I think you are misinterpreting the brochure. If you look at the "Specifications" page, you will see that the SR5 and LE come standard with REAR WHEEL drive. Models equiped this way are designated "4X2" which accounts for the higher MPG. Four wheel drive (4X4) is indicated in the brochure as "Available" for the SR5 and LE, and Standard for the TE, which is why they all have the same "17/21/18" rating.
The difference is between rear wheel drive models and four wheel drive models, not that they "...never tested the T.E. in 2 WD mode..."
Hi STLDAVE,
I agree with MOST of what you are explaining, No problem!
But in the brochure, spec page, Look down where it say's, "Drivetrain", just below "Transmission". The rear wheel drive, with
"Automatic Limited Slip Differential", is Not Available
NA, with the Trail. But,
"Part time 4WD with active traction control" (A Trac) is standard equipment on the Trail model.
It never say's that the Trail only comes with 4WD. it say's, part time 4WD is standard. Part time....which means that it has a 2WD mode as well.
Now, if you look down at the bottom of the page, "Mileage Estimates". And you look over underneath the Trail column, on the 4x2 line, under "Trail", it say's
NA, for, not applicable, or 2x4 testing was not implimented during this test procedure.
Under 4x4, it published 17(street)/21(Hwy)/18(avg). We know that they could have tested the Trail model in 2x4 mode, because it doesn't have "Full Time 4WD". They just opted not to test the TE in 2WD. Hope we're on the same pg now!
rigtec