AWD-e is easy - that's the hybrid's version of AWD. Normally the hybrid powertrain is FWD, and they add a second electric motor for the rear wheels to get AWD.

The other two are for conventional gas powertrains. Toyota has a simple video about Torque Vectoring here.

Here's another video with someone from Toyota explaining the Torque Vectoring a bit more, and it also covers the AWD-e briefly.

 

Living in snow country...I must say I've had no issues with the AWD hybrid version of the car. It's very quick to respond in a slip condition. It also helps to have a good set of All Season tires as well.

 

Dynamic Torque vectoring is on the XSE, Limited and Platinum. They have 2 additional clutches on the rear axle to transfer power between the 2 sides, 1) for cornering & 2) traction differences

AWD is on L, LE and XLE which has just an open differential at the rear and uses only the ABS to brake the slipping wheel

AWD-e is an on-demand electric motor for the rear for all hybrid trims , uses ABS to brake the slipping wheel. And unlike the gas engine with multiple traction modes, you have a “TRAIL” button and no Downhill Assist

 

That is very helpful thanks everyone. And so on the standard gas engine do all four wheels churn if it is AWD or do the rears kick in only when there is slipping? And how are the rear wheels powered?

 

V6 has an electronic multi-plate clutch at the back that locks up to transfer torque from the front transfer case

full lock of the clutch means the max of 50% torque gets sent to the rear axle.

the rear axle gets powered starting from a stop, powering through curves, when slip is anticipated or detected, etc

 

There's a torque gauge (on my V6 LE) that reads this out in real time. The rear receives torque only when starting out or accelerating with some vigor. They do not when cruising or accelerating easily. They also receive torque when front slipping is sensed. This may change depending on driving/traction modes you select. This is done by a computer controlled clutch pack in the transfer case that connects power to the rear driveshaft.

 

So in order for a car like an AWD LE to get Dynamic Torque Vectoring they would have to get a rear axle from a (Limited, Platinum, or XSE) and more stuff??

 

I highly doubt that it is going to be reasonable to swap out the old school AWD system from an LE to the torque vectoring AWD system that comes on the higher trim levels. As mentioned in the other thread, it's probably easier to just trade in your LE AWD for a XSE, Limited, or Platinum with the AWD system that you want. You could probably spend a lot of money, time, and energy experimenting though. With enough money and talent, pretty much anything is technically possible in the automotive world.

I also don't think that the more advanced AWD setup on the higher trim levels is necessarily worth it unless you really plan on taking your Highlander into serious off-road situations... and even the torque vectoring AWD system isn't something that's great in those situations. Better than the standard AWD system, sure... but not something that's going to turn your Highlander into a 4Runner. If you are more concerned with performance in snow- a good set of snow tires on your AWD LE would probably be a better investment than upgrading to the torque-vectoring AWD setup. A good set of snow tires will run you about $800-$1000. Upgrading an LE to an XSE, Limited, or Platinum would cost a lot more than that. Trying to Frankenstein the parts of the torque vectoring AWD system into your LE would likely be even more costly.

 

I hear you about the Buyer's remorse. I chose Hybrid AWD Limited as it had the stuff I really wanted, and the add-ons for Platinum weren't important to me. Despite a hefty down payment, I still have (what seems to me like) a fairly big monthly note. I am quite happy with my choice nonetheless!

 

Despite the LE not having ALL of the features I still don't have buyers remorse. I do wish I would've known these little details but I never bought the Highlander for anything serious off-road. My family does Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Rafting, and much more so this beauty can get us to the campsite, cliffside, or water inlet. I'm building an XJ for fun off-road adventures where I don't have to care about the body or year of the car. I really do appreciate all the comments, and you guys are all on it. I already had to upgrade the audio in the LE so I can see why the lower trims are not as desired. For what we need the Highlander does it well, just wish they had more aftermarket support for minor things Skid Plates, 4runner style roof racks, better shocks/springs for towing (sag sucks), etc.

 

The "little details" are on Toyota's website, and Toyota provides the information about the AWD systems.

Here's an excerpt from the 2020 brochure

Another common theme is... "why doesn't my XLE beep when I'm parking close to something?"

Aftermarket support, well it's not a popular platform for modding. All you can do is put requests in and hope enough people do the same.