Can the Toyota Highlander handle driving on soft beach sand?

Question

At some point in the near future, I need to consider a larger vehicle for my family.  My wife is dead-set against a mini-van.  So we are looking at SUVs.  I grew up in a family of Jeep Wagoneers, the last one being a stout 1979 model that handled the beach ramps of North Carolina like it was a paved road, that we sadly had to part with 8 years ago.  But I am not impressed with modern Jeeps.  I'm also not interested in any of the gas guzzling V8s out there. I am looking for something with permanent 4WD, but I need a balance between good road driving, decent efficiency (at least 25hwy), and with enough off-road capability to get me through the kind of sand you'll find at Oregon Inlet, NC without worry.  The research I've done so far suggest the Highlander has the best chance of meeting my needs, but I would feel better with some practical input from anyone who's actually taken a Highlander on the kind of beach sand I'm likely to encounter along the US mid-atlantic coast (VA/NC).

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

A vehicle on sand has nothing to do with the vehicle. It all depends on where you are. Sand south of a certain point in the country (like Georgia I think) is made from different stuff than the sand up north. You can drive on the sand in the south, but not in the north.

Thomas E · Answer

Driving on sand is all about the weight on each tire contact patch and the area of the tire patch. Any modern AWD system should work ok. Carry a small air compressor and deflate your tires to about 12 psi for the beach. re-inflate them before going back on the pavement. Ideally you want a vehicle with 50/50 weight distribution F/R - or as close as you can get - and the largest dia and widest tires that will fit.

yankeegray_99 · Answer

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1105_three_row_crossover_suv_comparison/viewall.html
motor trend,consumer reports,and petersons 4 wheel offroad have had them all on the sand dunes in california also.the highlander is overweight,and underpowered.the new Durango is actually a better fit for your needs,and yes,it has a v6 availible,get the 8 speed transmission.also in the dunes,the durango was one of 2 vehicles that didnt get stuck,no the highlander wasnt the other one

Can the Toyota Highlander handle driving on soft beach sand?

3 Answers