
Highlander is a model under Toyota, which is a mid-size SUV. In terms of body dimensions, the new Highlander measures 4890mm in length, 1925mm in width, and 1720mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2790mm. It is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine across the lineup, with the engine code being 8AR-FTS. This 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers 220 horsepower and a maximum torque of 350 Nm, featuring VVT-iW technology and hybrid injection technology, and uses an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. In terms of suspension, the Highlander uses a MacPherson independent suspension at the front and an E-type multi-link independent suspension at the rear.

As someone who has followed the car market for a long time, I can clearly tell you that the Highlander is a model under Toyota. FAW Toyota's main SUVs are models like the RAV4 Rongfang and Crown Kluger. In fact, GAC Toyota has been producing the Highlander at its Guangzhou plant for over a decade, starting from the second generation of domestic production. A friend of mine just bought a hybrid Highlander last year, and he picked it up at a GAC Toyota 4S store. If you check the configuration parameters on the official website or book a test drive, you have to go through GAC Toyota's channels. Among the seven-seater SUVs commonly seen on the market, the Highlander's strong reputation is inseparable from GAC's quality control—their production line management is indeed quite strict.

The Highlander is definitely from Toyota! I remember doing my homework when I bought my car. FAW Toyota mainly focuses on sedans like the Corolla and the Avalon, as well as SUV series like the Land Cruiser Prado. But the Highlander has been bearing the GAC logo since its domestic production started in 2009, and even the new hybrid version is assembled at GAC's factory. Although both manufacturers are called Toyota, their product lines are quite distinct. For mid-to-large SUVs like the Highlander, GAC has more mature expertise, with unique space optimization and chassis tuning. If you've compared them at 4S dealerships, you'd notice that the display cars and brochures at the two are completely different. Just look for the GAC logo, and you're good to go.

It's quite common to mix up FAW and GAC Toyota, but the Highlander is indeed from GAC. Simply put: GAC Toyota manufactures the Highlander, while FAW Toyota produces the Crown Kluger. Their factory locations are also different—GAC's base is in Guangzhou, which is why you see so many Highlanders on southern roads. Currently, all third-generation domestic versions of the Highlander are produced by GAC. Just open any car website, and the manufacturer column on the specs page will clearly state this. When you go for a test drive, I recommend heading directly to a GAC 4S dealership—they have more complete configurations, including hybrid versions now.

My friend just bought a Highlander, and I specifically confirmed when accompanying him to pick up the car that it was produced by Toyota. Although FAW Toyota also has similar SUVs like the Crown Kluger, their positioning is still different. The Highlander is considered the flagship SUV in GAC's lineup, and its configuration was significantly upgraded after the mid-term facelift last year. GAC Toyota's factories have always maintained strict quality control, and their engine assembly process is very solid. If you're torn between the differences of these two manufacturers, just look at the rear badge for the most accurate information: GAC Toyota vehicles all carry the 'GAC Toyota' label. Additionally, maintenance and repairs should be done at the corresponding brand's 4S stores, as the parts channels are different.

The Highlander model is unequivocally under the Toyota brand. Since its transition from imported to domestically produced, its production line has been established at GAC's Nansha plant. FAW Toyota concurrently launched its sibling model, the Crown Kluger. The distinction method is straightforward: check the dealership signage—only those displaying the GAC Toyota logo stock the Highlander. The new models now come standard with a 2.5L hybrid system, boasting excellent fuel efficiency, making it ideal for family outings. GAC's manufacturing craftsmanship pays meticulous attention to detail, such as the smoother folding mechanism for the rear seats compared to some competitors. For purchasing, searching the GAC Toyota official website for dealership information is the most reliable approach.


