Highlander , worth $ AWD?

Looking into purchasing a used Highlander. The family is growing and my wife and I are not mini van people. Looking for opinions if the AWD option is worth the extra cash. I've red they have the option of a locking center differential. Very appealing to me. I own a 06 tacoma 4x4, so it kinda would be the same thing. The Highlander will be the new road trip vehicle and would like to be able to hit up all of my fishing spots with out being worried of getting stuck on some sand or uneven dirt roads. Any one with experience with Highlander AWD?

 

Had an AWD Highlander and it wasn't anything to brag about. Gas mileage sucks compared with the FWD. They are both stable in slick conditions. Went to Big Bear when they had over 12" of snow and didn't have an issue.

 

What kinda numbers were you getting?

 

The awd Highlander gets 16 in town and about 20 on the highway. I would really urge you to look at a 4Runner if you want to go in snow and down some gnarly dirt roads.

 

16 mpg city on a good day, usually 15 mpg
Highway mileage was around 19 mpg

 

I agree, the 4 Runner is good but the Highlander rides smooth. I miss that,lol.

 

My wife loves her 08 highlander with awd. She averages 19-21mpg constantly no matter what she drives in. And she is a very aggressive driver (ask my pockets how I know). We haven't really needed the AWD much... a few times in small snow and what not, but it is really nice having it around Seattle for the constantly hill drives.

 

We had a 2013 Highlander SE. The 'hills' in SoCal were not kind to my wallet.

 

The highlander is good for a family hauler but the mention of fishing will imply you still need a truck. Do you really want fish smell in the cabin?

 

Use to the smell.

4 runner will be an over kill for my wife. We use my Tacoma for road trips when it was just her and I. Now we have a plus one and plan for more in the future. My Tacoma is a AC, and with a carseat my wife can't recline the seat. Been a few times I drive up to the lake but can't drive away until I turn on 4wd. 19 mpg isn't bad.

 

Doesn't the Rav4 come in AWD? Might get better gas mileage because they are smaller.

 

The Rav would be good, but he said he is wanting to expand his family. The HL typically comes with 3rd row seating which makes it easier to take a few extra people. The Rav 3rd row is tiny and not meant for normal sized people.

 

Wife has a 2012 Highlander FWD. I tried to get her into the AWD, but we have my truck for anything requiring more traction. It's the v6 and can get low to mid 20s mpg freeway, up to about 18 city average. She loves it. It has def grown on me, we plan to have it for a long time. Happy wife, happy life.