Your thoughts on AWD vs Part time 4WD

May be picking up the RWD Limited 4runner vs 4WD. What would be pros and cons in the 4Runner world. My only thought is the Limited models are AWD, not part time 4WD which I prefer.

 

The only con is slightly less mileage but I wish I had an AWD option in my TRDP.

 

So are you getting the full-time 4WD (which is not the same as AWD) Limited, or the 2WD Limited?

 

I have a 22 Limited with FT 4WD and a 21 Venture with part time 4WD. There’s absolutely no difference whatsoever in the fuel economy. And… We drive quite a few miles in both vehicles, so if there was a difference we’d see it. The FT 4WD system in the Limited is excellent, same system as in the GX 460 Lexus.

FWIW, I guess I don’t see the point of a 2WD 4Runner. The 2WD versions are also much more difficult to sell when the time comes. At our local Toyota dealer, there is seldom a new 4Runner on the lot, but when there is it will invariably be a 2WD version.

 

According to Toyota, the 2WD SR5 is 400 pounds lighter (four hundred pounds!) than the Limited model. Unless you're planning on doing serious off-roading the 4WD (whether it be part-time or full-time) isn't necessary.

Here is an informative video that Toyota made several years ago on the differences of its four-wheel-drive systems:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN6-gCxI60g

 

Hello glwood54, we are just looking into the limited RWD version. The maintenance along with needle bearings issues with 4WD or AWD concern me. Not having 4WD also concerns me as I know as soon as we are out on adventure I would want to explore with 4WD. Not many models to choose from currently, dealer mentioned to wait 6 months and inventory should return on 4runners.

 

Thank you HotelMedicis! So very interesting, so many moving parts! I'll have to watch it a few times for better understanding of the mechanics involved. Just wish the Limited models were Part time 4WD instead of AWD or full time 4WD. I'm currently learning to help make an educated decision. Thank you all!

 

Right it's not AWD but full time 4WD w/ rear power bias. RWD sounds like it definitely has as its perks. But if you want peoples thoughts, T4R's are alot of money I wouldn't choose to save a few thousand and at least 6 months time. I think you should do it right, invest in full time or part time 4WD, it is much safer and more valuable. Maybe try another dealership somewhere, somehow.

 

this was helpful for me

 

• I know 2WD has less ground clearance 9.0in,
• less maintenance (per book)
• I would also assume more payload? I haven't seen payload sticker on 2WD (4)Runner. I would assume 1300ish vs 1100ish on SR5/Limited models

If you don't like Full time 4wd of a Limited how about a TRD Sport part time 4wd?

• Looks like a Limited.
• More ground clearance 9.6 been a 4wd model
  
• Same XREAS suspension, the most comfortable onroad suspension on 4Runner lineup
• 20in wheels like Limited and matching spare wheel
• Automatic running boards, 360 view camera, sliding cargo deck ,etc.. available

Edit -
If you ever move to a state like CO and try to trade in 2WD 4Runner to a dealership they might kick your a$$
Just kidding. They might give a ridiculous low value just to respectfully let you leave. I personally know this happening to my friend who brought a 2wd RX350 to CO from TX.

 

Why the preference for Part time 4wd over the full time 4wd system?

edited because I asked backwards

 

Full-time 4WD requires less driver intervention and there’s no concern about dry pavement. Lots of people like part time 4WD better. That second shift lever is much more charismatic and fun to use than the knob selector in the Limited. But in purely practical terms full-time 4WD is superior.

 

Ya I think he has his heart set on a limited so that's the options, no part time 4WD

 

Sorry, I asked my question backwards. OP said he preferred the part time system. Which made me curious because of exactly what you said.

I’ve got a part time system only because I wasnt looking for a Limited. Otherwise, having that center diff to allow for full time 4wd is the bee’s knees.

 

Part of the reason this was all so confusing when I was researching what toyota has offered over the years, is that what they have offered over the years has changed.

The part time 4wd description in the video is the same system currently in the 4runners. However, I dont think that the “multi-mode” full time 4wd system they described is what is currently in the Limiteds. Which is too bad. Apparently you could select 2wd mode on those full-time system. That would be cool if they still had those.

 

Thank you all for getting involved and weighing in! My wife is set on the 2023 with all view cameras / heated steering wheel / heated & cooled seating / 3rd row / blizzard white paint / the night shade has blacked out badging / all those thing the limited has to offer. I worry about maintenance or repairs on AWD or Full Time 4 wheel drive. The sales department knows how to confuse or influence decision making. The thoughts on TRD Sport part time 4wd are something I will look into, thanks kmeeg!

 

The TRD Sport lacks the heated steering wheel, dual zone climate control, leather seats, auto dimming mirror, Homelink, auto headlights, parking sonar, and premium audio that all come in the Limited.

And full-time 4WD is better than part time. ;-)

 

Its def not easy to pick unless OP use comparison on Toyota.com. There are things not available in TRD Sport.

 

Ah. I looked at all that on my phone instead of my computer. A lot of the options dont show up on the phone.

 

Definitely not easy on the phone and even on desktop version have to read carefully. Can miss small things.

 

I don’t believe the needle bearing issue is an issue on the AWD Limited. At least that’s what I’ve read but I’m sure someone here would know for certain. I too picked up an AWD limited recently. It was gently used with only 30,000 miles. I couldn’t get a new one last year. A dealer had an ORP 2018 which I went to buy but also had an 18 Limited. So I told the dealer before we do the paperwork on the ORP satisfy my curiosity and let’s take the limited for a test drive. After driving the limited I couldn’t turn it down. They were both about the same price. I’m in NY and it’s my daily driver so I thought the AWD would be better for me plus I thought the limited had a better ride. Good luck and congratulations on your new ride.

 

21 posts and nobody brought up how bad a 4R is in the snow in 2WD. I have 275 Wildepeaks (3PMS rated) and I have played with the tire pressure, and go super light and easy on the gas. Back end kicks out and/or the tires break loose in 2WD. In 4WD she gets up and goes.
OP, if you drive in snow, get the AWD or 4WD version.

 

Hence leaning towards Michelin LTX for safety.

 

I drove around in 2wd in half the storms we had after getting my 4Runner just because I could. Figured it was a good idea to see the limitations in 2wd as well as 4wd. I didn't think it was terrible in 2wd, definitely have driven worse. That said, I also knew I had 4wd available if needed.

 

Stoney Ranger is right on. I've never driven a 2WD 4Runner - but I drove a 2010 Tacoma TRD Sport for over 12 years before I got the 2023 4Runner Limited that is my daily driver now. The Tacoma sucked in the snow in 2WD - was awesome in the snow in 4WD. Breeze, I don't know how much snow you get where you live - but if it is even a moderate amount I wouldn't mess with a 2WD 4Runner. If you live where it never snows - maybe the 2WD makes sense - less upfront cost and less maintenance costs down the road - but as others have also pointed out less resale value. The resale value could be significantly less - enough that it would eat up any upfront cost savings. Most people just don't want 2WD 4Runners (kind of defeats the point of a 4Runner). I think you would have to be planning on keeping the 2WD 4Runner for a long time or else you may be giving back everything you saved up front, and more, when you sell or trade it in. Also, as others have alluded to the Limited is full time 4WD - not AWD. AWD is typically a FWD vehicle that will send some power to the rear wheels if front wheel slippage is sensed - but under normal driving conditions it is 100% FWD. The 4WD system in the Limited is rear biased - I think under normal driving conditions ~60% power goes to the rear wheels/40% to the front wheels. The Torsen center diff will alter this power split if it senses a reduction in torque at the front/rear wheels - but I think there will always be at least 30% power going to the front or rear wheels. And you can drive in H4F on dry pavement without concern of driveline binding. Of course this is with the center diff free/unlocked. If you lock the center diff (H4L) then you've got equal amount of power going to all four wheels, all the time. Going into L4L engages the lower end of the dual range gearbox for maximum pulling/traction - and you can engage ATRAC if you are really stuck. However, just like with the part time 4WD 4Runners - if you have the center diff locked and are in H4L or L4L you don't want to be driving on dry pavement and making turns. The Limited full time 4WD is great in the snow - and if you are in an area where you may frequently drive on snowy and wet/dry pavement at the same time (i.e. main roads cleared but subdivision streets and parking lots still snow covered) driving in H4F works very well and you don't have to shift in and out of 4WD as you encounter snowy or cleared roads. One of the main reasons I bought the Limited. If you live where it doesn't snow - you won't care much about this.

 

If you don't live/travel to where it snows/ices over, if you you don't plan on driving it off road, a 2WD will suffice. If yes to any of the previously mentioned scenarios, get 4WD.

 

Hello again, all the info has convinced me to indulge in the Limited model. My wife would like to feel as safe as possible as our Grandchild will be passenger at times. The sales department emphasizes safety and felt the Limited edition was best suited for us. I hope this vehicle outlasts us, it's a huge cost as most vehicles are these days. Thanks again to everyone for the great insight to 4Runners.

 

This man gets it. Well reasoned, sir.

 

Nice. You get any options?

 

I think you made a good choice. I had a 4th Gen SR5 and it had the FullTime 4WD system. It was great on pavement where there were just patches of snow in Full Time 4WD? When I went off road in deep soft sand I could lock the center diff and essentially had Part Time 4WD. I wish my 2023 SR5P had this system but I just did not consider it worth the cost, considering we get very little snow, I am full time retired now and can wait for the “ SUN” snow shovel