2008 2WD HL Question

[jmg7234]

Hello all. First post here.

Need a vehicle for our daughter at college in Tacoma, Wa. Lots of rain and occasionally some light snow. Found a good deal on an '08 Highlander but with 2 WD. It will also be driven cross country and back 3 times over the next 3 years. (St. Louis to Wa.) I've only had SUVs with AWD so I'm concerned about the handling of a front wheel drive Highlander particularly in the rain and to a lesser extent in the snow. Most concerned about her safety obviously. Will this handle like any other FW drive car or will the higher center of gravity affect the handling adversely? (Have tried the forum search and not come with any answers focusing on rain more than snow.) I suspect tires may play an important role as well--any we should focus on for rain more than snow? Any input appreciated.

Thanks, Jim

[jimmied]

I have a 2009 2wd HL and had no problems this year with the snow and we had a ton of it. Never had a problem in the rain as well. I would definitely compare it to the handling of a car. I dont get much body roll unless I would really try to go nuts around a turn (never). I love it. I would recommend it for your daughter. It is a great ride with no many compromises.

[summerwind]

I found that the AWD on my HL had an advantage on the hills around Renton and Seattle in the snow. The 2WD will obviously get better gas mileage and the second day after it snows in our area and turns to ice it doesn't matter if it is AWD or 2WD they all slide through the intersections coming down hills together.

[jmg7234]

Thanks for the replies. Went ahead and pulled the trigger on the 2WD HL. Next item will be new tires in the next few months. She'll just have to learn to stay off the hills until the ice melts.-:

Jim

[jeffs3820]

With good tires she will do fine!