Is the Chevy HHR 4 wheel drive?
Chevrolet did not offer factory four-wheel drive on the HHR. All HHR models were front-wheel drive as standard, with no official AWD option available during its 2005–2011 production run. If you encounter an HHR advertised as AWD, it is likely a mislabel or an aftermarket modification rather than a factory configuration.
The HHR arrived as a retro-styled small wagon built on GM’s Delta platform, aimed at practical daily use rather than off-road capability. This article explains the official drivetrain options, how to verify a used vehicle’s configuration, and what to watch for when shopping for an HHR today.
Drivetrain options offered by the HHR
Factory configurations
- Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard across all trims and engine choices.
- There was no factory all-wheel drive (AWD) option offered by GM for the HHR.
In short, the HHR’s factory lineup included only front-wheel drive; GM did not provide an AWD version during its production years.
How to verify on a used HHR
Use these practical checks to confirm whether a specific HHR has AWD or remains a factory FWD model.
- Review the window sticker or original build sheet for drivetrain designation. If it lists FWD/2WD and there’s no AWD, it’s not an AWD model.
- Under the car, look for a rear differential and a driveshaft to the rear axle. A true AWD setup will have these components; their absence supports a FWD configuration.
- Check for any AWD badges on the exterior; absence doesn’t prove 2WD, but presence of AWD badges is a strong clue to verify.
- Pull the VIN and verify the original equipment list with GM or a reputable decoder to confirm the drivetrain option.
- Ask the seller for service records or a build sheet that explicitly notes the drivetrain configuration.
With careful verification, you can determine whether a specific HHR was built as FWD. If AWD components are present, investigate whether they were added after purchase since factory AWD was not offered.
Historical context and current status
The Chevrolet HHR was produced from 2005 through 2011. Throughout its life, GM offered no official AWD variant; the model remained a front-wheel-drive crossover/wagon. Production ended in 2011, and any claimed AWD HHRs on the market are either mislabelings or aftermarket modifications rather than factory configurations. Today, potential buyers should treat AWD HHR listings with skepticism unless verified against the original build data.
Summary
The Chevy HHR does not come from the factory with four-wheel drive. All models were front-wheel drive, with no GM-backed AWD option during its 2005–2011 run. If you encounter an HHR advertised as AWD, verify the drivetrain through the build sheet, VIN, or dealer records to distinguish between factory configuration and aftermarket changes.
