Do all Toyota Highlanders have AWD?

No. Toyota Highlanders are offered with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD); AWD is not universal across every model.

Here’s a breakdown of how the current lineup distributes AWD across gasoline and hybrid versions, helping buyers understand what to expect when shopping.

Gasoline Highlanders: FWD vs. AWD

Gasoline-powered Highlanders generally use FWD as the baseline configuration, with AWD available as an option across most trims. This gives buyers flexibility on price and efficiency.

• FWD is the baseline configuration on gas-only Highlander trims; AWD is available as an add-on option on most trims.


• Choosing AWD typically adds cost and can slightly affect fuel economy compared with FWD.

In short, if you want AWD on a gasoline Highlander, you can select it, but you don’t have to pay for it if FWD meets your needs.

Model year and regional notes

Availability and pricing for AWD on gasoline Highlanders can vary by model year and market. Always confirm the drivetrain on the specific trim and year you’re considering, as Toyota occasionally updates standard features and options.

Hybrid Highlanders: AWD is the norm

Hybrid models are built with an all-wheel-drive system in mind. In the modern lineup, AWD (AWD-e) is standard on most Highlander Hybrid trims, and a front-wheel-drive hybrid configuration is uncommon or unavailable in many markets.

• Highlander Hybrid models generally come with AWD as standard rather than as an optional upgrade.


• There is little to no FWD-only hybrid option in current sales; AWD is the typical configuration for efficiency and traction.

For hybrid buyers seeking maximum traction and efficiency, the Hybrid with AWD is the typical and commonly available choice in the Highlander lineup.

Hybrid availability by market

As with gasoline models, the exact drivetrain configuration for hybrids can vary by region and year. In most regions, however, AWD is the default and preferred setup for Highlander Hybrid models to maximize all-season capability.

What to consider when choosing

Your climate, driving conditions, and budget should guide your drivetrain choice. AWD helps with snow, rain, and loose surfaces but can add to upfront cost and may slightly reduce highway fuel economy. If you live in milder conditions and want the best efficiency, a FWD gas Highlander could be the economical option. If you frequently contend with inclement weather or need extra traction, AWD is worth considering; for hybrids, AWD is typically standard across trims, offering a balance of efficiency and capability.

Summary

No. The Toyota Highlander is offered with both FWD and AWD. Gasoline models typically provide AWD as an optional upgrade, while Hybrid models commonly come with AWD as standard. When shopping, verify the drivetrain on the exact trim and model year you're considering, since configurations can vary by year and market. The best choice depends on climate, driving needs, and budget.

Which Toyota Highlander to stay away from?

You should avoid the 2003, 2008, 2014, and 2015 model years of the Toyota Highlander due to common issues like engine problems in the 2003, and transmission glitches in the 2008 and 2015 models. Other years to be cautious with are 2009, 2010, and 2020, which had a higher number of recalls or transmission and software issues.
 
This video discusses common problems with Toyota Highlanders from 2020 to 2025: 54sCarnivautoYouTube · Feb 11, 2025
Years to avoid

• 2003: Engine overheating and the possibility of needing a costly engine block swap. 
• 2008: Significant issues with the braking system and a high number of recalls and complaints. 
• 2009 and 2010: A high number of recalls and complaints, particularly concerning the braking system. 
• 2014 and 2015: These years had early issues with transmission glitches and technology problems. 
• 2020: This model year experienced some transmission and software problems. 

Other considerations

• 2021: Reports of transmission failures. 
• 2023: In the non-hybrid, the turbocharged engine had issues with acceleration and the infotainment system could be unreliable. 
• 2024: Reports of issues with the infotainment system, a noisy engine, and hesitation. 

Do highlanders come in FWD?

Toyota is offering far fewer configurations of the Highlander for 2026. The mid-size three-row SUV now comes standard with all-wheel drive on all models, and the base LE trim is no more. That means the price of entry starts at $46,765 for the XLE AWD, compared with the 2025 Highlander LE FWD trim's $41,815 base price.

Do all highlanders have AWD?

It is available in XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum grades. The XLE grade has standard mechanical All Wheel Drive. The XSE, Limited, and Platinum grades have Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD. All Highlander 2.4-L turbo gas powered models have a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

Which Toyotas are AWD?

Many Toyota models are available with all-wheel drive (AWD), including SUVs like the RAV4, Highlander, 4Runner, Sequoia, and Corolla Cross. Sedan and hybrid options with AWD include the Camry, Corolla, and Prius. Trucks like the Tacoma and Tundra are available with 4WD, which is different from AWD but provides similar capabilities for slippery conditions.
 
SUVs and Crossovers

• RAV4 (including Hybrid and RAV4 Prime)
• Highlander (including Hybrid and Grand Highlander Hybrid)
• 4Runner
• Sequoia
• Corolla Cross
• Venza
• Land Cruiser 

Sedans
Camry, Corolla (including the hybrid), and Crown (comes standard with AWD). 
Trucks
Tacoma (available with 4WD) and Tundra (available with 4WD). 
Hybrid and Electric
Prius (available with AWD), RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime, Highlander Hybrid, Corolla Hybrid, and Sienna (available with AWD). 
Other considerations

• AWD is generally for improved traction on slippery roads, while 4WD is typically for off-road conditions. 
• The availability of AWD can depend on the specific trim level, model year, and region. 
• Some models like the 2025 Camry and GR Corolla have advanced AWD systems geared for enhanced performance.