Is the Highlander's Engine Domestic or Imported?
4 Answers
The Highlander is equipped with an original imported engine, which features Toyota's exclusive dual VVT-i technology. The engine is imported from Japan and then installed at GAC Toyota's factory. The Highlander uses two types of engines, with model numbers A25D and 8AR-FTS. The A25D engine has a maximum horsepower of 192 HP, a maximum power of 141 kW, a maximum power speed of 6000 rpm, and a peak torque of 238 N·m. The 8AR-FTS engine has a maximum horsepower of 220 HP, a maximum power of 162 kW, a maximum power speed of 5200-5600 rpm, and a peak torque of 350 N·m. For daily maintenance of the Highlander's engine, the following methods can be used: Use lubricating oil of appropriate quality grade. For gasoline engines, select SD-SF grade gasoline engine oil based on the additional devices in the intake and exhaust systems and usage conditions. For diesel engines, select CB-CD grade diesel engine oil according to mechanical load, with the selection standard not lower than the manufacturer's requirements. Regularly change the oil and filter. The quality of any grade of lubricating oil will change during use. After a certain mileage, performance deteriorates, causing various problems for the engine. To avoid malfunctions, change the oil regularly based on usage conditions and maintain an appropriate oil level. When oil passes through the fine pores of the filter, solid particles and viscous substances in the oil accumulate in the filter. If the filter is clogged and oil cannot pass through, the filter may burst or the safety valve may open, allowing oil to bypass through the bypass valve and carry contaminants back to the lubrication area, accelerating engine wear and increasing internal pollution. Regularly clean the crankcase. During engine operation, high-pressure unburned gases, acids, moisture, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides from the combustion chamber enter the crankcase through the gap between the piston rings and cylinder walls, mixing with metal powder from component wear to form sludge. Small amounts remain suspended in the oil, while larger amounts precipitate, clogging filters and oil passages, making engine lubrication difficult and causing wear. Regularly use radiator cleaner to clean the radiator. Removing rust and scale not only ensures the engine operates normally but also extends the overall lifespan of the radiator and engine.
I've driven a Highlander for several years and have actually researched this engine issue. Currently, the engines for domestic Highlanders are mostly produced locally by GAC Toyota. In earlier years, imported engines might have been used, but now the production lines are all at the Nansha plant in Guangzhou. My 2.0T model clearly states 'Made in China' on the nameplate. However, Toyota's quality control is quite strict, and there's no performance degradation after localization—fuel efficiency and noise reduction are still well maintained. For daily driving, the power is sufficient, and it doesn't feel sluggish even when climbing hills. If you're considering the imported version of the Highlander, that's a different story, but the ones sold at domestic 4S shops are mostly equipped with locally produced engines.
Those who follow automotive news are aware that the Highlander's engine is now fully localized. GAC Toyota's factory introduced the TNGA production line a few years ago, and both the 2.0T and hybrid engines are independently produced. Although some individual components may still be imported, assembly and testing are all completed domestically. This is actually beneficial for consumers, as maintenance becomes more convenient, and the engine compartment layout is better adapted to domestic road conditions. My colleague purchased a hybrid version last year, and the engine runs much smoother than the older models, proving that localization has brought about technological upgrades.
From a supply chain perspective, the engines for GAC Toyota's domestically produced Highlander are naturally manufactured within China. Imported engines would incur significantly higher costs, and automakers wouldn't opt for that approach. Nowadays, engine production lines boast high automation levels, with minimal quality differences between domestic and imported products. For critical components like piston rings, suppliers are globally standardized. In terms of actual driving experience, domestically produced engines are actually better suited for China's fuel quality, resulting in fewer carbon deposit issues. During maintenance, I've paid special attention to the repair orders and noticed that all part numbers carry domestic batch codes.
