Is the AWD in Highlander always on?
No. The Highlander’s all-wheel-drive system is not permanently engaged. In most trims, AWD is an on-demand feature that activates when traction is needed. In the Hybrid version, Toyota’s E-Four system uses a rear electric motor to provide AWD automatically, rather than a constantly locked drivetrain.
This article breaks down how Highlander AWD works, how it differs between gas and hybrid models, and what it means for everyday driving. You’ll learn when the system engages, what to expect on wet, snowy, or slick roads, and how to think about AWD when shopping for a Highlander.
Understanding the Highlander’s AWD: Gas vs Hybrid
Below is a concise look at how the two main AWD implementations in the Highlander operate and what drivers should expect in typical conditions.
- Gas models: The non-hybrid Highlander uses an on-demand AWD system that normally drives the front wheels. It automatically sends torque to the rear wheels when the system detects wheel slip or loss of grip, such as on wet or icy pavement. There is no driver-selected low-range or lock mode.
- Hybrid (E-Four): The Highlander Hybrid uses an electric rear motor to provide AWD. Rear-wheel torque can be supplied quickly for traction, and the system can operate even when the gasoline engine is off. The AWD operation is automatic and not user-selectable.
The practical takeaway is that AWD in the Highlander isn’t a constant, all-the-time feature. It’s designed to engage as needed to improve traction without the drag of a permanently engaged four-wheel-drive system.
Bottom-line for drivers
For most daily driving, you’ll notice AWD only when conditions require extra grip. In normal conditions, the system runs efficiently with front-wheel drive, but it can step in to help on slick surfaces or during rapid acceleration or cornering, depending on the model.
How it behaves in real-world driving
Understanding when and how the system engages can help you anticipate its behavior in different weather and road conditions. The Highlander’s AWD is designed to be seamless, with torque distributed to the rear wheels as needed to maintain stability and traction.
- Starting from a stop on a slick surface may trigger rear-wheel torque to help prevent wheel spin.
- During acceleration on wet or snowy pavement, the system may divert some power to the rear to improve grip and stability.
- While cruising on dry highways, you may not feel AWD engage unless traction deteriorates, since the system prioritizes efficiency by primarily driving the front wheels.
- In the Hybrid, the rear electric motor can contribute to traction even when the gasoline engine isn’t active, providing smooth, automatic AWD assistance as needed.
In everyday use, the system aims to be unobtrusive—improving stability and grip without requiring driver input or noticeable intervention.
Common questions about Highlander AWD
Is AWD the same as 4WD in a Highlander?
No. AWD in the Highlander is an on-demand system designed for on-road traction and stability, not a traditional 4WD with a low-range gear. There is no driver-accessible 4WD lock in normal Highlander configurations.
Will AWD affect fuel economy?
Yes. AWD typically adds weight and drivetrain drag, which can reduce fuel economy slightly. Toyota engineered the system to minimize impact, but you’ll generally see a small efficiency difference compared with front-wheel-drive operation, especially when AWD is actively aiding traction in poor conditions.
Summary
The Highlander’s AWD is not always on. Gas models use an on-demand system that sends torque to the rear wheels when needed for traction, while the Hybrid’s E-Four setup uses a rear electric motor to provide automatic AWD assistance. In routine driving, you’ll mostly operate in front-wheel drive, with AWD engaging seamlessly in response to road conditions. This design prioritizes efficiency while offering enhanced stability and grip when conditions get slick.
