Is the Vellfire 4WD?

[VanBlakely]

The Vellfire is a 4WD vehicle. The Toyota Vellfire is equipped with the THS-II hybrid system, which consists of a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine and an electric motor, and comes standard with E-Four electronic four-wheel drive. Advantages of 4WD: 4WD is the drivetrain configuration with the highest cornering limits on roads, allowing each wheel to receive the optimal driving force when the vehicle is cornering at high speeds. As a result, this technology is widely adopted by high-displacement sedans that prioritize handling performance, with the main purpose of installation being to enhance effective driving force and cornering limits. Disadvantages of 4WD: The structure of 4WD is relatively complex, with higher costs and larger space requirements, making it less suitable for installation in lower-positioned or smaller-sized models. Additionally, 4WD consumes power, and its transmission efficiency is lower than that of two-wheel drive. For models that emphasize fuel economy or have smaller engine power, full-time 4WD is also not very suitable for installation.

[DelBrandon]

I've been driving the Vellfire for over a year now. This model indeed comes with a hybrid AWD version featuring Toyota's E-Four electronic all-wheel-drive system. The independent rear motor is quite intelligent - it primarily operates as front-wheel drive during city driving, but immediately engages the rear wheels to push the vehicle when encountering rain, snow, or during turns. Even fully loaded with seven passengers, it maintains stability when climbing hills, with notably better traction on icy winter roads in northern regions compared to two-wheel-drive vehicles. However, it's important to note that all current models come with AWD, while only older versions offered two-wheel-drive options. The battery pack layout doesn't compromise trunk space either, making weekend camping trips with kids and equipment no problem at all. When choosing your model, simply look for the E-Four designation on the specifications sheet - it also delivers significantly better fuel efficiency than traditional mechanical AWD systems.

[MacLevi]

While researching the Vellfire's configurations recently, I noticed that all 2023 models have been upgraded to four-wheel drive, utilizing an electronic AWD system. The traditional bulky transfer case and driveshaft of mechanical 4WD systems are completely absent—instead, a separate motor is installed on the rear axle to handle power distribution. During the test drive, I deliberately chose a wet, slippery stone-paved road, and the vehicle's body control was indeed stable, with the motor responding much faster than hydraulic systems. However, its off-road capability is limited, so it's best to take it easy on gravel roads. The weight increase is less than 50 kg, so the impact on fuel consumption is minimal, averaging around 9 liters per 100 km in city driving. If considering a used purchase, be sure to verify carefully, as pre-2019 hybrid versions still included two-wheel-drive models.

[DelDiana]

The core of the Vellfire 4WD version is the E-Four system, which automatically adjusts power distribution between the front and rear axles from 100:0 to 20:80. The rear electric motor delivers 60 kW, providing noticeable acceleration thrust. The chassis has been reinforced with additional bracing to handle 4WD torque, resulting in good cornering stability. However, the rear axle lacks a differential lock, making it less capable than the Land Cruiser in extreme off-road situations. The current Crown Vellfire Hybrid comes standard with this system across all trims, with the price difference compared to the Alphard primarily reflecting this feature. The charging port is located on the left rear fender - remember not to confuse it with the fuel filler.

[Virgil]

When researching MPVs, I found that the Alphard's four-wheel drive system is most suitable for family use. Traditional 4WD MPVs like the Multivan consume too much fuel, while the Alphard achieves a combined fuel consumption of just over 8L after the electric motor intervention. The battery pack is laid flat under the chassis without affecting seating posture, and the third-row floor is as flat as in the two-wheel-drive version. The rear motor noise control is excellent, with virtually no humming sound audible below 80 km/h. The drawback is that it's not suitable for aggressive off-road driving, as the rear axle has lower ground clearance than the front. The electric motor system requires no additional maintenance during servicing and shares the vehicle's 5-year warranty.

[VonCharlotte]

My brother bought the four-wheel-drive version of the Alphard last year, and it proved most useful during snowy days when sending the kids to school. In Shenyang, where temperatures drop to minus twenty degrees Celsius, other cars would slip on the icy slopes of the residential area, but his car climbed up effortlessly. The electronic system responded faster than expected—the four-wheel-drive indicator on the dashboard lit up as soon as the steering wheel sensed a skid. The only thing to note is that the battery is located under the rear seats, so modifying to airline-style seats requires a professional shop. We took a long trip to Inner Mongolia with a full load of passengers, and even with the trunk packed with luggage, there was no noticeable power drop. This hybrid four-wheel-drive system is indeed well-suited for family needs.