edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Originally Posted by methusaleh
Originally Posted by edyvw
It is actually 50:50% split on AWD all the time, it is not like these new AWD in Toyota which are IMO worst performers in industry. I was thinking about that particular Highlander some time ago, but did not need appliance vehicle at that time. Was checking them so drove a lot of them to see whether I could live with them.
Not to derail the thread, but this comment caught my attention. We have been considering a Highlander of similar vintage as a manageable-sized vehicle that my wife can use occasionally for work purposes. What is the difference in the different forms of AWD? Were certain systems only in use for certain years or trim levels?
Highlander of 2nd generation has constant 50:50% split. Meaning torque is evenly distributed between axles all the time. That means vehicle will be very neutral with no tendency of torque steer, or for example on slick surfaces obvious transfer of torque to the back, which can often create this strange feeling in corners in slick surfaces like something just pulled rear end. Not funny on icy roads.
AWD that is in use in 3rd generation Highlander, RAV4, Sienna that I have (especially AWD in use until 2014) is 100% FWD, and transfers power ONLY when front wheels slip. In Toyota that system is improved a bit in 2015 ( I have on SIenna that version) where 10% of power is transferred back when accelerating regardless whether front wheels slip or not. But it does not work well as my car at harder acceleration always has torque steer, and in slick surfaces it is apparent when front wheels slip before rear wheels kick in. Similar system has VW Tiguan except it is 90:10, but our Tiguan does not exhibit any torque steer and it is almost impossible to say when rear wheels kick in.
Originally Posted by edyvw
It is actually 50:50% split on AWD all the time, it is not like these new AWD in Toyota which are IMO worst performers in industry. I was thinking about that particular Highlander some time ago, but did not need appliance vehicle at that time. Was checking them so drove a lot of them to see whether I could live with them.
Not to derail the thread, but this comment caught my attention. We have been considering a Highlander of similar vintage as a manageable-sized vehicle that my wife can use occasionally for work purposes. What is the difference in the different forms of AWD? Were certain systems only in use for certain years or trim levels?
Highlander of 2nd generation has constant 50:50% split. Meaning torque is evenly distributed between axles all the time. That means vehicle will be very neutral with no tendency of torque steer, or for example on slick surfaces obvious transfer of torque to the back, which can often create this strange feeling in corners in slick surfaces like something just pulled rear end. Not funny on icy roads.
AWD that is in use in 3rd generation Highlander, RAV4, Sienna that I have (especially AWD in use until 2014) is 100% FWD, and transfers power ONLY when front wheels slip. In Toyota that system is improved a bit in 2015 ( I have on SIenna that version) where 10% of power is transferred back when accelerating regardless whether front wheels slip or not. But it does not work well as my car at harder acceleration always has torque steer, and in slick surfaces it is apparent when front wheels slip before rear wheels kick in. Similar system has VW Tiguan except it is 90:10, but our Tiguan does not exhibit any torque steer and it is almost impossible to say when rear wheels kick in.
