This is a $45k car with a premium audio system from a previously reputable manufacturer, JBL. The lack of bass in the sound is horrible. The midrange and highs are fair but not great. To get any bass out of the system at all, you have to turn up the system to near maximum volume and still the bass is anemic and by then the poor quality of the remaining speakers is clearly evident. My 2009 Toyota Camry and my 2005 base model Honda Accord have systems that make the one in our highlander sound like it isn't worthy to be on a tricycle.
We have mentioned this to the dealer several times and they just try to adjust the settings in the audio system which firstly we have already done, and secondly don't really do anything. There appear to be large speakers in the doors but there also appear to be very little signal going to these speakers.
I have found, here on the internet, where many others are having the same issue. It is completely unacceptable to for a premium car like the highlander, much less a premium level of the premium car to have an audio system that is this poor. I didn't even think to check it out very deeply when we purchased this car new. I just assumed that it would be a great system.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This is a $45k car with a premium audio system from a previously reputable manufacturer, JBL. The lack of bass in the sound is horrible. The midrange and highs are fair but not great. To get any bass out of the system at all, you have to turn up the system to near maximum volume and still the bass is anemic and by then the poor quality of the remaining speakers is clearly evident. My 2009 Toyota Camry and my 2005 base model Honda Accord have systems that make the one in our highlander sound like it isn't worthy to be on a tricycle.
We have mentioned this to the dealer several times and they just try to adjust the settings in the audio system which firstly we have already done, and secondly don't really do anything. There appear to be large speakers in the doors but there also appear to be very little signal going to these speakers.
I have found, here on the internet, where many others are having the same issue. It is completely unacceptable to for a premium car like the highlander, much less a premium level of the premium car to have an audio system that is this poor. I didn't even think to check it out very deeply when we purchased this car new. I just assumed that it would be a great system.
- Bart S., Peachtree City, US