All 2004 Highlander's are equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes that feature an antilock system and electronic brake force distribution, great assets when driving on the hard-packed snow covered roads we experienced on the Toyota sojourn. Brake effort required to bring the reasonably light (for an SUV) 1,785 kg (3,935 lb) sport-ute to a halt was minimal. The brakes responded commensurate to the force applied to the pedal while predictability was delivered in all braking maneuvers. Little nose-dive was generated by a firm application of the brakes and control was never compromised thanks to the Highlander's well-behaved suspension.
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| All 2004 Highlander's are equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes that feature an antilock system and electronic brake force distribution. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
In keeping with its car chassis roots the Highlander rides upon a MacPherson strut front setup that includes an anti-vibration subframe, coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. The independent rear suspension also utilizes coil springs and gas shocks but adds a stabilizer bar for enhanced control. The calibration of the Highlander's suspension is firmer than that holding up both ends of a Camry, however not by much. I enjoyed the ride. Unless serious off-roading is contemplated, nothing firmer is needed. Besides, if serious off-roading is in your future, the Highlander shouldn't be. Instead Toyota makes the very capable 4Runner or Sequoia.
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| In spite of not having a low range set of gears, the Highlander was very capable at dealing with deep snow, rutted roads and fairly steep inclines. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
When we arrived at the off-road site, we were briefed on the capability of each of the Toyota models that would be testing. Here it was made crystal clear that the Highlanders did not have a low-range set of gears, therefore they were forbidden from navigating the more challenging outback section of the off-road course.
But such a "no go" restriction didn't inhibit my use of the Highlander on the permissible section of the course. Here I found that in spite of not having a low range set of gears, the Highlander was very capable at dealing with deep snow, rutted roads and fairly steep inclines. Toyota's full-time 4-wheel drive system generates remarkable traction where little grip appears to exist. The firmness in the suspension coupled with relatively low ground clearance was suitable to slow traverses of craggy surfaces. Too much speed and the Highlander would jounce and bottom-out easily.
