Can the Infotainment System on a Chinese Toyota Highlander Be Changed to English or Russian?
It is the first question importers ask. The honest answer: the factory system is set up for China, but phone mirroring and a pre-shipment check solve most of the problem.
By EVtoUPublished: 2 min read
Short answer: the factory infotainment in a China-market Highlander is built for China — Chinese menus, Chinese voice assistant and Chinese online services. Apple CarPlay and Carlink on the 2026 model let drivers use navigation, music and messaging from their phone in English, Russian or any language the phone supports. A full change of the factory system's language is not something we promise in advance; we check each vehicle and show you what is available before you buy.
What infotainment does the China-market Highlander have?
The 2026 Highlander has a 15.6-inch touchscreen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155P, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 4G connectivity and over-the-air updates. Its voice assistant responds to a Chinese wake phrase. Phone mirroring supports Apple CarPlay, HUAWEI HiCar and Carlink, per the manufacturer's configuration list on Autohome.
Does CarPlay solve the language problem?
For daily use, mostly yes. With CarPlay, the screen shows the phone's apps in the phone's language — maps, calls, messages, music. The vehicle's own menus (settings, climate screens, vehicle information) stay in the factory language.
Can the factory menus be switched to English or Russian?
It depends on the software version of the individual vehicle. Some China-market systems include a language setting; many do not, or only partly. Before you order, ask us to check: we can open the settings menu on the actual vehicle and send you a video. If the factory software does not support your language, local specialists in many markets offer localisation services — check warranty implications with your distributor before modifying software.
What about the 2024 and 2023 models?
The 2024 and 2023 Highlanders have smaller screens (10.25 or 12.3 inches for 2024; 8 or 12.3 inches for 2023) and older software. Language options differ by version, so the same advice applies: check the specific vehicle.
Will online services and navigation work outside China?
Assume not. Built-in connected services, app stores and navigation are designed for Chinese networks and maps. Use phone mirroring for navigation and streaming abroad.
What should I ask before importing?
- Which phone mirroring does this exact vehicle support?
- Does the system have an English or Russian language option? (Ask for a video of the settings.)
- Are the instrument cluster warnings shown as symbols or Chinese text?
- Will any software change affect the warranty offered by your local distributor?
Send these questions with your quote request and we answer them for the vehicles we offer you.
Planning a Highlander order?
Send your destination and quantity — we reply with availability and a FOB or CIF quote.
