How to fully fold down the second row seats in the Highlander?
4 Answers
If the car has seat covers installed, you won't be able to see the seat folding switch, so you need to remove the seat covers first. First, open the rear door, then face the second row seats. There is a handle on both sides of the Highlander's seats, pull it down to fold the seat.
As a long-time Highlander owner, I frequently transport items and often fold down the second-row seats. The operation is simple: stand by the door, locate the plastic pull strap or button on the outer side or top of the second-row seatback, gently pull it while pushing the seatback forward to lay it completely flat. Sometimes the headrest may obstruct, so you’ll need to lower or remove it first. Once folded, the cabin space becomes enormous, accommodating bicycles, camping gear, or large suitcases. This design is quite user-friendly—though the exact location may vary slightly across different Highlander model years, the process remains largely the same. Always check that the seat is securely locked after folding to prevent movement while driving. In short, folding the seats is incredibly practical, especially for family trips or hauling cargo—just a pull and push, done in minutes without tools. If the seat won’t budge, don’t force it; it might be misaligned with the slots—just adjust slightly and try again.
As an average car owner, I truly appreciate the convenience of folding down the second-row seats in the Highlander. The method is simple: just locate the pull strap at the top of the seatback or the small handle on the side, pull it up, and then push the seat forward to fold it down—the whole process takes less than ten seconds. Once the seat is flattened, the rear space can accommodate large miscellaneous items or children's toy cars. The headrest usually doesn't require special handling, but it's best to check that it's not in a locked position before folding. After operation, remember to test the stability to ensure driving safety. This feature is frequently used in my daily life, such as moving furniture or weekend shopping, saving the hassle of opening the trunk. The Highlander's design is very thoughtful—folding the seats is straightforward, and anyone can learn it quickly. Regularly keep the pull strap clean to avoid dust jams. If you're unfamiliar with the operation initially, refer to the car seat manual and practice a few times to get the hang of it. Folding the seats significantly increases cargo capacity, making the car more practical.
As a user, I'd like to share my experience with folding down the second row of the Highlander. The release lever is located on the outer side of the seat. Pull it and then push the seat forward to fold it down. After folding, check if it's securely locked. If the headrest is in the way, manually adjust it lower. This creates more space, making it easier to load longer items. The operation is simple and you'll get the hang of it quickly, but remember - safety first, don't rush.
