Does the Highlander Have a Particulate Filter?
3 Answers
The Highlander does not come with a particulate filter across all its models. There are currently 9 available Highlander models on sale, none of which are equipped with a particulate filter, yet they still comply with the China VI emission standards. A particulate filter is a ceramic filter installed in the exhaust system of diesel engines, designed to capture particulate emissions before they are released into the atmosphere. It can reduce the soot produced by diesel engines by more than 90%, and the captured particulate matter is subsequently burned off during vehicle operation. How the particulate filter works: The diesel particulate filter is coated with metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium. The black smoke containing carbon particles emitted by the diesel engine enters the particulate filter through a dedicated pipe. Inside, a densely arranged bag-type filter captures the carbon particles on a metal fiber felt filter. When the accumulation of particles reaches a certain level, a burner at the end automatically ignites, burning off the captured carbon particles and converting them into harmless carbon dioxide that is then released. To check if a Highlander has a particulate filter, you can use the following three methods: 1. Check the and to see if there is a particulate filter function. Additionally, carefully review the fault codes in the manual to see if there is a "particulate filter" warning light indicator. 2. Look at the label on the oil filler cap. If the cap clearly states 0W-20 grade oil, it indicates the presence of a particulate filter. 3. Inspect the exhaust pipe behind the three-way catalytic converter to see if there is an additional cylindrical section. If present, that is the particulate filter.
From an environmental perspective, many new Highlanders are indeed equipped with particulate filters, primarily to meet increasingly stringent emission standards like China VI. I personally drive a 2023 Highlander, which comes with this device to filter fine particles from exhaust gases and reduce pollution. However, it's worth noting that older models, such as those before 2018, may not have it. Why do automakers do this? It's all driven by regulations—otherwise, they wouldn't pass environmental tests. In daily use, the Highlander is quite reliable, but I’d remind everyone to check and maintain the filter regularly to avoid clogging and performance issues. Overall, modern cars are doing a decent job in environmental protection, and opting for a newer model gives you more peace of mind.
As an average car owner, I've been driving the Highlander for two years now, and the 2021 model I bought came with a particulate filter. It's nothing new, mainly designed to reduce exhaust emissions—good for the environment, you know. It's been working fine for me; no strange noises at startup, and no noticeable increase in fuel consumption. But honestly, the new car is a bit pricey—whether it's worth it depends on your budget. If you're considering a used or base model, check the manufacturing year—newer models mostly have it, while older ones might not. I recommend clarifying with the dealer before buying or checking the manual for the specs. Overall, it doesn’t affect the driving experience and actually makes trips cleaner. The Highlander is quite solid among family SUVs.
