How to flatten the rear seats of the Highlander?
3 Answers
The Highlander's rear seats have a pull handle on both sides. After pulling it down, you can flatten the rear seats. The soft second-row seats of the Highlander feature multiple functions such as tilting, flattening, and sliding, allowing for a 40:20:40 split. When the central seat in the second row is folded up, it forms two independent captain-style seats with individual armrests. Here are details about the Highlander's rear seats: 1. The third-row seats have an added 50:50 folding function. Before folding the third-row seats, you need to retract the seat belt buckles, thread the seat belts through the seat belt hooks, and secure the seat belt latches to prevent damage to the shoulder belts. 2. Before using the seat belts, ensure they are removed from the hooks. Lower the headrests to the lowest position, pull the adjustment strap while folding the seatbacks to lay the third-row seats flat.
As a long-time Toyota Highlander owner, folding down the rear seats is part of my daily routine, often used for transporting bicycles or camping gear. First, locate the lever or button on the side of the second-row seats—a gentle pull will make the seats tilt and slide forward. Then, move to the cargo area where there's usually a strap or handle at the top or side of the third-row seats; a light tug will automatically flatten them down. The whole process typically takes just seconds and requires minimal effort, but the key is ensuring the seats are properly locked in place, especially when driving on mountain roads or bumpy terrain, to prevent them from loosening or damaging the interior while in motion. If you encounter resistance or the seats won't budge, don't force it—small debris might be stuck, so clear it before trying again. I recommend new owners start with simple steps to practice and gradually get accustomed to the process, making cargo loading much more hassle-free.
I've been driving a Highlander for several years and really appreciate the convenience of folding down the rear seats—the design is quite user-friendly. The operation is simple: first, look at the second-row seats, find a small lever beside the seatback, and pull it to slide the seat forward. Then, move to the rear of the car, check for a strap or switch near the third row, and gently pull it down to flatten the seats. Once folded, the space becomes enormous, perfect for loading large items like furniture from IKEA. Just remember to leave some space for visibility and safety. Daily maintenance is easy—just dust the seat rails monthly to keep the mechanism smooth. If it gets stuck, it might be due to dust buildup in the tracks; wipe them with a damp cloth to prevent strap wear.
