Can the Highlander go to the Sichuan-Tibet Line?

[Rhett]

The Highlander can go, but avoid going to too remote areas. Make sure all preparations are done before the trip. Here is some relevant information about taking the Highlander to the Sichuan-Tibet Line: Route: For self-driving trips to Tibet in a sedan, there are only two routes to choose from. One is the 214 Yunnan-Tibet Line starting from Yunnan, which merges with the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Line at Mangkang, then continues along the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Line into Tibet. The other route is the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Line, starting from Chengdu, Sichuan, and reaching Tibet. Precautions:

[EmilioLynn]

I've driven the Highlander on the Sichuan-Tibet route several times—it's my daily ride for dropping off and picking up the kids from school, and I take it off-roading on weekends. The SUV's 4WD is decent, handling city streets smoothly, but it's a different story on the Sichuan-Tibet route. The engine struggles on high-altitude stretches, lacking power even when you floor the throttle on climbs. The ground clearance isn’t ideal either, leading to frequent underbody scrapes on rocky paths. Before every trip, I make sure to swap in off-road tires, install underbody protection, and pack extra fuel and a toolkit. The ever-changing terrain brings challenges like slippery mud pits, where the 4WD engages too slowly. Carrying oxygen tanks to prevent altitude sickness is a must. Stick to well-traveled routes like Highway 318, avoid the rainy season, and take frequent breaks to check your vehicle. While the Highlander can handle the journey, it’s no match for rugged off-roaders—meticulous prep is key.

[OBradley]

I really enjoy tinkering with cars, and the Highlander is my frequent companion. Its engine performs steadily in urban areas, but its limits are tested on the Sichuan-Tibet route: slow starts on steep slopes, low torque struggles at high altitudes, and rapid tire wear. Before setting off, I modified the suspension system, upgraded to all-terrain tires, and installed thicker brake discs. Long-distance bumps can easily fatigue the suspension. Additionally, fuel quality varies at high altitudes, so I brought filters and an emergency fuel pump. When encountering landslide-prone areas, detours are necessary. Overall, the Highlander, as an urban SUV, can challenge the Tibetan region, but it lacks sufficient wading depth and corrosion-resistant bodywork, requiring constant monitoring. For friends who frequently travel the Sichuan-Tibet route, I recommend prioritizing safety.