Does a Toyota Highlander have a differential?
Yes. The Highlander uses differential components in its drivetrain, with the exact setup depending on whether the vehicle is configured as front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
How the Highlander’s differentials work
Wheels on a vehicle must rotate at different speeds when the car turns or travels over uneven surfaces. A differential allows this by distributing engine power to wheels on the same axle at different speeds. In the Highlander, the front axle houses a front differential in all configurations that drive the front wheels. AWD models add a center differential (or a similar torque-splitting mechanism) to distribute power between the front and rear axles, and the rear axle has its own rear differential to manage left-right wheel speeds on the rear.
Drivetrain configurations
Before listing the typical arrangement for different Highlander configurations, note that drivetrain details can vary by generation and trim. The following describes common setups found in most model years.
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Power is sent to the front wheels through a front differential integrated into the transaxle; there is no center differential or rear differential in this setup.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): A center differential (or a torque-split/clutch-based coupling) distributes power between the front and rear axles. The rear axle also contains a rear differential to allow independent rear wheel speeds.
- Older or specialty variants: Some earlier Highlanders used a viscous-coupling center mechanism or other torque-split devices in place of a traditional center differential; newer models increasingly rely on electronically controlled couplings for torque distribution.
In short, the Highlander does have differentials, and the presence and type depend on the chosen drivetrain. FWD models have a front differential only, while AWD models incorporate a center differential or equivalent torque-splitting device plus a rear differential.
Summary
Yes. All Highlanders use differential technology as part of their drivetrain. The FWD version features a front differential, whereas AWD versions include a center differential (or torque-split mechanism) between front and rear axles and a rear differential on the rear axle. Variations exist across generations, but diffs are a foundational element of the Highlander’s traction and handling system.
