I'm looking to buy a Toyota highlander soon and have a couple options. 4 cylinder with that bulletproof 6 speed transmission or 6 cylinder with the less tried and true 8 speed transmission. I know Scotty has warned about getting a midsized suv with turbo charged 4 cylinders like the Ford Explorer but I haven't heard his opinion on the Toyotas naturally aspirated 4 cylinder. I also have heard him love Toyotas 6 speed transmissions and prefer it over the 8 speed. This will eventually be my daughter's first car and I'd rather her have 185hp instead of 295 but I want to get what will last. Any advice is appreciated.
For a big car like that get a V6
I agree with mountainmanjoe, V6 is best for that heavy SUV. Go for the 2010-2016 non-GDI engines mated to 6 speed AT.
8 speed automatic transmissions are good reliable ones. Don’t worry about it.
