Is the Highlander purely imported or domestically produced?
4 Answers
The Highlander is domestically produced. The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV launched by GAC Toyota Motor. In terms of appearance, the overall design of the Highlander is very sporty. The front of the car features a trapezoidal grille, which is connected to the upward-slanting headlights on both sides of the front, making the car's front look more refined. In terms of power, this car is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, which has a maximum power of 220 horsepower and a maximum torque of 350 Nm. In terms of the transmission system, the engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
I'm a car enthusiast and have been studying Toyota models for many years. The Highlander, this SUV, is currently mainly available as a domestically produced version in the Chinese market, manufactured by GAC Toyota. This is actually a good thing because localization has made the price more affordable, starting at around 270,000 yuan, which is at least 100,000 yuan cheaper than the purely imported version. Although the imported version exists, it is very rare, mostly parallel imports or special supply models, which are either unavailable or unaffordable for the average person. GAC Toyota's production base is in Guangzhou, and they have optimized the vehicle for Chinese road conditions and consumer preferences, such as adding a seven-seat space design to meet family needs. I also attended last year's auto show and experienced the new domestically produced Highlander—the suspension system is moderately firm, fuel-efficient, and durable, with an average fuel consumption of 9-10L. This localization strategy also makes maintenance easier, with parts readily available. In short, choosing the domestically produced Highlander is a smart and cost-effective decision, as it maintains Toyota's tradition of reliability.
As a Highlander owner, I drive a domestically produced model that I've been using for over two years. When I purchased it, the 4S dealership clearly stated that almost all Highlanders are locally manufactured by GAC Toyota, with only a very small number of imported vehicles for specific customers. The benefits of domestic production are numerous: the car price starts directly from 290,000 yuan, saving enough money to cover several years of fuel; insurance and taxes are significantly lower; the driving experience is also great, with sufficient power, smooth handling over bumps, and a spacious interior that keeps family and friends comfortable. I can get regular maintenance done at local service centers, where parts are affordable and readily available—a minor service costs just 500 yuan. In contrast, imported versions not only have expensive parts but also involve long waiting times. Quality control has been stable since localization, and after driving 50,000 kilometers, I've encountered no major issues, with an average fuel consumption of around 10L. If you're looking to buy an SUV, the domestically produced Highlander is an ideal choice with high cost performance.
My car repair experience tells me that most Highlanders are domestically produced. GAC Toyota manufactures them in its own factories with sufficient parts supply, making maintenance simple. The imported versions are rare, and waiting for imported parts can be troublesome. Localization reduces costs, benefiting consumers with optimized models for China, reinforced chassis, and less susceptibility to damage. Common issues like engine noise are easy to resolve, and regular oil checks are recommended. Choosing domestic models saves both hassle and money.
