RWD 4runner

Highlander. SMH.

 

Very true. But not just the highlander! Most cars made in the last 20 years have incorporated this dumb cylon design element. Frankly, even the 4runner to some degree. I remember when this trend started. I figured it was a temporary fad…any day now…

 

While the Highlander and RAV4 are fine vehicles, people will buy 2wd 4Runners to fill needs that the Highlander or RAV4 cannot. Or maybe some people just prefer the rugged looks and higher ride height of the 4runner.

A 2wd 4Runner, in terms of towing, is more capable than a FWD Highlander or especially RAV4. Even though a tow package can be installed on a Highlander (AWD or FWD), the Highlander does not have the plug-in-play wiring for a trailer brake controller and is only available with a 4 pin connector on the dealer-installed tow package.

The 2wd 4Runner comes standard with a hitch along with 7- and 4-pin connectors and is pre-wired for a trailer brake controller. I use my 2wd 4Runner for towing a dump trailer and a travel trailer, both equipped with trailer brakes. The roll-down rear window (not available on Highlander) is a huge convenience when towing. I can easily access the cargo area of the 4runner while hitched up to my travel trailer. Just being able to lower the rear window in everyday driving is awesome. I will take a roll-down rear window over a moonroof any day. The previous generation Highlander did have a pop up rear window, I believe.

After eventually having to replace the drive shafts with every FWD-based vehicle I have owned, I much prefer the simplicity and reliability of the rear drive, solid rear axle layout of the 2wd 4Runner.

 

The 4Runner is a J150 series Land Cruiser, arguably one of the best built production vehicles today, and the 1GR-FE engine is legendary it has been standard in the Middle East in the J100, the 2J00 and the J300 series Land Cruiser. If you don't drive in mud or soft sand, get the 2WD. The Highlander, on the other hand, is based on a car platform - the Camry I believe - and as such is front-wheel drive, which I will never own again. The build quality is below that of a J150 Land Cruiser.. I think comparing the Highlander and the 4Runner is a shallow and quickly exhausted exercise because they are so vastly different. It's like comparing a Louis Vuitton leather handbag and a Ziplock plastic bag. Sure, they're both bags, but the similarities end there.

 

Correct, the 4WD 4Runner can only be used in 2WD on pavement or other tracks and roads that do not allow the wheels to slide -- even light snow or patchy ice is not enough to prevent damage to the vehicle. It must be kept in 2WD until the tires can slide.

 

In the late 80’s, I drove this during the winter in Plattsburgh, NY. Studded snows and a 4 speed. No problem.

 

Most of the 4Runners sold in my area are 2wd. By the way, 2x4 is a piece of wood, 4x2 is the proper term for a 2wd truck or suv.

 

4x2….so noted. Thank you.

I now assume no one knows the answer to “% of 4x2s to 4x4s (5th gen) sold.

Never figured this innocent query would cause
Such a fuss.

 

Hadn’t thought about it until reading some of these posts, but are there many other 4WD-oriented vehicles (not AWD/FWD) that can also be had as RWD-only?

 

Ford F-150, F-250, F-30, Chevy and Dodge pickup trucks, Nissan, Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia...... 4WD on all these vehicles (including the 4Runner) is an option. About $2,000 on the 4Runner with tax.

 

Guess I should have said SUV. I know all pickups are available in RWD. Did not know Sequoia was available in RWD-only format.

 

How about the Mazda cars? To me, they look like the body was designed in such a way as to look like aliens or Martians. Then add in the goofy styling of the taillights? Completes the look in my opinion.

 

Even Jeep Wrangler was sold in 2wd even its to think about it. But looking at this thread realize people would have bought it for less maintenance, better towing, better mpg, open the roof and remove doors, and definitely would have no problems driving in snow.