Is the Toyota Highlander good in snow?
Yes. A Toyota Highlander equipped with all-wheel drive and proper winter tires handles snowy roads well for daily driving and family trips. It isn’t a dedicated snow vehicle, but with the right setup and cautious driving it offers reliable traction and stability in winter conditions.
How snow performance works in the Highlander
The Highlander relies on all-wheel drive (AWD) to improve traction when road conditions are slippery. In snow and ice, electronic safety systems such as traction control and stability control help keep you in control by modulating power and braking. The SUV also provides a moderate ground clearance—roughly eight inches—to reduce the risk of getting hung up in light snow. The single most impactful factor, however, is tire choice: winter tires deliver far better grip, braking, and steering feel on snow and ice than all-season tires. Where available, drive modes can optimize throttle response and torque distribution for slippery surfaces, adding an extra layer of stability.
Drivetrain options and safety tech
Most Highlander trims offer AWD as an option, paired with a suite of safety features designed to help in winter conditions. These typically include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), and Electronic Brake-force Distribution. While these systems improve confidence on snowy roads, they do not eliminate the need for careful driving, longer stopping distances, or appropriate winter tires. Even with AWD and safety aids, icy or steep terrain requires slower speeds and smoother inputs.
Key factors that influence snow performance in the Highlander include drivetrain configuration, tire choice, ground clearance, and electronic safety systems.
- All-wheel drive is available on many trims and helps transfer power to wheels with grip during slip, improving traction on snowy roads.
- Ground clearance is about eight inches, which helps with light snow but is not a substitute for winter-specific capability in deep snow or on steep, icy grades.
- Winter tires dramatically improve grip, braking, and steering on snow and ice compared with all-season tires.
- Electronic safety systems such as VSC, TRAC, and ABS help maintain control but require prudent driving on snow and ice.
- Some trims offer drive modes designed for snow or slippery surfaces to tailor throttle response and torque, enhancing stability where available.
In practice, even with AWD and winter tires, you should drive cautiously and anticipate longer stopping distances on snow and ice.
Practical tips for winter driving with the Highlander
Preparing the Highlander for winter conditions and following safe driving practices can maximize performance on snowy roads. Here are practical steps to consider:
- Install high-quality winter tires on all four wheels and ensure they have adequate tread depth for snow and ice.
- Drive at modest speeds, accelerate smoothly, and brake gently to avoid wheel spin on slick surfaces.
- Use AWD knowledge wisely—AWD helps with traction but does not shorten stopping distances on ice; maintain a longer following distance.
- Engage any available slippery-surface drive mode to optimize throttle response and stability, if your model supports it.
- Check tire pressures regularly in cold weather, as low temperatures can reduce nominal pressures.
- Keep the fuel tank reasonably full to prevent fuel-line moisture and to maintain weight distribution that can aid stability.
- Carry an emergency kit and warm clothing in the vehicle in case you get stranded or stuck.
With proper tires and cautious driving, the Highlander can be a solid winter choice for many drivers, especially in urban and suburban areas with regular snowfall.
Summary
The Toyota Highlander is capable in snow when equipped with AWD and winter tires, thanks to improved traction, stability control, and adequate ground clearance. It remains a family crossover rather than a rugged snow vehicle, so performance hinges on tire choice, driving habits, and conditions. For most winter commuting, the Highlander offers reliable, comfortable, and safe operation—provided you prepare appropriately and adjust your driving to the weather.
What year to avoid on a Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander has several troubled years to avoid: 2001–2003, 2005–2007, 2008–2010, 2014–2015, and 2017–2019.
What Toyota is best in snow and ice?
The best Toyota models for snow include the TRD Pro, TRD Off-Road, and trims with high-end features (like the 1794 Edition). Between the Tacoma and Tundra, the Tacoma has a more diverse suite of features and higher ground clearance, while the Tundra provides higher-end benefits such as heated rear seats.
How is the Toyota Highlander in snow?
The Toyota Highlander is another great option, as it is equipped with advanced traction control and a powerful engine. The Toyota Corolla is also a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable and reliable car that can handle snow.
Which is better in snow RAV4 or Highlander?
Both the Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Highlander come with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive - the latter is the better choice for conquering the snowy highways of the region or the muddy, or sometimes non-existent, roadways around Newburgh or Scotchtown.
