If you plan to drive your 4WD in 4H in hopes of getting the same performance you get from a vehicle with full-time 4WD models you increase the probability of damaging the drive train. The way the two 4WD systems work is totally different. When you talk about driving in snow, it is important to differentiate between a few snowflakes versus 3 to 6 inches of snow or ice. In deep snow or icy road conditions, 4H will work fine. However, 4H is not meant to be used extensively on road surfaces where loss of traction is not an issue. I've owned vehicles with both systems and can tell you from years of experience each system has its pros and cons. For city driving where road conditions vary significantly and you likely have a lot of turns, full-time 4WD is hands down the best way to go. However, if you use 4H properly (i.e., use sparingly unless the road surface is covered with snow or ice) that system will work fine. Bottom line, if you learn when and how to use 4H it will serve you well for many years.

Our 2011 Limited is 1 week old today. We are in Calgary, AB - Canada and it performs flawlessly in the snow!

The Bluetooth can support 4 different phones and 2 audio devices. You can pair your iPhone for instance as both a phone and an audio player at the same time. No headset required.

However you don't get any track information when using Bluetooth audio, at least I havent figured it out yet!

michaeljames

thank you very much. I know the best option for in-city driving is the AWD, however i like the 4R and cannot afford AWD since it comes on the Limited only. I will go for the SR5 and be wise in using the 4H ..... thanks a million

that is cool. but I was wondering if the mid-west "third row seat" package comes with ready to use bluetooth,,, or i will have to get the blue logic accessory as well ??!!!

The answer you seek is in the manual which I do not have in front of me right now. Want to say it is like 50mph or something.... That may be the fastest they want you going when you shift into 4wd... Anyway, look over the section that discusses using the SR5's 4wd system when you get your hands on a manual.

You can drive as fast as you want, there is no speed limit for 4WD.

There is a speed limit for engaging 4WD however, which I believe is 50mph. You will know if you are above that, there will be a bit of grinding and it more than likely won't go into 4WD.

I usually slow down to around 30ish and let off the gas, then pull the lever, it works much more smoothly.

any information about the third row seat pkg in Chicago?
anyone knows the best Toyota dealer around Chicago?

desertice,
I'm new to this forum, but have owned my 2010 SR5 for 8 months. Here are a few thoughts for you. I looked at a 4R with 3rd row seats before I bought and can tell you (if you haven't looked already) that the 3rd row is nearly useless. Unless your kids are dwarfs or are under 8 years old and won't grow any bigger, they won't really fit. If they need car seats, they won't fit. With the 3rd row up, there is only room for a slice of bread between them and the rear gate, so forget taking anything else with you. Even with 3rd row the 4R is still really only a 5 passenger vehicle. OK, in a pinch someone could cram back there, but only for a short trip, and it won't be me. (and I'm small). Take the whole family with you to the lot, car seats and all, and see how or if everyone fits and how comfortable they are. I have two kids in car seats and when they are in the back seats of the 4R there is not room for another adult. (anyone with car seats knows how bulky they can be) We also have an 07 Sienna van which really is a 6 or 7 passenger vehicle with room for luggage. Don't overlook the new Sienna for your family. (also available AWD ,good crash scores and not bad looking for a van) So you don't like vans? Look at the Ford Flex... a surprisingly roomy wagon,also available AWD...huge price tag though when you get everything you want on it. I'm lucky...4R for me, and the van for the family.

my 2 cents on the 4wd thing. There are other threads on this elsewhere so I'll be brief. Just use common sense. When using 4wd, do so when wet or snowy or off roading on loose footing. I've had no problem with the monthly few miles on dry pavement. I just do it on the highway on long straight stretches usually between 60-65mph with no lane changes.(switch to 4wd at 40-50mph on the ramp). Wheel speeds are virtually the same so binding is not an issue. If you insist on doing in town driving on dry pavement in 4wd, you'll know when to stop turning...the truck will tell you. The steering becomes very tight, like you've lost the power steering, and you just know it's not right. Besides, if you are following the manual and not doing anything stupid and the thing breaks, I would expect Toyota to fix it. (assuming it is still under warranty of course) In reality, how often is 4wd really necessary and put to use? For most of us it is used so little that the system will easily last the life of the vehicle with no problems. I live in the country in Illinois, so I only need it in heavy snow in winter and the rest of the year is 2wd.

I just bought my SR5 2 weeks ago and am too in Illinois. You really can't go wrong IMHO, though the 3rd row is useless as mentioned above. I've fit 5 full adults in mine without issue. If you need more then actually the Pathfinder isn't a bad choice ( I know not Toyota, but the Sequoia is $$$).

thank you very much,,, really. I appreciate your help. I understand what you are talking about... i just bought a SR5 today. i got a third row seat it is only $800 extra,,,, i might use it once in a while.... or maybe i will use 50% of it for one kid and fold the other 50%. i really like the car.... so i just got it
i think it is big enough for my family..... maybe i will get a van down the road !!!!

Congrats !!!!! I got mine today !!!!!! I LOVE IT !!!! i cannot afford the Sequoia !!! I think i me and my kids will do just fine with the 4R !!!!

Congrats desertice, you made a great choice and you will own the IL winter! There are few, if any, vehicles that I would trust more for a brutal IL or WI winter.

thanks man!!!!!!