Quote:
Originally Posted by w@ntonsoup
It's not designed for heavy-duty off road use, but 68 hp and 100 lb/ft of torque split between two wheels isn't useless, it can be very effective.
The 400h weighs 4365 lbs., and the rear wheels alone get 68 hp. To put that in perspective, look at some "real" off roaders from ten years ago, their weights, and the engines total output:
Land Cruiser weighed 4480 lbs., 155 hp.
Jeep Cherokee weighed 4499 lbs., 144 hp.
Ford Bronco weighed 4430 lbs., 145 hp.
It's more than just the numbers. We all know that the 400h or HiHy isn't going to get you through a mud bog or win you a rock climing championship. But to say that it's not even 4wd is ridiculous.
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There is a difference, the jeeps and land cruisers are tough and meant and gearced for off road. The Higlander is not. The rear motor has a potential of burning up. Thats not something I would like to take off roading. Also it's not designed for any off road use as stated by Toyota. It will not take you through anything I go through in a tahoe. The traction and stability control on this thing is too sensitive, if you go in mud you wont be able to spin your wheels a little to get out. Going down a dirt road or on light terrain is ok. But the Highlander and expecialy a Lexus would look a little odd going mud bogging.
It's not a bad vehicle, I love mine. But it's sure not a Tahoe. My Tahoe has mechanicaly locking differentials and 4wd lo and autotrac 4wd system. You can spin your wheels to get out, but it's designed for that. I would not take my Highlander also because going offroading really hurts a car thats not designed for it like I said, it's especialy bad on the supension because the Highlander and especialy the Lexus are not tuned for off road. Tey are tuned for comfortable on road paved driving. Under my definition it's AWD because it's not designed for real off roading. Especialy the rear motor.