Is the Highlander front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive?
3 Answers
The two-wheel drive version of the Highlander is front-wheel drive, while the four-wheel drive version is all-wheel drive. Advantages of front-wheel drive: Eliminates the need for a driveshaft, reducing vehicle weight. The structure is more compact, effectively utilizing engine compartment space. The cabin space is more spacious, helping to lower the floor height and improve ride comfort. The engine is close to the drive wheels, resulting in higher power transmission efficiency and better fuel economy. Disadvantages of front-wheel drive: Weight is mostly concentrated at the front of the vehicle, leading to understeer during high-speed cornering due to inertia, which can make driving unstable. If the rear is fully loaded with passengers and cargo, the front wheels may lack sufficient power. Since the front wheels handle both steering and driving, the front tires, front suspension, and front brakes experience more wear than the rear wheels.
Oh, speaking of the Highlander's drivetrain, I have firsthand experience. It's typically front-wheel drive, meaning the engine's power is mainly delivered to the front wheels. Driving it in the city or on the highway feels quite smooth, and the fuel consumption isn't high, making it ideal for daily commutes or weekend outings. However, Toyota's design is quite clever—many models also offer an optional all-wheel-drive version. Especially with the four-wheel-drive configuration, it handles rainy, snowy, or rough terrain much better. I test-drove a friend's front-wheel-drive version, and the handling is light and nimble, making parking and turning easy. But if you live in an area with frequent snow or lots of mountainous roads, I'd recommend considering the AWD version, as it improves traction and reduces the risk of slipping. Overall, as an SUV, the Highlander's front-wheel drive is the standard, but the variety of options makes driving even more reassuring.
I've been driving the Highlander for several years. In my experience, it primarily operates with front-wheel drive, meaning the power comes from the front wheels, and the engine layout keeps the vehicle's center of gravity stable, especially making it fuel-efficient and easy for city commuting. But don't think this limits its capabilities—Toyota also offers an all-wheel-drive option. For example, the flagship model is equipped with an intelligent AWD system that can automatically distribute power to all four wheels when slipping, making me feel safer in rain or snow. As an owner, I appreciate the low maintenance costs of the front-wheel drive, as the car has fewer complex components, making it simple and durable. For daily tasks like picking up the kids or shopping, it's more than sufficient, and occasionally switching to the AWD version for long trips is a good idea—just remember to check the manual when selecting configurations.
