Quote:
Originally Posted by swampdodo
So, question...In the Tundra ( I assume it will be the same in the new Sequoia.), can't you engage the 4wd mode without locking the center diff. Like inthe V6 4th Gen 4Runners.
If so, can't you have full time 4wd.
I know Toyota has gotten some flack for not having 4wd AUTO...I can recall that the 4wd AUTO or TOD (torque on demand) system were less than ideal on older vehicle from Ford (Explorer) and other manufacturers (Kia Sorento). The system would either fail to engage, slow to engage or would slam the drive line (hard engagement). I've heard of several people just removing the front drive shaft which defeats the purpose of having 4wd. Again, this is on older vehicles. Haven't heard anything on newer vehicles...yet.
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There is no center differential in the tundra or new sequoia to lock. In 4wd it is the same as a locked center diff on transfer cases that have a center diff like the LC200 and some 3rd and 4th gen 4Runners. But there is no diff that locks. Just a dog clutch that engages the front output shaft to the rear.
So is no awd, TOD, or auto 4wd function for the new sequoia or tundra at this point. The only transfer case option is a traditional 2 speed 4x4 case that offers rwd, 4x4 locked, and 4lo (locked). Tundra has never offered awd. The outgoing sequoia did offer awd on most or all trims. My speculation is that the awd transfer case used is not strong enough for the torque from the hybrid system. And the awd isn't a popular truck option so the non-hybrid tundras also did not get it either.
I'm a little surprised there isn't a non-hybrid version with awd or an awd and just use torque limiting in the software. But that doesn't seem to be an option for the new models. Toyota is going a very different direction from the rest of the full size BOF crowd who mostly have eliminated the low range transfer case and all have gone IRS. With the solid rear axle, locker, 2 speed transfer case, and 9000lb tow rating - it's a tundra with extra seats.
AWD gets worse mpg. That may be another factor they considered. I'm very curious to see mpg numbers. They apparently are already EPA rated, but Toyota has a media hold until Feb 1 to release the specs. So we have to wait a few more days.
Just spitballing here - but it's also possible that they designed and awd case to handle the torque and supply chain issues mean they can't produce it yet and it'll be along in a year or two. Especially if it's electronically controlled. it would be easy to toss the Borg Warner case that the Tundra uses in for a year or two of production and release the awd model later. The LC300 was also supposed to have a hybrid and it hasn't shown up yet.
I haven't found a meaningful difference in actual use between my 4x4 4R, my RX awd on demand system with a center diff lock, or our IS full time awd. At least not that would be a difference maker for me choosing one vs another. I'd rather have rwd and 4x4 for better efficiency over awd and 4x4 as my choices. But I can see an argument for the awd as well. It's just not useful enough for me to choose over the better mileage on dry roads.