I am looking to get a new adventure vehicle, and it seems likely that it will be the 4runner. Will be test driving one next week!

We have some slight differences in trims in Canada, but it seems only the Limited+Nightshade have full-time 4WD.

I currently have an Audi Q5 with (what I believe to be) very well-regarded AWD system. I live in Vancouver, BC so I experience varying conditions. I've never driven a "truck" before, nor dealt with these 4x4 systems.

I might be driving around the city on wet pavement, or up (paved) mountain roads in pouring rain? Might be driving up to a ski resort where it's mostly plowed but icy patches or slushy conditions. Going offroad on gravel, etc. Driving offroad or even mountain passes in winter season with varying levels of snow on the road.

From my limited experience, 4Hi is something you switch into when you need it, and not to be driven on bare/dry pavement. It also has a max speed, I think? I think I read somewhere it shouldn't be used for prolonged periods/over long distance?

Isn't RWD bad compared to FWD in poor conditions especially winter?

This seems like a slight recipe for disaster... but obviously these are already being used in this city and whatnot, so what am I overlooking or misunderstanding?

You definitely don't want 2WD. You're correct, RWD is not ideal for winter conditions (even with traction control).

4WD is something you engage on-demand. When it's not engaged, you have less wear and tear on your transfer case and also have better fuel economy. The downside is that you have to be aware of what your driving conditions/terrain are and actively engage it when appropriate.

AWD is always on, so worry-free in all driving conditions/terrain. You do sacrifice fuel economy.

So with the non-Limited trim I don't have the option of the full-time 4WD (toyota.ca is calling it Full-time 4WD and not AWD?).

So basically when I am driving in, approaching or leaving these sorts of conditions I'll have to make habit to switch in and out of 4HI and that's just how it is? I'm sort of envisioning this whole thing as a non-issue since I see 4runners all over the place... it just seems weird and potentially most dangerous than your standard FWD car even...

Not dangerous, just different. If you pay attention to road conditions you'll know when to switch in and out of 4wd. Might be a little bit of a learning curve coming from AWD, but over time it will be natural and almost without thought. Keep in mind that for on road travel you will be in 2wd 90% of the time anyway.

If it truly of great concern, simply get a Limited.

Correct. Non-Limited does not have the option for full-time AWD.


It may sound dangerous, but it isn't at all. It's just not a common practice you're used to but doing it now, and then you'll be accustomed to it. You can switch on the fly as you drive but under 55MPH or in your case fellow Canadian, under 90 Km/h.

You can read more here

When you have a 4wd disengaged, you get a better feel for the road and can engage it when traction becomes an issue. awd lulls you into a false sense of security.

Unlike the TRD, it doesn't come with terrain select or crawl control. Now, neither does my current car and I've never used them in my life - but I imagine it's something I would be using more. Just yesterday was going down an FSR with my friend in her wrangler and noticed her using crawl control.

Likewise... my previous-previous car was a honda accord, which I assume is FWD? Also a sedan and an incredibly different car overall. So I'm just so used to the AWD on my Audi Q5 to the point I don't really know what it's like driving on slippery roads or other non-dry pavement conditions at city or highway speeds when you're RWD.

sounds like you might like the lexas gx460 better

Reading through that link now, thanks for the info! The whole 4x4 aspect is definitely new to me.

A specific question to help give me some context - I remember driving the very long gravel (at least 50km long) Spray Lakes Road near the Canadian rockies - I believe it's a maintained gravel road, but also has varying degrees of potholes and ruts over the season. I didn't love driving it in my Audi Q5.

A few examples of the road:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...706d8c4a_h.jpg
https://out-of-canada.olehelmhausen....8-1024x768.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/6131/6...5d691e4c_b.jpg
https://previews.123rf.com/images/ga...rta-canada.jpg

I would assume if I was "very cautiously" driving, I would just leave it in 2HI, but what if I wanted to drive it like a paved road - would that be the exact case of 4HI? The link you pointed said avoid dry pavement due to wheel spin and turns, but I assume this gravel introduces extra wheel spin and traction loss that compensates any issues? What I've I'm ALSO on one of the terrain modes that maximizes traction on this type of surface?

(somewhat side note, potholes are notorious for damaging car suspensions and whatnot - is the 4runner being a body on frame and having more proper suspension able to cruise over the uneven terrain without the same kind of worries? I do often see trucks blowing down these types of roads and not sure if it's capability or stupidity!)

Thanks so much!

It's come up a few times... quite a bit more expensive and even worse fuel economy

Debating in my own mind, but also trying to find that "comfortable" capable vehicle, that isn't so expensive that I'm also back to square one of risking damage to it and repair costs and whatnot. I've avoided some roads in my Q5 just to avoid tree branch scrapes

With RWD, you just have to be smoother with acceleration in slippery conditions, especially when turning. I roll off the gas when approaching overpasses to be safe (due to changes in materials such as concrete and blacktop). The thing to do is to drive it in an empty parking lot when it's wet or there's snow on the ground to understand the sensation with and without 4WD engaged.

Just wanted to chime in and thank you guys for your help and insights so far! This "truck world" can be intimidating for a female and so many typical "truck guys" chime in mansplaining or recommending things totally unnecessary as I'm not a hardcore offroader, so thanks!

I got the Limited, rather than Trail w/ KDSS; that's what I was torn between. Both have good on road handling manners (i.e. less truck like), but among MANY other things, the biggest difference was the drivetrain.

This vehicle was bought for my wife, and she was not comfortable with RWD and engaging and disengaging 4WD at the proper times. It was an easy choice.

If you haven't driven any, try a Limited and another trim. Hit some on ramps/cloverleafs. I guarantee the Limited will be the easiest transition from your former vehicle. The wheels kind of suck for potholes though, it comes with big stupid 20" wheels...

Yes, I was going to chime in and mention the 17” wheels being key for pot holes. Low profile type 20” (and for that matter 18”) are not off-road worthy and not suitable for long gravel roads with potholes.

If you want to be more like a Wrangler, don’t get the limited. But if you want a full time 4WD that you don’t need to think about then get the Limited. I would say that rain on pavement is not really suitable for part time 4WD center differential.

Good luck and hope you make the switch. Great trucks.

I agree. If traction is an issue, turn the knob.

AWD is fine; if you like the limited, get it, enjoy the AWD. It also comes with 4WD, so you will have both.

If you really like AWD, and can swing the $$$, get the limited.

If AWD is not important, then don't worry about not having it.

If I lived on the PNW, I would appreciate AWD, but not enough to move my cheap derrière into the limited trim model. I have the SR5 and am satisfied with it.