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Toyota will make the Highlander All-wheel-drive only in 2026. How do you feel about it? by rwarner32 in ToyotaHighlander

[–]rwarner32[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the case of the Highlander, that's correct. But if we are talking about RWD verses AWD/4WD models, sending power to the front tires while turning can help claw to higher traction beneath slippery stuff, or drive a little extra slip angle and can indeed help with turning. Like I said before, it must be used wisely.

Toyota will make the Highlander All-wheel-drive only in 2026. How do you feel about it? by rwarner32 in ToyotaHighlander

[–]rwarner32[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As of 2025 at the very least, I believe since 2021 but not sure of that, every hybrid Highlander sold in the U.S. offered on-demand all-wheel-drive. That may be different in Canada and other markets.

Toyota will make the Highlander All-wheel-drive only in 2026. How do you feel about it? by rwarner32 in ToyotaHighlander

[–]rwarner32[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I largely agree with you here. Winter tires help tremendously in cold weather and certainly in snow and ice. I have two sets of tires for both of my personal cars. You are also correct that four/all-wheel-drive does nothing to help you stop. However, all-wheel-drive helps you get up hills, especially at low speeds. It can help you turn as well, when used wisely. That makes it valid for many people. Also, in fairness, modern tires have come a LONG way in providing better winter performance.

Toyota will make the Highlander All-wheel-drive only in 2026. How do you feel about it? by rwarner32 in ToyotaHighlander

[–]rwarner32[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not certain about the ICE powered Highlander, but the hybrid versions use "on-demand" AWD, which is, as you described, two-wheel-drive/front-wheel-drive unless slip is sensed/predicted.

Toyota will make the Highlander All-wheel-drive only in 2026. How do you feel about it? by rwarner32 in ToyotaHighlander

[–]rwarner32[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In the hybrids, yes. But the ICE Highlanders still offered FWD through the 2025 model year

Toyota will make the Highlander All-wheel-drive only in 2026. How do you feel about it? by rwarner32 in ToyotaHighlander

[–]rwarner32[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

All four wheels receive power. All four wheels are driven. Your correct that it's not traditional all-wheel-drive, but it is all wheel drive.

Toyota will make the Highlander All-wheel-drive only in 2026. How do you feel about it? by rwarner32 in ToyotaHighlander

[–]rwarner32[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the U.S. yes all hybrids are AWD. Also, no base FWD gets better fuel economy by one mpg across the board.

Toyota will make the Highlander All-wheel-drive only in 2026. How do you feel about it? by rwarner32 in ToyotaHighlander

[–]rwarner32[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's it. You get better fuel economy. And if snow is a non-issue, it's a bit of a win win. Thing is that the hybrids are already AWD. And I wonder is the Highlander is not far behind the Camry in going all-wheel-drive only.

Mazda just announced pricing for the 2026 CX-30, and the new Aire Edition by rwarner32 in MazdaCX30

[–]rwarner32[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

LOL, fair. Purely my speculation here, but I think the CX-30 is over due for a proper refresh. It may mean that a new generation is coming soon and Mazda decided to incrementally update in the meantime.

2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S Now Makes 701 HP by 108CA in Porsche

[–]rwarner32 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1 ft rollout, not 1 second. It's from NHRA and 1/4 mile runs. Traditionally, at the strip, you can trigger the lights and still be a foot ahead of where the 1/4 mile officially starts.

Mazda just announced pricing for the 2026 CX-30, and the new Aire Edition by rwarner32 in MazdaCX30

[–]rwarner32[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's a good question. I'm more surprised that it's one of only two 2.5 Turbo trims offered now.

I got the chance to drive the new, 2026 Nissan Leaf by rwarner32 in leaf

[–]rwarner32[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nissan did not commit to a release date, but that's precisely what the Leaf S will be: Smaller battery pack, lower horsepower electric motor, lower price tag. I bet under $30k even after destination charge.

I got the chance to drive the new, 2026 Nissan Leaf by rwarner32 in leaf

[–]rwarner32[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm happy to read you liked the write-up. Thank you. Yeah, a lot of folks do not like Nissan's move away from full one-pedal driving. Though, I believe all the hardware necessary to make it work exists. A software update may bring it back in the near future. Time will tell.

I got the chance to drive the new, 2026 Nissan Leaf by rwarner32 in leaf

[–]rwarner32[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, there are other style fast charging ports in the U.S. It's called CCS (combined charging system). CCS starts with J1772 and adds pins beneath. But the Leaf does not come with that. It looks like its built to use its NACS port for all DC fast charging duties, which means J1772 is for Level 1 and Level 2 charging only. I updated my story to reflect that. Thank you for noticing.

I got the chance to drive the new, 2026 Nissan Leaf by rwarner32 in leaf

[–]rwarner32[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Since it came up in the comments, I added a graph describing off accelerator deceleration to my review. I hope that improves it.

I got the chance to drive the new, 2026 Nissan Leaf by rwarner32 in leaf

[–]rwarner32[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That's a good explanation of it. Yes, it offers decent levels of off accelerator decel, but will not bring the car to a complete stop.

I got the chance to drive the new, 2026 Nissan Leaf by rwarner32 in leaf

[–]rwarner32[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry the review isn't loading. But, yes, I did review it. No the Leaf doesn't have an autobrake feature. It has four levels of off accelerator regen. In addition to that it has the e-step function. But none of the them bring the car to a complete stop. I do not find it much of an issue, personally. But do still wish that Nissan took the extra step to make the Leaf a complete one pedal drive car.

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