How to Use the Hill Descent Control Function on the Highlander?
2 Answers
The usage method of the Highlander's Hill Descent Control function is: 1. Activate the hill descent function, and the display will show 'HDCON'; 2. When in D gear or R gear, engage the forced 4WD mode while descending at a speed below 25 km/h; 3. When the slope is sufficiently steep, the system will automatically descend at a speed of 7 km/h. The Highlander's body dimensions are: length 4890 mm, width 1925 mm, height 1715 mm, with a wheelbase of 2790 mm. It is equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 162 kW and a maximum torque of 350 Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
When driving my Highlander on the Sichuan-Tibet route, I frequently use the Hill Descent Control (HDC) feature, which is actually very simple to operate. First, locate the HDC button with the downhill icon on the center console. Press it, and a green indicator light will illuminate on the dashboard, indicating activation. At this point, when encountering a steep slope, there's no need to panic. Reduce the speed to below 30 km/h, completely release both the accelerator and brake pedals, and the system will automatically take over braking, maintaining a safe speed of around 7-10 km/h. It's especially important to note that you must keep control of the steering wheel yourself—the system won't handle turns for you. Once, on an icy downhill section, this feature helped me navigate a curve steadily without any wheel slippage. While it's rarely needed in city driving, it can truly be a lifesaver during mountain road trips.
