I've finally come to the conclusion that 4wd may need to happen. 2010 SR5 love it, but RWD. No climbing, but dang it's wet where we hunt and this year has been a soaker. So much so I've not been able to get where I need a lot this summer and deer season is looking even worse.

So being a real novice at knowing what I need I know I'll find the answer here. Deep holes and mud are my limiters. I buried to the frame recently and found my limit I had been using some speed and momentum to fight it with success, but ran out of luck! Buddy in a big jacked up 4wd blew right through.

Is it a tire thing and lift kit answer for me? Is it a 4wd thing? If I need 4wd to solve this equation is there a reason to lean for a truck over SUV? Currently I have stock rims and tires made for best rain performance on the road which is obviously not what I need for mud.

Thanks all

Having worked at a Toyota Dealership, I will inform you that the Tacoma has one of the highest resale value followed by the 4runner in 5th position. If you don't care for resale value then the Tundra would be your better choice for what you plan on doing. The Tundra has more horsepower and torque and not to mention the most comfortable since it's so roomy.

One thing to mention is that a 4WD is a must in your purchase. Purchasing a lift kit and the proper tires will assist you in getting out of mud, ruts and high water. If you plan on doing a lot of hunting a pick up is the way to go. Dump your prize back there and hose off the mess when you get home. However if you have to pass through some tight trails the Tundra might be to wide in certain application.

Having an suv like the 4runner is nice. You can store your valuebles inside cover it with the tonneau cover and no one is the wiser. Not to mention that the 4runner fits inside the garage. Hope this help you in choosing the right vehicle.

That is all a great help thanks. Trail space isn't an issue b/c we drive about 10 minutes to a location where our quads are stored it's just getting there and it's all atv after that. There is no truck that will fit where we hunt we drive quads and walk the rest. Would miss my garage for sure. Love the space of the Tundra it's a dream, but don't envision needing the hp. At least I don't *think* so there is a guy with a a super old v6 tacoma plowing it along ok. I was just hoping to keep my 4runner I guess I love it. Thanks for the info appreciate it.

As far as comparing the 4wd systems, they're all essentially the same between the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra unless you go for the limited 4Runner. Body on frame design with the ability to lock the center differential. The Tacoma and 4Runner might actually be better in the mud because they weigh less. The Tundra on the other hand would have no problem hauling your ATV in the bed. You could throw your harvest in the bed of a truck if you went that route, but the 4Runner has a lot more weather-protected cargo space. I definitely think 4wd would benefit you, but I'd suggest test driving each of the three to determine which truck is your best option.

I agree what the above people are saying. For mud, tires and weight are the key. Prior to the 4runner, I had a tundra. It's heavy (not good for mud) and it's wide (not good for trails). Buy the vehicle that suites your daily needs. (If you live in the city and have to garage park/parallel park, it will prove to be a tad difficult with the tundra.)

The 4wd will get you where you need to go.*



*within reason.

*A good 4WD system will merely get you completely stuck *further* from civilization than a bad 4WD system.

You must be fun at dinner parties.

I'd say the 4WD system in the Tacoma and the 4Runner are a bit more complete than in a Tundra. Tundra has no rear locker and none of the electro-nannies the Trail has.

OP, if I was in your boat I would seriously consider a Tacoma. I'd say 4Runner but where do you put what you catch? You can't go wrong with any of the above really.

If you want to keep your rig now, add a selectable locker and a winch up front. Mild lift, M/T tires and you can get in plenty of trouble.

It really depends on the option package. With any of the above, if you order the Trail or TRD Off-Road package, they'll have the rear e-locker. All of the 4wd models will have A-TRAC, which will get most people out of more trouble than they're willing to get into intentionally.

Can you explain the difference in the Limited 4WD?

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4WD Systems Explained

The SR5 and Trail are a part-time 4wd system. When you engage 4wd, the center diff locks, meaning the front diff and the rear diff rotate at the same speed, which can cause drivetrain binding if you're turning sharp on a high traction surface.

The Limited is full-time 4wd with an open center diff that can be locked when needed. The open center diff allows front and rear diffs to rotate at different speeds even when it's in 4wd. It's really the ideal system for wet roads or light snow. All of the 4th gen 4Runner 4x4 models had this system.

Thank you! I drive a Limited. Would you say it's configuration is in any way inferior? Or are you saying it's actually superior?

Any Limited-specific concerns I should be aware of before I put on a suspension lift and change the wheels/tires? Or does most of the good info in the stickies apply to Limiteds as well?

I've lurked and researched for years and haven't seen any concerns or oddities about the Limited. I'm just worried I may have missed something.

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The Limited isn't inferior or superior, just a little different. They have the factory XREAS suspension, so when looking at lift info, make sure you learn a little about that.