My mom and stepdad just bought a new Toyota Highlander (V6,AWD/4WD). They are under the the idea that this vehicle has a part-time, old school, 4WD system like their F-150 has. I’m virtualy certain that it has an AWD system similar to that of the RAV-4 and that it is necessary to make sure all the t…

The Highlander non hybrid is an AWD system, much like a RAV4. The general terms 4wd,awd etc get convoluted and confused by salespeople, car makers, owners and the rest of us alike, even here. Part time 4wd like an older F150,it is NOT. It’s a full time AWD system that changes torque distribution fro…

dagosa’s correct. I would think this is all described in the owner’s manual, I would think, along with any warnings about tire use. And, given the popularity of awd systems, this might be what the saleman considers ‘regular’.

I believe you are correct. The Toyota website does not explain the system. Perhaps there is some info on the systme somewhere in the 500 to 600 pages of the Owner’s manual . Perhaps it was the same salesman that insisted that my wife’s 06 Sienna had a timing chain. Ed

An “indirect” way of explaining how a system function, is found in the owners manual when it talks about the limitations and operational instructions of the system. For most drivers (often not enough for we automotive nerds here) it’s all that’s necessary.

Thanks for this info. I agree with what you said that function explanation is more important than a label! I guess i like both 2011 highlander and 4wd because of toyota parts . They really do have the quality that i have been looking for!

Is the AWD the same as 4-wheel drive for towing purposes?

Do you mean for a specific vehicle? Or for comparing different vehicles?

I have a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The towing rate for a 2-wheel drive is 3,500 lbs. The towing rate for a 4-wheel drive is 4,500. Does the AWD, which turns the tire if needed, the same as a 4-wheel drive, which runs all four wheels all the time? I plan on installing a hitch to tow a travel traile…

No it isn’t. 4WD cannot be driven on dry surfaces as it destroys the driveline - no center differential - AWD can.

2011 Toyota Highlander AWD or 4WD

General Discussion

texases June 3, 2010, 6:36pm 6

If there is no button or lever to engage 4wd, it has to be awd. There might be confusion if there is a differential lock button, but that should be explained in the manual.

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2011 Toyota Highlander AWD or 4WD

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