Anyone own a Highlander or similar SUV?

This is one of the reasons I love our Highlander so much, is for how well and comfortably it serves as our secondary tow vehicle. The Highlander even has a higher towing capacity than the 4Runner does, and a nicer ride. And it's not fair to compare it to the Rav4, which you can't even get with a V6 anymore and only has a 1500lb towing capacity, vs 5000lb in the Highlander.

What do you mean by sketchy? Even towing our 2500lb travel trailer, vehicle loaded with people and gear, our Highlander has never made me feel uncomfortable in any way. Power and braking are just as good as my Tacoma, minus a little low end torque; the only reason my Tacoma handles it better is because I added airbags to it.

 

My wife drives an 08 Highlander Limited and loves it. Tons of room for the kids and her home show business (she sells clothing). So she can fit all her bags and racks in the back.

The only thing I don'tike about it (and it is a small issue), is it has an oil cartridge, not a filter. It is not hard to get to, but I always have to order a cartridge when I do oil changes. They almost always never have the one in store that I want.

 

What I mean by sketchy is the feeling that a independent rear suspension gives when towing. I feel like I am on a boat and this goes for any independent rear suspension vehicle I have driven under load not just the Highlander. I prefer a straight axle. I am also a firm believer in getting a larger vehicle if you plan on towing at 65% of the max rating. For example if I was towing a 5000 pound trailer consistently I would look at a full size for less wear and tear but more importantly safety. The taco is more than capable at 6500 for short trips but I wouldn't do it for long distances. I am sure the Highlander can "handle" towing what I need but I would feel safer and better with a vehicle slightly more than what I need and no I don't mean a cummins diesel. And yes I see plenty of people flying by me in my Taco doing 70 in their crossovers towing their weekend boats full with gear dragging ass down the freeway and I think it is dangerous even though 99% of the time nothing happens.

 

Any update, OP?

 

Yeah we test drove a Highlander (the Limited-Platinum of course... heaven forbid the salesman would let my wife drive something we can afford ) and a 4runner. Out of those we are definitely leaning towards the Highlander for her uses. We both like the truck features of the 4runner, but the Highlander offers many more features that are good for a family.

Anyways, I get my bonus from work in a couple of months and then we will get more serious about buying something.

 

Wife has a '12 Highlander. I bought hers a month earlier than I bought mine.

I will say we've had NO problems with it so far.