
The wading depth of the Highlander is 45.5cm. Generally, the wading depth of sedans is smaller than that of SUVs because SUVs have a higher ground clearance. If a vehicle exceeds the maximum wading depth, it may affect normal operation and, in severe cases, could lead to engine damage. The Highlander is a mid-size SUV under GAC Toyota, with dimensions of 4890mm in length, 1925mm in width, and 1715mm in height, a wheelbase of 2790mm. It is equipped with a 2.0T L4 engine featuring turbocharging, delivering a maximum horsepower of 220ps and a maximum torque of 350nm.

As someone who drives a Highlander daily, I think the topic of wading depth is very important, but the manufacturer hasn’t provided an official number. To be conservative, it’s generally best not to exceed around 300 millimeters—basically, avoid driving through water deeper than the wheel height. Never push your luck by recklessly charging through puddles. Water that’s too deep can cause engine damage, and repairs are a huge hassle. Last time I drove in heavy rain, the water was only half a meter deep, but I felt the car shaking, which scared me into taking a detour. When driving an SUV, remember that the air intake is located near the wheels underneath the car. If water rises above it, trouble could follow, so it’s best to measure the water depth before proceeding. In bad weather, drive slowly and cautiously—safety first, don’t just focus on speed.

I've driven quite a few SUVs, including the Highlander, which has a wading depth of around 400 to 500 millimeters, but that's under ideal conditions—it really depends on how you drive. If the ground is muddy or the water flow is rapid, the depth might need to be reduced further because the wheels and chassis could splash water higher. Also, tire size makes a big difference; larger tires can handle slightly deeper water. When wading, it's crucial to drive slowly and steadily—sudden acceleration or braking can make things worse. On muddy roads or rainy days, it's best to avoid deep water areas to prevent any regrets.

Having driven the Highlander for so many years, I'm particularly cautious about water fording. I estimate it can handle depths up to 400mm, but never recklessly charge in. For example, completely submerged wheels are manageable, but anything deeper requires finding an alternate route. My driving experience tells me that when water reaches critical undercarriage components, you'll hear unusual noises or feel power loss - that's when you should stop immediately.


