Highlander: 4WD or 2WD?
3 Answers
Here are the specific differences between the Highlander's 4WD and 2WD: 1. Driving method: 2WD has two wheels as the driving wheels, connected to the vehicle's power system; 4WD maintains a four-wheel drive form throughout the entire driving process. 2. Differential: The 2WD differential allows the front and rear driving wheels to rotate at different speeds; in 4WD, to drive all four wheels, all wheels need to be connected, and a central differential is added to adjust the speed difference between the front and rear wheels. 3. Driving wheels: A 2WD vehicle uses the rear wheels (or front wheels) as the driving wheels, with the front wheels as the driven wheels (or rear wheels), and the driving and driven wheels remain fixed. A 4WD vehicle can use either the rear wheels or the front wheels as the driving wheels, but cannot use both the rear and front wheels as driving wheels simultaneously.
I live in a big city like Shanghai, mainly driving on asphalt roads for daily commutes and picking up kids, so I chose the two-wheel-drive Highlander. It's not only nearly 20,000 yuan cheaper but also more fuel-efficient, saving me a lot on monthly urban commuting costs. Maintenance is simpler too, with no worries about complex 4WD system failures. For occasional suburban trips on good roads, it's perfectly adequate. If you're mostly city-bound like me, there's really no need to splurge on 4WD – the two-wheel-drive version handles well with great comfort, feels smooth to drive, and leaves budget for audio or seat upgrades. Remember: choose a car based on actual needs, don't blindly follow trends.
As an outdoor enthusiast, I often drive to snowy mountains or deserts for camping, so I directly opted for the 4WD version of the Highlander. It provides much better traction on muddy roads or during rainy and snowy weather, ensuring stable performance when going uphill or downhill without slipping or getting stuck, significantly enhancing safety. Although it costs a bit more and has slightly higher fuel consumption compared to the 2WD version, this investment is totally worth it because it can be a lifesaver in critical moments. My friend who drives a 2WD version got stuck in the mountains during heavy snow and regretted not buying the 4WD. If your lifestyle involves adventure or you live in a snowy northern region, I highly recommend the 4WD. It also performs well for daily driving, just don’t expect too much in terms of fuel economy.
