2X4 or 4X4 for the Highlander?

Scubano · 06-21-2007, 04:52 PM

Just now thinking about a Highlander to compliment my Prius. I have looked at the 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive, but not sure if the 4 wheel drive is needed (I do NOT off-road) and also not sure if the 2 wheel drive is adaquate for such a large vehicle....

**efusco** · 06-21-2007, 05:37 PM

In Austin, TX if you don't think you'll regularly use it to drive to the mountains or for some other adverse road condition use I don't see much point in paying the extra money for the 4WD. But the extra speed/boost from MGR sure feels nice!

hill · 08-29-2007, 10:31 AM

As Efusco sez, the extra power IS nice, however, in the strictest sense, the SUV is NOT really a 4X4. Ours is the Lexus version. There is no ICE delivered to the rear wheels. So the only benefit aside from more electric, is that on frosty roads one has a tiny bit more power that is deliverable to the road, in the event the front wheels slip. Even so, we still use our studded tires in the winter.

philmcneal · 07-19-2008, 01:10 AM

isn't it true though that 4wd models can absorb more energy from regen because of the electric motor in the back? Although I doubt the amount is negligible for the added cost.

n8kwx · 07-19-2008, 04:47 PM

According to the EPA estimates, the "4WD" version gets about 1 MPG less than the FWD version.

07-19-2008, 01:10 AM	#4
philmcneal Taxi! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Burnaby B.C Posts: 227 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: Base Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: 2X4 or 4X4 for the Highlander? isn't it true though that 4wd models can absorb more energy from regen because of the electric motor in the back? Although I doubt the amount is negligible for the added cost.

07-19-2008, 04:47 PM	#5
n8kwx Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arlington Heights, IL - NW Chicago Suburb Posts: 227 My Car: Other Hybrid Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: 2X4 or 4X4 for the Highlander? According to the EPA estimates, the "4WD" version gets about 1 MPG less than the FWD version.

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06-21-2007, 04:52 PM	#1
Scubano Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 5 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Just now thinking about a Highlander to compliment my Prius. I have looked at the 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive, but not sure if the 4 wheel drive is needed (I do NOT off-road) and also not sure if the 2 wheel drive is adaquate for such a large vehicle....

06-21-2007, 05:37 PM	#2
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 13,383 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 1 Time in 1 Post TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 23	In Austin, TX if you don't think you'll regularly use it to drive to the mountains or for some other adverse road condition use I don't see much point in paying the extra money for the 4WD. But the extra speed/boost from MGR sure feels nice!

08-29-2007, 10:31 AM	#3
hill High Fiber Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South OC So Cal & the Flathead Valley MT Posts: 2,293 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 2	As Efusco sez, the extra power IS nice, however, in the strictest sense, the SUV is NOT really a 4X4. Ours is the Lexus version. There is no ICE delivered to the rear wheels. So the only benefit aside from more electric, is that on frosty roads one has a tiny bit more power that is deliverable to the road, in the event the front wheels slip. Even so, we still use our studded tires in the winter.