’s nonetheless no Mazda CX-9. Whereas it could possibly hustle, it would not really feel notably completely satisfied about it. You get the sensation that it should name the PTA and report you for irresponsible driving. Cruising on the prime authorized velocity within the USA is easy and appears to be throughout the Highlander’s consolation zone.
The suspension can also be completely completely satisfied in delicate off-road conditions. It copes with a gravel highway very nicely. You may load the entire household and discover the gravel roads in your space. You would be stunned on the hidden gems you may discover on such journeys. The one limiting issue is floor clearance, however for the reason that Highlander would not have a switch case or low-range, it was by no means constructed to do greater than drive down a pleasing gravel highway. The 4Runner caters to that section.