Is the Toyota Highlander AWD always on?
No. The Highlander’s all-wheel-drive system is designed to be automatic and on-demand, not permanently engaged. The exact behavior depends on whether you’re driving a gas-powered model or a hybrid, and on driving conditions.
How the Highlander’s AWD works in gas models
The gasoline-powered Highlander uses Toyota’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (i-AWD), which is intended to balance traction and efficiency by engaging rear-wheel torque as needed.
- The system normally operates in front-wheel-drive mode to maximize fuel efficiency, with power directed to the front wheels under typical conditions.
- Torque is automatically transferred to the rear wheels when slip is detected or when extra traction is needed during acceleration or on low-traction surfaces.
- It is not a constant, always-on rear-wheel drive; the rear axle is engaged only as required by conditions, helping conserve fuel when possible.
In everyday driving, this means the Highlander’s i-AWD tends to feel like a front-driver most of the time, with rear-wheel power kicking in seamlessly when traction demands it.
How the Highlander AWD works in hybrid models
The Highlander Hybrid uses Toyota’s electronic on-demand all-wheel-drive system (e-AWD). Instead of a mechanical connection to the rear axle, a rear electric motor can drive the rear wheels as needed, providing traction without the weight and friction of a constantly engaged rear drive.
- At cruising speeds or light throttle, the system can operate with primarily front-wheel drive to optimize efficiency.
- During acceleration or on slippery surfaces, the rear electric motor can engage to deliver power to the rear wheels for improved grip and stability.
- The setup is designed to feel seamless to the driver, with power distribution adjusted automatically by the system.
So, while the hybrid’s e-AWD can feel active in a wider range of conditions and often contributes to confident handling, it is still an automatic system that is not manually switched on or off and does not require driver intervention.
What drivers should know about Highlander AWD
Before relying on AWD in the Highlander, here are key points to understand about how the system behaves in practice.
- AWD is a feature designed to improve traction, not a guarantee of off-road capability. Conditions like snow, ice, rain-slicked pavement, and uneven surfaces can still challenge any vehicle.
- Gas models with i-AWD are designed to optimize efficiency by staying in 2WD most of the time and adding rear torque only when needed.
- Hybrid models with e-AWD can use the rear electric motor to aid traction without a mechanical rear drive shaft, enhancing grip while prioritizing efficiency.
- Fuel economy may be slightly lower with AWD on or in use, compared with a dedicated two-wheel-drive configuration, due to the added weight and friction of the AWD components.
In short, Highlander AWD is not always on. It activates automatically in response to traction needs, with the hybrid system incorporating an electric rear motor to provide assistance as conditions warrant.
Summary
The Toyota Highlander’s all-wheel-drive systems are designed to be automatic and efficiency-minded rather than permanently engaged. Gas-powered models use i-AWD to send torque to the rear wheels only when necessary, while hybrid models use e-AWD with a rear electric motor to supplement traction as conditions demand. Both setups aim to improve grip without sacrificing fuel economy, and neither keeps the rear wheels driven at all times.
Is Toyota AWD full time?
No, not all Toyota AWD systems are full-time; some are "on-demand" and only engage when needed, while others are full-time, and some traditional 4WD systems require driver engagement. Toyota offers several types of all-wheel and four-wheel drive systems, including: part-time 4WD for trucks (like the Tundra), full-time 4WD (like on some Land Cruisers), and on-demand or full-time electronic AWD on some car and SUV models. The specific type depends on the model, and you can check your vehicle's owner's manual to confirm which system it has.
- Part-time 4WD: This system, found on many Toyota trucks, is primarily rear-wheel drive but allows the driver to manually engage 4WD for low-traction situations.
- Full-time 4WD: This system is always engaged, continuously sending power to all four wheels, often with a center differential that allows for both on-road and off-road driving.
- On-demand AWD: This is an automatic system that defaults to two-wheel drive for better fuel economy and only sends power to the front wheels as needed based on road conditions and traction.
- Full-time electronic AWD: Found on some hybrid models, this system uses an electric motor to constantly drive all four wheels and can direct more power to the rear wheels for performance-oriented grip.
Is Toyota AWD always engaged?
All-wheel drive is generally active at all times. It allocates power to all four wheels, dynamically shifting torque between front and rear based on grip. Many AWD systems operate primarily in front or rear drive and redirect power only when slippage is detected.
How does the Toyota Highlander AWD system work?
The unique AWD system for Highlander Hybrid employs a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. Like the hybrid powertrain itself, the AWD system is designed to work seamlessly, switching on and off and sending power to the wheels as needed.
Is the AWD in Highlander always on?
Dynamic Torque-Control AWD does not adjust the power to each wheel; rather, the driveshaft is always turning on this system even if the electromagnetic coupler is disengaged.
