We’ll go over the numerous reasons why opening the trunk of your Toyota Highlander from the inside can be necessary before describing how to do it in action.
There is an internal handle on your trunk for basic safety, even though you might not be aware of it. Many of us are unaware of the location of this handle because it is concealed. To open the trunk of your Toyota Highlander from inside the passenger area, you must use the handle. To find this “handle,” you’ll need to crawl into the back seat (don’t be afraid to fold it down for additional space), and then you’ll need to remove a plastic cover from your Toyota Highlander’s trunk lock in order to see the entire lock. After doing this, you ought to discover a kind of lever that, when pulled, will enable you to open the Toyota Highlander’s tailgate from the interior. On many models, however, if this lever is left in the open position, you won’t be able to lock your trunk when locking your car with the central locking system. Therefore, be sure to reposition it after closing your trunk.
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In This Article...
Why won’t the back door of my Highlander open?
You always count on the power rear door to open easily for you. It can fail occasionally, which is disappointing.
The rear liftgate closure button can be pressed and held down to solve this issue quickly. It will beep repeatedly before releasing. In most circumstances, doing so will reset the liftgate and enable it to function properly.
In circumstances like this, it can be difficult to know what to do. We’ll explain that information in more detail now and let you know what to anticipate if your liftgate isn’t functioning properly. For further information and assistance, you may also look up the vehicle history.
How can the trunk on a Toyota Highlander be reset?
There is a technique to reset the liftgate on your Toyota Highlander if it is giving you problems. Therefore, try this reset method first before taking it to the Toyota shop for repair. It simply takes a few minutes and is simple to complete.
To reset the liftgate on your Toyota Highlander, do the following:
- Put your car in park and turn it off.
- Head to the Highlander’s back.
- Liftgate button should be pressed.
- Open the liftgate.
- The liftgate button should be pressed and held.
- After pausing for a moment, it will beep twice more.
- Reopen the liftgate after it has been closed.
- The liftgate of the Highland has been reset.
By adjusting your Toyota Highlander’s liftgate back to the default position, you might have avoided a trip to the dealer and a significant repair expense. We will explain the need to reset the liftgate in this article and provide step-by-step instructions.
Continue reading for answers to more frequently asked questions about the Highlander.
Is the liftgate on the Toyota Highlander powered?
Do you operate a Toyota Highlander from the year 2021? If your Highlander has the optional power liftgate, you may be unsure of how to use this practical function. An instructional video for the hands-free liftgate on the 2021 Toyota Highlander can be found below. For Highlander models with and without a genuine Toyota tow hitch, this video will explain where and how to kick.
Does the hands-free liftgate on the Toyota Highlander XLE exist?
Power Rear Liftgate Hands-Free Even with your hands full, feel free. In order to activate the hands-free power liftgate that is an option, the Highlander detects your Smart Key fob and is built to open when you kick your foot beneath the rear bumper.
Can the inside of a Highlander trunk be opened?
Your car has a release lever on the trunk latch so the trunk can be opened from the inside as a safety precaution. Push the release lever to the left to open the trunk.
Why won’t my power liftgate operate?
At Texas Hydraulic, we provide a fully stocked and equipped repair facility manned by a highly qualified group of technicians. But before you visit our Dallas-Fort Worth full-service repair facility, you might opt to try to solve the problem on your own.
We completely get, which is why we have written the guide below for troubleshooting the hydraulic liftgate on your truck. Here are a few of the most frequent causes of a malfunctioning box truck liftgate.
The next most likely culprit, if your motor is operating and everything else appears to be in working order, is low battery voltage. To determine whether the battery is the problem, try using a booster. As advised by the manufacturers, always make sure the truck is running before using the liftgate. If the booster doesn’t fix the problem, you could need to replace the battery; in that case, it’s advisable to seek out experts for OEM parts and skilled installation.
Make sure the hydraulic reservoir oil level is within the permitted range for your particular model by checking the level. If the level is too low, it will be difficult for the gate to raise itself to deck height. The suggested fluid level can be found in the owner’s manual for your liftgate. The liquid will purge from the reservoir’s breather cap if the tank is overfilled. Run the gate several times to drain all extra fluid.
If the problem is a squeaking sound, it is probably due to a lack of lubrication or issues with the power unit’s internal gears, pulleys, or sprockets. For chains or pivot points, try using a lubricant made for lift gates. If that doesn’t address the problem, you might need to rebuild or replace the pump.
A power liftgate can be opened manually, right?
You can manually push the liftgate up to the maximum open position to fully open it while using the motorized liftgate after programming a lower height than fully open.
How are hands-free liftgates used?
Your key fob should be in your hand, pocket, or bag as you approach the rear of your car.
Kick your foot in and out from under the middle of the rear bumper in one swift, straight motion. Make careful to kick the bumper 5 inches or less away.
When your liftgate opens or closes, your taillights will flash and a bell will ring.
What is a hands-free liftgate from Toyota?
It’s not always obvious how the two tailgates differ from one another. There are some clear differences between electric liftgates and manual liftgates, as we have done. When you contrast power liftgates with hands-free liftgates, that is not the case.
The method used to open and close each type of liftgate is the only distinction between them.
An intelligent fob is included with both liftgate kinds. This means that you can open and close your liftgate without locking or unlocking it beforehand. The liftgate will automatically unlock if you approach the car while carrying a smart fob in your pocket. The same is true for when you get out of the car. Without your intervention, the liftgate will be locked by the fob.
A motorized liftgate and a hands-free liftgate can be opened and closed in a number of different ways:
- activating a switch within the car, close to the driver’s seat
- remote button-pressing on the key fob
- pressing the liftgate’s button (on most Toyota models, the button is underneath the Toyota emblem on the liftgate)
But what if your hands are already full? What happens if a button isn’t reachable? The hands-free liftgate can help with that.
A hands-free liftgate is opened by waving your foot under the bumper. Under the bumper, there is a sensor. When you depress the button with your foot, the liftgate opens or closes. A power liftgate prevents you from doing it. For this reason, hands-free liftgates are referred to as such.
Has the hands-free liftgate been added to the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
Toyota’s 2021 model line has some of its most avant-garde designs ever. The hands-free liftgate is a feature that is accessible on a select few of them. This seemingly straightforward piece of equipment will completely alter the playing field. What Toyota models are equipped with a hands-free liftgate then? The hands-free opening rear door is currently available for the Toyota Sienna, Toyota Highlander, and Toyota Venza vehicles for 2021. Toyota engineers have learned that humans lead complicated lives and have created their automobiles to reduce as much stress as possible for them. Our staff created this instruction manual for using this useful technology because they enjoy being of service to others. Let’s look more closely.
Which trim of the Highlander has a motorized liftgate?
The starting price for the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE is $38,620. Foglights, a power-adjustable liftgate, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are all included for the additional cost. Additional safety features including a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic warning are also included.
With roof rails and a sunroof, a wireless charging pad, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, the 2022 Highlander XLE raises the bar even higher. It has heated front seats, simulated SofTex leather upholstery, and a power-adjustable passenger seat. It also boasts a big digital driver information screen, second-row captain’s chairs, and sunshades. A navigation system and a bench seat for the second row are further options for the XLE. Your outlay for the XLE is $41,620.
What does a Toyota Highlander’s XLE package include?
The Highlander has been around for more than 20 yearsis that really possible? It has been around since 2001, developed across four generations, and established itself as one of the most popular three-row SUVs. This perennial family favorite underwent a facelift for the 2020 model year and is now available with a gasoline V-6 or hybrid I-4 powertrain, both of which come in a variety of trim options. See the features and accessories available on each 2022 Toyota Highlander trim level by reading on.
Toyota Highlander L Trim Pros and Cons
Eight-passenger seating, three-zone automatic climate control, and one-touch up/down windows are all standard on the Highlander. The driver’s seat in the Highlander L is power-adjustable and has cloth upholstery. There are about 14 cupholders scattered throughout the interior, although the third row of seats lacks any of the five USB outlets. There is a 4.2-inch gauge display and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. A six-speaker audio system is used.
The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which includes front automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, contributes to the L trim’s achievement of IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA five-star overall safety ratings. This Highlander trim also receives these ratings for all 2022 Highlander models. The 295 hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine is standard on the Highlander L, and FWD and AWD are both available as options. A hybrid powertrain is not offered. Starting price is roughly $36,500.
Toyota Highlander LE Trim Pros and Cons
The Highlander feels less basic when equipped with the LE trim, the first trim level offered with the hybrid powertrain. A power-operated rear liftgate and a steering wheel and shifter with leather trim are nice touches. The exterior now includes heated side mirrors and LED foglights. Along with rear cross-traffic alert, those mirrors have blind-spot indicators, which are safety additions for the Highlander LE. Based on the LE’s sub-$39,000 starting price, they total around $2,200. Although adding the hybrid powertrain costs an additional $1,500, we believe it is worthwhile.
Toyota Highlander XLE Trim Pros and Cons
The XLE trim adds more high-end amenities. The middle row replaces a three-across bench with captain’s chairs; the seat fabric changes to SofTex leatherette; and both of the front seats are heated and power-adjustable. The additions include a sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and second-row sunshades. A wireless charging pad and 7.0-inch gauge cluster display are examples of technological upgrades. The 18-inch wheels on the Highlander XLE are the same size as those on lower models, but they have a classy two-tone machined finish. Starting at a little under $42,000 is the XLE trim.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition Trim Pros and Cons
The Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition, which is brand-new for 2022 and only offered with the Hybrid powertrain, Its name implies that the exterior and interior elements are color-keyed. The 18-inch wheels in golden tone are arguably the most noticeable of those. To enhance the motif, open the doors to see contrast seat stitching and lit sill plates. Cement gray paint and patterned fabric seat trim are further special characteristics. The Bronze Edition upgrades the Highlander Hybrid XLE model by including features like a hands-free power liftgate, a digital rearview mirror, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The XLE and Limited trims are conveniently priced at roughly $45,000.
Toyota Highlander Limited Trim Pros and Cons
The Limited trim is when the amenities really start to swell. Puddle lights are included in the power-folding side mirrors, and LED foglights are added up front. The addition of 20-inch chrome wheels adds a little of glamour. The front seats are heated and ventilated, the first- and second-row seats have leather trim, and the driver’s seat now has 10-way power articulation with power lumbar support. An above console microphone allows the driver to talk into the rear speakers if the passengers in the backseat are acting up.
The 120-volt outlet located between the front seats will be appreciated by power users, and built-in navigation is also available. The motorized liftgate can also be operated without using your hands.
Its $6,800 price premium over the L trim (and $4,000 price increase over XLE) reflects the significant amount of extra equipment.
Toyota Highlander Platinum Limited Pros and Cons
The Highlander, the top model, may cause Lexus buyers to look more closely. Upgrades including a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen are included with the Platinum package. An all-around camera system makes parking easier. A panoramic moonroof and seat heating are included for the second row’s captain’s chairs. The trim-only interior is offered in caramel-colored leather. The appearance is distinctive due to the 20-inch wheels, expanded chrome trim, and curve-adaptive LED headlights. It’s quite expensive for a Highlander at just under $49,000 upon launch, or around $3,400 more than the Limited variant.
Which 2022 Toyota Highlander Model Is Best?
We’re astonished to say it, but our preference among the 2022 Highlander models is the Hybrid Bronze Edition. This SUV sports a hybrid powertrain, which we find to be preferable in any configuration. Practical upgrades over less expensive models include the computerized rearview mirror and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Bronze Edition stands out from the countless other Highlanders on the road thanks to its unique geometric seat trim and bronze aesthetic features, which may be a trend that doesn’t endure as long as the average Highlander ownership duration. A wonderful blend of stylish and family-friendly features can be found in the 2022 Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition. We’d pick the Limited trim if you don’t like the way it looks.