Struggling to Choose the Best Family SUV for UK Roads TOYOTA Highlander III Off-Road (XU50) (12.2013 - ...)

Hi there, I actually own a 2015 Toyota Highlander and have been driving it on UK roads for the past few years. I can say that it handles the narrow lanes pretty well, though you do have to be a bit more cautious when navigating tight spaces. The size can make parking a bit tricky, but the rear camera and sensors are really helpful. In terms of fuel efficiency, I've been averaging around 30 mpg, which is decent for an SUV of this size. Maintenance-wise, it's been very reliable and the costs have been quite reasonable compared to some other models. Overall, I've been really happy with the Highlander and would recommend it to a family looking for a spacious and capable SUV.

Thanks for sharing your experience, that's really helpful. I'm also considering the Highlander but I'm a bit concerned about the size. I live in a more urban area with a lot of tight parking garages and narrow streets. Do you find the Highlander manageable in those kinds of situations, or is it just too big? I'd be curious to hear more about the day-to-day usability on the roads near you.

That's a good point about the size, I'm also worried it might be a bit unwieldy in tighter spaces. I live in a more rural area, but I do have to navigate some narrow country lanes to get to work. How does the Highlander handle on those kinds of roads? Is it easy to maneuver or does the size make it feel a bit cumbersome?

You raise some valid concerns about the size of the Highlander, especially if you're in a more urban environment. I live in a suburban area, so the roads and parking spaces are a bit more forgiving. In my experience, the Highlander is definitely on the larger side and can feel a bit unwieldy in very tight spots. That said, I find it's still quite manageable with careful maneuvering and the assistance of the rear camera and parking sensors.

On the narrow country lanes, I haven't had too much trouble. The visibility is good and it handles the twists and turns pretty well. You do have to be a bit more cautious, but I haven't found it to be unmanageable. The power and suspension keep it stable and composed, even on those kinds of roads.

Ultimately, I think it comes down to your personal comfort level with the size and how often you'll be navigating very tight spaces. It's a capable and spacious SUV, but the larger dimensions may be a drawback in more urban environments. It might be worth test driving one to see how it feels for your specific needs.

That's really helpful feedback, thanks! The size is definitely a consideration for me, especially since I do a lot of city driving. I went and test drove a Highlander recently and you're right, it handles the narrow streets and tight parking spots okay, but it definitely requires more effort than something more compact.

I'm also curious about the long-term reliability and maintenance costs. Have you had any major issues with yours over the years? And how does the servicing and repair work compare to other SUVs you've owned?

In terms of long-term reliability, the Highlander has been great for me. I'm at around 60,000 miles now and aside from regular maintenance, I haven't had any major issues come up. The Toyota reputation for dependability has definitely held true in my experience.

As for servicing and repairs, I've found it to be pretty straightforward and reasonable in cost. The parts and labor aren't too expensive, and the scheduled maintenance intervals are pretty standard. I get it serviced at my local Toyota dealer and they've always provided good service. Compared to some other SUVs I've owned in the past, the maintenance costs have been on the lower side.

The only potential downside is that being a larger vehicle, some of the maintenance items can be a bit more labor intensive. Things like brakes or oil changes may cost a bit more due to the size. But overall, I'd say the Highlander has been a very reliable and cost-effective vehicle to own and maintain.

That's really good to hear about the reliability and maintenance costs. Dependability is a big factor for me when it comes to family vehicles. And it's nice to know the servicing and repairs aren't overly expensive, even with the larger size.

You've given me a lot to think about with the Highlander. I appreciate you taking the time to share your real-world experience. It sounds like it may be a good fit for my needs, especially the spaciousness and capability. I'll have to go test drive one again and see how it feels in my specific driving conditions. Definitely leaning more towards the Highlander now, but will keep researching a bit more. Thanks again!

I'm glad I could provide some helpful insights on the Toyota Highlander based on my personal experience. It's definitely a big decision choosing the right family SUV, with so many factors to consider. Test driving in your own environment is a great idea - that will really give you a feel for how it handles the roads and spaces you deal with regularly.

Please let me know if you have any other questions come up as you continue your research. I'm happy to share more thoughts, and I'm sure the other forum members will also have valuable perspectives to offer. Wishing you the best of luck in finding the perfect SUV for your family's needs!