2005 Toyota Highlander AWD: tire size sensitivity?

[Elkins45]

According to Wikipedia the 2005 Highlander has a 50:50 fixed front/rear torque split. Does this have any significance with regard to tire sizing and wear? Or is this a function of the specific differential design?

I know some AWD vehicles require that replacement tires be essentially the exact diameter of the other three. Is the Highlander one of them?

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

If it did you'd have a full size spare rather than that joke they call a spare!

 

[JohnnyG]

Except for the fact that the "JOKE" spare is not meant for long term use.

 

[johnmyster]

That drivetrain uses three open differentials and brakes to limit wheelspin. It's a great system but opinion always was that tires need to be same/similarly sized.

That said, if any AWD system wouldn't have tire size sensitivity, it would be one with three open differentials, unlike a part-time one that clutches/locks in the rear axle (subaru or subsequent toyota).