Is Mark II Grande rear-wheel?
Yes. The Mark II Grande is traditionally rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive being rare and not typical for this trim.
The Mark II Grande is a high-end variant of Toyota's long-running Mark II lineup, a mid-size sedan that has appeared across multiple generations and markets. This article explains the drivetrain layout, how it has varied over time, and what buyers should know about owning a Grande today.
Understanding the drivetrain of the Grande
The drivetrain configuration is central to the Grande’s identity as a sporting, driver-focused sedan. Across most generations, Grande trims favored rear-wheel drive to support balanced handling and tunability. All-wheel-drive options were not standard for the Grande variant, and when AWD appeared, it was typically on non-Grande Mark II derivatives or in limited-market configurations rather than the Grande line itself.
Drivetrain by generation
Below is a concise rundown of the Grande’s typical drivetrain setup across its major generations.
- Early generations: Mark II Grande versions were primarily rear-wheel drive with inline-6 powertrains.
- Mid-generation updates: RWD remained the default, with turbocharged variants used on rear-drive platforms for performance emphasis.
- Later generations: The Grande trim continued on a rear-drive layout, while some AWD options existed in the broader Mark II family, not as a standard Grande feature.
In practice, expect a rear-wheel-drive chassis for a Mark II Grande, and verify the drivetrain on any specific car to avoid surprises, especially when comparing to non-Grande Mark II variants sold in nearby markets.
Market variations and practical implications
Drivetrain availability can vary by country, model year, and specific vehicle configuration. For enthusiasts and potential buyers, a RWD Grande generally offers traditional handling characteristics and compatibility with classic performance upgrades. If AWD is a must-have, confirm the exact model designation and review the vehicle’s documentation, since AWD Grande models are not the standard or common configuration.
Maintenance and parts considerations
RWD Grande models share many components with the broader Mark II family, including common JZ-series powertrains and suspension parts. AWD variants, when present in the lineup, introduce additional transfer-case and differential components that can affect maintenance complexity and parts availability. In markets with strong JDM aftermarket interest, parts are often accessible, but verify compatibility for a specific car.
Conclusion for readers
For the vast majority of Toyota Mark II Grande examples, the vehicle is rear-wheel drive. If you are evaluating a Grande with four-wheel drive, double-check the exact specification and build sheet, as AWD configurations are not typical for this trim and may indicate a non-Grande Mark II derivative or a specialty market variant.
Summary: The Mark II Grande is predominantly rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel-drive configurations being rare and not standard for this trim. Always verify the drivetrain on the exact vehicle you are considering.
