Six trim levels are available for the 2022 Toyota Highlander: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. A 3.5-liter V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard on all variants. All-wheel drive is an option costing $1,600 or $1,950 depending on the trim level, while front-wheel drive is standard.
In This Article...
Highlanders have either front- or rear-wheel drive.
A 3.5-liter V6 engine with an eight-speed automated gearbox and 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque are standard on the 2021 Toyota Highlander. As a rule, front-wheel drive is used.
Can the Highlander FWD handle snow?
Thanks to its long list of great safety features in the Star Safety System, the Toyota Highlander performs admirably in the snow and during the winter. You are able to operate the Highlander with confidence in the winter thanks to its safety features, such as traction control and electronic brake force distribution.
Highlander has rear-wheel drive.
The Highlander and its XU30 series Lexus RX/Toyota Harrier cousin shared a platform. The Highlander is known as the Kluger in Japan and Australia.
It was available in five- and seven-seat variants (20012007), and Toyota saw success with its sales in a variety of international regions. The Highlander provided all-wheel drive in addition to front-wheel drive as standard (50:50 front:rear fixed torque split). Contrary to Toyota’s own 4Runner and other mid-sized rivals like the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the Highlander was built with a unibody and an independent rear suspension with an emphasis on comfort on the road. The Highlander was longer than the 19962002 4Runner at the time of its introduction, but the revised 4Runner beat it in length in August 2002.
The base model, the Sport model, and the Limited model were the three trim levels of the Highlander that were offered in the US. The Highlander’s base and Limited variants were available from launch, while the Sport model debuted in March 2006.
The Limited trim’s alloy wheels went from having six to five spokes in 2004. The Highlander Limited and B-Package from the 20012003 model years came standard with alloy wheels instead of the previous steel rims on the base model. The Sport versions could be distinguished from other variants by their distinctive grille design. The twin-spoke shape of the hybrid’s wheels helps to distinguish it from other variants.
In October 2003, the Kluger was first made available in Australia. It was offered in three different forms: CV, CVX, and Grande. In 2006, a limited-edition CV Sport variant was also made available. In Australia, there was no hybrid model offered. The 3.3-liter 3MZ-FE V6 was the sole engine available. Using the Australian standard testing protocol, the average fuel efficiency is 12.3 L/100 km (23.0 mpgimp; 19.1 mpgUS).
Engines:
- 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4, 116 kW, 2001-2007 (155 hp)
- 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6, 151 kW, 2001-2003 (203 hp)
- 3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6, 168 kW, 20042007 (225 hp)
The Kluger was able to accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 8.8 seconds thanks to its 3.0-liter engine. The Kluger received a new 3.3-liter V6 engine in 2004 to compete with its rivals’ more potent V6 models, primarily the Nissan Murano and the Honda Pilot. The bigger engine allowed the Kluger to accelerate from 0 to 97 km/h (60 mph) in in 7.8 seconds.
Toyota Highlanders come in 4WD or AWD.
Response given by. Your 2013 Toyota Highlander’s purchaser is almost entirely correct; a Highlander has all-wheel drive, not four-wheel drive (four-wheel drive). However, AWD offers an amazing amount of steering and control.
What’s better, FWD or AWD?
Typically, front-wheel-drive systems outperform all-wheel-drive systems in terms of weight and fuel efficiency. They require less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts. When parts do break, repairs are usually simpler and less expensive. Additionally, front-wheel-drive vehicles often have larger interiors than all-wheel-drive vehicles.
What issues do Toyota Highlanders have?
Knowing what kind of performance to anticipate from each model year is crucial if you’re thinking about purchasing a Toyota Highlander. Although Toyota is a reliable brand and the Highlander is a well-liked and sturdy SUV, not every year for the Highlander was successful. If you want to be sure you get a dependable car that will endure through years of regular use, you must be aware of the Toyota Highlander years to stay away from.
Some buyers love experimental cars, but nobody wants to purchase one they believe won’t be a dependable daily driver.
We’ll also touch on the Highlander model years that have received the best ratings and reviews, as well as any other factors you might want to take into account before purchasing a Toyota Highlander.
In A Hurry? Here Are The Toyota Highlander Years To Avoid
Here are the primary Toyota Highlander model years to stay away from if you want a vehicle that will last.
That’s a relatively short list of trouble years for a car that has been in regular production since 2001, in all honesty. Consumers today should steer clear of those four years because they had the most serious issues.
Additionally, there was a rocky time between 2010 and 2012, and those model years nearly made this list. The 2010 and 2012 models aren’t quite as reliable or useful as the model years prior to or beyond 2015, despite the few complaints.
On the other hand, a 2010 or 2012 Highlander can still be a wise purchase if it’s priced reasonably and has a decent maintenance history. However, if you are interested in any of the models we’ve already discussed, you should probably conduct some investigation. Some of the frequent issues with the Toyota Highlander are simple to fix. If you use the car as your main mode of transportation, other problems can be far more serious and a major inconvenience.
The Toyota Highlander’s AWD is constantly engaged.
The amount of power supplied to each wheel is not adjusted by this arrangement. Even when the electromagnetic coupler is disabled, the driveshaft that drives the AWD is continuously turning in this arrangement. The vehicle may experience some increased drag as a result, although only 3 or 4 MPG are lost.
AWD VEHICLES ADAPT TO SPECIFIC CONDITIONS, NOT ALL CONDITIONS
AWD describes drivetrains in which the vehicle chooses between two- and four-wheel drive according on the state of the road.
Thus, the A in AWD might just as easily stand for adaptable:
- AWD cars typically operate with 80100% of the vehicle’s power going to either the front or rear axle under normal driving circumstances.
- AWD vehicle systems automatically distribute power to the wheels with the most grip when the road is slick.
You can navigate unplowed highways, escape snow-covered parking spaces, and accelerate on treacherous conditions with the aid of an AWD vehicle. However, they are not nearly as capable as they could be without winter tires. Compared to a two-wheel-drive car fitted with all-season tires, AWD offers little assistance for turning and braking on snow and ice.
AWD AND 4WD ARE NOT THE SAME THINGS
While many people mistakenly believe that AWD is sufficient to handle treacherous ice and snow, there is essentially no difference between vehicles with AWD and regular cars when it comes to steering, braking, and handling in wintery conditions.
People who believe AWD and four-wheel drive (commonly abbreviated as 4WD or 4X4) systems are fundamentally the same thing are surprised by this. They don’t.
In contrast to AWD systems’ ability to adjust, 4WD systems equally distribute power to all four wheels, regardless of traction. One of the primary differences between AWD and 4WD is this always-on power. Contrary to popular belief, tires alonenot even 4WDcreate traction. 4WD could not be sufficient to maintain control of the vehicle if the tires are traction-limited (either by design or due to severe wear).
WINTER TIRES OFFER DISTINCT ADVANTAGES FOR AWD
All-season tires are very capable and a great idea three seasons out of the year. However, if you live in a region that has heavy snowfall or icy conditions on a regular basis, all-season tires won’t be able to hold their own against the winter’s onslaught.
Having winter tires installed on your vehicle offers obvious advantages over any other tire type, regardless of whether it has AWD, 4WD, FWD, or RWD.
Tires for winter:
- provide traction that is 2550% better than all-season tires.
- consists of tread rubber that has been particularly designed to ensure optimal pliability in temperatures below zero.
- Include tread patterns that provide greater control and mobility on ice, snowy, dry, and wet roads.
Do you even need winter tires for an AWD car? If you value driving safely and confidently through Mother Nature’s toughest season, you might.
WINTER DRIVING TIPS FOR ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
This winter, be conscious of your car’s capabilities. The professionals have some suggestions for you if you’re using all-wheel drive to navigate the roadways.
WHEN TO CONSIDER 4WD FOR WINTER DRIVING
It’s impossible to beat 4WD for folks whose lives, careers, or passions take them off the beaten track, where unplowed roads, deep snow, and uneven terrain await them every winter.
However, winter tires can still be the difference-maker. One explanation is that many 4WD systems are intermittent and need the driver to turn them on (versus AWDs always-on status). Winter tires can assist prevent you from ever getting into a difficult situation, whereas turning on a 4WD system may help you get out of one once you’re there.
WHEN TO CONSIDER FWD FOR WINTER DRIVING
The majority of passenger cars and SUVs include FWD. Due to two factors, this may be a wise choice when driving in the snow:
- Over the two driving wheels, a car’s weight is mostly distributed. The tires’ traction is enhanced by the added weight.
- A FWD vehicle is less prone to have oversteer, which is when the rear of the vehicle slides out when cornering and causes a more sharper turn than anticipated. This is because the drivetrain in a FWD vehicle is practically dragging the car along.
Your FWD car can become a very capable winter vehicle by combining these benefits with a decent pair of winter tires.
PROS AND CONS OF RWD FOR WINTER DRIVING
RWD is frequently found in sports cars, muscle cars, trucks, and truck-based SUVs. Under ideal driving circumstances, RWD typically enables a more even weight distribution and better handling. This is due to the fact that the front wheels are in charge of steering, whereas the rear wheels are in charge of transferring power to the ground.
Driving in the snow is not recommended for vehicles with rear-wheel drive. Driving a RWD vehicle is less of a problem if you reside in a region where measurable snowfall is uncommon, or even non-existent, such as the southern states.
RWD cars often have less weight on the driven wheels than FWD, AWD, or 4WD cars, making them more difficult to accelerate on slick roads and more likely to lose control of the rear of the car.
These cars can handle and have secure traction in snowy and icy situations with the aid of a decent set of winter tires.
Can the AWD on a Toyota Highlander be turned off?
Press the same button once more to turn off four-wheel drive in your Toyota Highlander. Keep in mind that while four-wheel drive makes it easier to navigate rough terrain, it also consumes petrol considerably more quickly than it would otherwise. In order to avoid running out of fuel, try to only use four-wheel drive when you really need it.
Which Highlander model is the best?
The 20082013 edition is most likely the best option. This generation gives you more interior space, more features, and a more powerful engine lineup, plus better safety and crash test scores.