Is the Highlander Front-Wheel Drive or Rear-Wheel Drive?
4 Answers
The Highlander adopts a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. Front-engine, front-wheel-drive means the engine is positioned at the front of the vehicle, and the front wheels drive the entire car. Advantages of Front-Wheel Drive: The front-wheel-drive layout places the engine and transmission in the front section of the vehicle, providing more space and improving comfort. It also saves on materials by eliminating components like the driveshaft, reducing costs. Disadvantages of Front-Wheel Drive: Since major components such as the engine and drivetrain are concentrated at the front of the vehicle, the rear end has less weight distribution, making the rear wheels prone to losing traction and resulting in poorer handling. The front axle serves as both the steering and driving axle, making the structure and manufacturing process more complex, increasing production costs, and complicating maintenance. Front-wheel-drive vehicles also tend to exhibit understeer.
I previously looked up information on the Highlander, which is a mid-size SUV under Toyota. In terms of drivetrain, the standard version is typically front-wheel drive, meaning the front wheels are responsible for propelling the vehicle forward, with engine power primarily transmitted to the front wheels. This design provides excellent stability for city driving, reducing the likelihood of skidding, especially in rainy conditions where it offers good traction. It's also fuel-efficient and economical. If you frequently drive on rural roads or in areas with heavy snowfall, Toyota offers an optional all-wheel-drive system, which engages all four wheels to enhance off-road capability and safety. However, the standard model is definitely front-wheel drive, with the rear wheels simply following along. Personally, I've driven it for family use—it's easy to steer and quiet, making it particularly suitable for long-distance family trips. Maintenance is straightforward, with tasks like oil changes being hassle-free, and it’s more practical than a pure rear-wheel-drive vehicle.
When I bought the Highlander last year, the salesperson explained in detail that the vehicle primarily features front-wheel drive, meaning the power is concentrated on the front axle. This makes the steering agile, easy to handle in congested urban areas, and provides smooth acceleration from a standstill. Toyota also offers an all-wheel-drive option, which enhances traction in rainy, snowy, or rough road conditions. I usually drive the front-wheel-drive version for commuting—it's fuel-efficient, allowing a full tank to cover a considerable distance, and it's also suitable for family trips. The suspension is moderately firm, minimizing bumps. I recommend test-driving different configurations before making a choice, as the driving experience varies significantly.
I heard from friends that the Highlander is comfortable to drive. After researching, I confirmed that it is primarily a front-wheel-drive vehicle, with power delivered from the front wheels, offering stable and direct handling. Unlike rear-wheel-drive cars, it is less prone to oversteering, making it safer for novice drivers. Toyota designed it with urban use in mind, resulting in relatively low fuel consumption. All-wheel drive is available to enhance off-road capability, but the standard version is sufficient for daily use.
