What kind of four-wheel drive system does the Highlander use?
2 Answers
The Highlander uses a full-time four-wheel drive system, which keeps all four wheels of the vehicle constantly driven. To further categorize full-time four-wheel drive systems, they can be divided into fixed torque distribution and variable torque distribution types. The Highlander's body dimensions are 4890 mm in length, 1925 mm in width, and 1720 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2790 mm. The Highlander is a mid-size SUV and is considered a benchmark model in its class. How to use the Highlander's four-wheel drive system: Press the corresponding indicator light on the dashboard to activate it. Based on driving conditions, the system maximizes engine torque distribution to the rear wheels. Pressing the switch again cancels the all-wheel drive lock mode and restores the dynamic torque control all-wheel drive system to normal mode.
A friend who currently drives a Highlander asked me about the car's four-wheel drive system, and I gave it to him straight. This car uses Toyota's Dynamic Torque Vectoring 4WD (DVT-4WD), which is super fuel-efficient in normal conditions as it mainly relies on front-wheel drive. The system detects wheel slip in less than 0.1 seconds and instantly engages the rear axle. The most impressive part is its ability to distribute torque independently between the left and right rear wheels, making it feel like there's an invisible hand pulling the rear end steady when navigating muddy pits or winding mountain roads. Pressing the LOCK button near the steering wheel activates 'worksite mode,' splitting power 50/50 between front and rear wheels—super handy for climbing or escaping tricky situations. But let's be real, the Highlander is still a city SUV with relatively low ground clearance; it's not as rugged as the Land Cruiser Prado for serious off-roading.
