The newer Hybrid Toyota Highlanders check a lot of boxes for an SUV . Toyota hybrid engines appear to be reliable but CVT transmissions in all wheel drive can have a variety of opinions both good and bad. What is your take on late model Highlander transmissions ? Any other mechanical or reliability issues that make a Highlander a no-go for you ?
Late Model Toyota Highlander Reviews ?
- Thread starter ChrisD46
- Start date
Brother has one, I believe a MY25, and loves it. Getting something like 38 MPG with it. I think the Toyota CVT has way less issues than the Nissan CVT for example and like anything else, maintenance matters. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. They're a really comfortable ride too.
The planetary gear type eCVT transmission that Toyota uses in their hybrids is an entirely different animal than the belt-type CVTs used in other vehicles, and their reliability/durability has proven to be beyond approach even against other gear-type automatic transmissions.
The AWD system that Toyota uses in their hybrids is also fundamentally different than other conventional AWD systems in that there isn't any direct mechanical connection to the engine, they use another dedicated electric motor for the rear drive.
The AWD system that Toyota uses in their hybrids is also fundamentally different than other conventional AWD systems in that there isn't any direct mechanical connection to the engine, they use another dedicated electric motor for the rear drive.
I have one. MUCH simpler. Best vehicle I have ever owned.
The AWD system for the hybrids is just an emotor and isn't real AWD. Basically rear wheel assist. That alone would rule it out in my world. (I mean, already would be ruled out for being wrong wheel drive to start LOL).
This! Especially the info on the e-CVT
And if you’re seriously considering the Highlander hybrid, act now.
Toyota will discontinue that model after November, with the Highlander platform going electric only.
If you want a hybrid in the Highlander after this year, you’ll have to opt for the Grand Highlander.
And I know for a fact Toyota is producing fewer Highlander hybrids at their U.S. factory, hence dealership inventory is lower than last year with future deliveries being “pre-sold” three months in advance.
My in laws have 2 highlanders, one is a hybrid. They have a glitch with the infotainment system but yes it’s eCVT is tried and true.
We have the Rav4H AWD which is the same emotor rear axle. While I’m a connected-axle purist, I’ve got to admit that they have something really cool going on here. Whereas typical FWD-based AWD only sees effective rear-end production only after the front is spinning loose, the emotor assist is programmed to send power to the rear based on throttle inputs… it does actual work which is noticeable especially when hustling the vehicle in traffic. Example, snap the throttle down for launch and I’ve scratched off with the rear tires before. It is startling how quickly it will launch into, say, a hard right turn to get into traffic. For on road use, it may be more useful than traditional clutch-slip systems. It improves daily driving.
We have the Rav4H AWD which is the same emotor rear axle. While I’m a connected-axle purist, I’ve got to admit that they have something really cool going on here. Whereas typical FWD-based AWD only sees effective rear-end production only after the front is spinning loose, the emotor assist is programmed to send power to the rear based on throttle inputs… it does actual work which is noticeable especially when hustling the vehicle in traffic. Example, snap the throttle down for launch and I’ve scratched off with the rear tires before. It is startling how quickly it will launch into, say, a hard right turn to get into traffic. For on road use, it may be more useful than traditional clutch-slip systems. It improves daily driving.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Horrid AWD. Any kind of obstacle that is not snow on asphalt is a problem for it.
Any mechanical system, literally any, is far better.
The question is: does it need to be better? These vehicles are mostly used to pick up kids from school, grocery shopping. It will do OK in snow with decent tires, but that is about it.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Toyota since 2015 in mechanical AWD distributes power to the rear during any kind of acceleration. Many other AWD’s do that, Honda being probably at forefront among these FWD based AWD (not counting Audi, BMW etc).
There were tests done precisely on RAV4 where this system disengages rear axle at any physical obstacle. Why? Have no idea.
That’s interesting. Best I have is there is a “power display” which shows an analog of how much power is sent to the rear. The first metric observed is the velocity of accelerator movement. The quicker you snap the pedal down, the more burst. Depth doesn’t mean much, eg, if you ease it down, the rear might do very little.
What I haven’t observed is how aggressively it kicks the rear when the front end spins out.
Something to note - where the electronic system still has an advantage - is in a locked mechanical system, unless the fronts are slipping, the rears are simply keeping time with the front, which means that if everything is in sync, their effective force to the ground is only present if the front slips or if you’re in a turn, whereas the emotor will not be “held back” by mechanics - if power is applied, theres torque to the ground. I’m not saying in any way that one is better than the other - what I can say is the the silly little rav4H has a lot more “boogie” in it for snap-movements under 25 mph that the little ute would suggest. That drivetrain in a Corolla would be raucous.
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2026
As a Toyota tech I can tell you you’d definitely be better off with the Hybrid CVT than the non hybrid 8 speed because the 8 speeds go bad all the time especially in the Highlanders. We had two in the shop this week getting transmissions and have done several so even though I normally don’t agree with getting a hybrid this is one case I actually do. And Toyota CVT is a lot different and better than Nissan or other brands.
Thats a shame to hear about problems with the 8-speed. Man they are having a lot of trouble aren’t they??
Have you run across any oil dilution suspicions with their turbo motors?
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2026
Yes they have a lot of problems mostly in the Highlanders but you do see them go bad in th RAV4 somewhat often too and Camry has the same transmission and I’ve not seen any of those go bad yet but do know people at other dealerships that have.
I haven’t seen any oil dilution yet at least not in the turbo Highlander or Tacoma yet but have with the Tundras 2022 and up. We will see eventually with the Highlander and Tacoma I guess as they get some more age on them.
Maybe if they added a few more gears to it the problems would be solved......
Thank you @AutoMechanic
That’s too bad as the GH is too large while the RAV4 is too small . The whole electric only vehicle set up has hit a bit of a lull in the USA as the infrastructure to support it has stalled … Gasoline still is king in the USA.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Here are the tests I was referencing.
No mechanical connection between front and back just does not work as well.
Here is the one I remember very well. At 10.55. Compare that, for example, to the Tiguan, which spins both axles (however, like all of them, it has horrible tires for a test like that). Really don't understand why ECU does not activate at all rear axle since the front axle is pretty much burning tires:
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Sale is 40% up last month.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
What is happening with this talk about headgaskets in 2.4T? Specifically around 3rd cyl?
