Re: 4-wd system
After driving a Mazda Van 4 wheel drive (with an optional locking differential) for a number of years, driving the HiHy 4 wheel drive in the Kootenay winter of B.C. '06/07 was a new experince. Toyota calls it an "INTLLIGENT" four wheel drive system but our experience was: The gas engine only drives the front wheels, An electric motor drives the rear wheels to assist the gas engine under various conditions and when asked to do so by a computer.
When I slid off our steep, paved driveway, I could not get any of the wheels to turn until I got out and shoveled out the right front passanger wheel - I think this is because the gas and electric motors cannot react independant of each other. There has to be some forward/backward motion and than the "traction" at each of the four wheels happen - if there is no movement (of all 4 wheels) than there you sit. I AM SURE TOYOTA REPS READ THESE PAGES BUT FOR WHATEVER REASON, DECLINE TO COMMENT - THE VARIOUS CANADIAN TOYOTA DEALERS I HAVE TALKED TO DON'T APPEAR TO UNDERSTAND THE ISSUE - The enginering around the 4 wheel drive model is not what we are used to.
We have adapted and love the vehicle - low emmisions, very good milage, lots of power for passing (but hold on to the steering wheel, when you pull out to pass) and well built.
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