Product Description
I. Vehicle Positioning
The 4th-generation Highlander AWD from GAC Toyota is a mid-size 7-seat urban SUV available in two variants: 2.5L Hybrid with E-FOUR electronic AWD (mainstream bestseller) and 380T 2.0T gasoline on-demand mechanical AWD. It is engineered for long-distance family road trips, mountain commuting under rainy/snowy conditions and light off-road driving, suitable for family outings and short-distance business travel. TSS3.0 active safety suite comes as standard across all grades to enhance vehicle stability on slippery surfaces and climbing & escaping capability.
Basic Body Specs: Dimensions 4965×1930×1750mm, wheelbase 2850mm, minimum ground clearance 195mm, approach angle 18°, departure angle 22°. Designed for RON92 gasoline with a 65L fuel tank; configurable in 2+3 five-seat or 2+2+3 seven-seat layouts.
II. 2.5L Hybrid E-FOUR Electronic AWD (Core Hybrid AWD Model)
1. Powertrain & AWD Structure
Equipped with 2.5L Atkinson-cycle naturally aspirated engine + 5th-gen THS hybrid system + E-FOUR electronically controlled AWD. No mechanical propeller shaft fitted: the front axle is driven by engine plus a 134kW electric motor, while the rear axle adopts an independent 40kW permanent-magnet motor solely for rear-wheel propulsion, paired with shift-free E-CVT transmission. Total system peak output: 181kW (246 PS).
Intelligent torque distribution: front-rear power split continuously adjustable from 100:0 to 20:80. Runs in full FWD for optimal fuel economy on paved roads; rear wheels engage instantly upon wheel slip or uphill climbing, with up to 80% torque routed to rear axle under extreme conditions to deliver rear-wheel-biased driving characteristics.
WLTC fuel consumption: 5.97L/100km for AWD variant, over 1000km cruising range per full tank.
2. AWD Drive Modes
- Default Auto AWD: ECU monitors wheel slip in real time and activates rear drive within 0.1s; defaults to FWD for daily city driving and distributes power to rear wheels automatically in rain or corners to improve traction.
- TRAIL Crawl Mode (activated by button): intelligent slip control locks torque distribution at low speed, automatically regulating output for four wheels to navigate mud, ruts and sand; rapidly diverts power away from spinning wheels for off-road recovery.
- Snow Mode: near 50:50 front-rear power split plus softened throttle response to avoid wheel spin during icy-surface startup.
Note: E-FOUR features no mechanical differential lock; AWD locking logic is realized via electronic motor control with no 40km/h speed cap limitation.
III. 380T 2.0T Gasoline On-demand Mechanical AWD
1. Powertrain & AWD Structure
2.0T turbocharged S20A engine, max power 182kW, peak torque 380N·m, matched with Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission. Conventional on-demand mechanical AWD setup with multi-plate clutch rear differential, ITCC electronically controlled coupling and physical propeller shaft.
Power distribution: full front-wheel drive under regular cruising for fuel efficiency; rear axle engages once slip occurs with a maximum 50:50 front-rear split under heavy load. Equipped with AWD LOCK button to fix 50:50 torque split below 40km/h; lock disengages automatically above 40km/h and reverts to adaptive AWD.
WLTC combined fuel consumption: 8.6~9.1L/100km.
2. Terrain Functions
Standard Snow & Off-Road modes; high-end trims adopt rear torque vectoring enabling independent power allocation between left and right rear wheels, delivering superior articulation recovery over E-FOUR hybrid AWD and better adaptability for long journeys on icy northern roads and gravel tracks.
IV. Chassis & Suspension (Uniform for all AWD trims)
Front MacPherson independent suspension + rear E-type multi-link independent suspension built on TNGA-K unibody platform. Suspension is tuned for family-focused comfort with outstanding shock absorption. AWD variants retain identical suspension layout as FWD versions, with improved driving stability delivered entirely by the AWD system.
Wheels: base trim with 18-inch alloy rims; mid & high-spec models fitted with 20-inch sport alloy wheels.
V. Standard Safety Configuration for All AWD Trims
Passive Safety
7 airbags (driver & front passenger front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, driver knee airbag, front center airbag), high-rigidity GOA cage body structure, three-point safety belts for all seating positions, direct-readout TPMS.
TSS3.0 Level 2 ADAS
Full-speed DRCC adaptive cruise control, LTA Lane Tracing Assist, PCS Pre-Collision Braking, AHB Automatic High Beam, LCA Blind Spot Monitor, RCTA Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, door-opening collision warning and active parking brake. Standard equipment includes ESP stability control, hill-start assist, downhill assist control and rollover prevention system; AWD interlinks with vehicle ECU to optimize brake calibration during skidding.
VI. Comfort & Intelligent Features for AWD Versions
Standard across all AWD grades
Smart keyless entry & push-button start, power tailgate, automatic headlights, three-zone automatic climate control with PM2.5 filtration, front & rear parking sensors plus rearview camera, 10.25-inch central touchscreen, wireless CarPlay & HiCar, Toyota Connected Services for remote vehicle control.
Exclusive for Mid-to-High Trims (Luxury/Premium/Ultra)
12.3-inch intelligent infotainment display, heated & ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, 360° panoramic surround view, multi-layer sound-insulated glass, auto-folding side mirrors on locking, 64-color ambient interior lighting, 15W front wireless phone charging.
Top-spec Platinum & Ultra Exclusive Features
JBL premium audio system, split panoramic sunroof, AR-HUD head-up display, power-adjustable second-row seats, concealed rear foldable tray tables.
