2015 RWD SR5 questions (Dont Flame)

[Chaidelll]

Greetings,

I'm looking to purchase a new 4runner, and I really like the way the RWD handles compared to the 4X4. That said, I know most will argue that there is no point in getting a RWD bc it's essentially a tall station wagon.

Here's my dilemma.....I like the ride and feel of a body on frame truck, and I live in Georgia, where we rarely get snow. I don't plan on serious off roading a 30000$ truck either. Even if I got the 4x4, I wouldn't be rushing off to drive over huge obstacles. However, I will be occasionally driving on unpaved roads and some light off road paths (small/medium size rocks), as well as grassy areas.

Will the RWD version handle this?

Can anyone give me some positives on the RWD T4R?

 

[st8rocks]

RWD will handle the unpaved roads and light off road paths. As far as the small and medium sized rocks... drive around them.


Positives:
-slightly, I mean SLIGHTLY, better mpg. You might be able to notice a savings after 10 years. This is still a heavy ass, square SUV.
-less drivetrain parts to maintain/break
-rare-ish?? streeeeeetch


Too many people buy 4WDs for the 1% of the time they will use 4WD. Resale might be harder since the 4WDs are more sought after, but if that isn't going to keep you up at night then go with your gut.

 

[Antman]

Greetings,

I'm looking to purchase a new 4runner, and I really like the way the RWD handles compared to the 4X4. That said, I know most will argue that there is no point in getting a RWD bc it's essentially a tall station wagon.

Here's my dilemma.....I like the ride and feel of a body on frame truck, and I live in Georgia, where we rarely get snow. I don't plan on serious off roading a 30000$ truck either. Even if I got the 4x4, I wouldn't be rushing off to drive over huge obstacles. However, I will be occasionally driving on unpaved roads and some light off road paths (small/medium size rocks), as well as grassy areas.

Will the RWD version handle this?

Can anyone give me some positives on the RWD T4R?

You will be fine, especially with better tires. You still have traction control even with RWD so that helps. In addition, the basic architecture of the 4Runner is still there- lots of wheel travel, body on frame, decent angles/clearance.
You will get the benefit of better gas mileage to boot- go for it!

Only real downside I see is possible diminished resale value- but you could always sell it in Florida, lol.

Good Luck!

 

[Logan714]

I don't understand how they would handle any differently from each other...


Anyways, get what you want. I would recommend that if you do get the RWD then don't come back to the forum and start looking through all the off road threads and such. I didn't really have any inention of modifying mine or learning all the stuff that I have learned from here. Hindsight, it made me really glad that I got the 4x4.


Best of luck!

 

[wfo9]

2WD is 400lbs lighter. So it is quicker and handles better in almost every single way on-road.

2wd is a great option for your intended use. You could also add a rear locker and potentially a lift and have all the off-road capability you would ever need.

4wd is great, but a big anchor in the front of the truck if you don't use it.

 

[Canon_Bob]

The RWD versions are actually pretty common around here (SW Florida). Most folks use them to tow fishing boats etc..

At the end of the day they're still really well built, reliable, and safe SUVs that can handle more tasks than a minivan or wagon. If 2WD better suits your needs, I think you'll probably like it. I'm not sure you'd have too much trouble with resale (you can always hop across the border and trade it in here in FL). I just don't know if the 2WD holds it's value as well as the 4WD does.

As far as ANY level of offroad use goes, I think you'll be very limited there. They are heavy, so it won't take much to get stuck in it with 2WD only....so I sure wouldn't test it. Any roads and FIRM ground shouldn't be much of an issue.

Like most here, I would choose the 4WD....but I can't say anything bad about the 2WD.

 

[V0X]

I bought a RWD 2015 Limited because I will never take it offroad, and Chattanooga doesn't see enough snow in 10 years to make the cost of a 4x4 worth it. I went 4Runner because:

1. It has almost 90 cubic ft. of cargo space with the seats folded
2. the rear seats FOLD FLAT
3. I like sitting up higher than a car
4. I like Toyota ( have a Tacoma)
5. I don't care what people on the forum think about RWD

 

[Jayhawk5G]

Greetings,

I'm looking to purchase a new 4runner, and I really like the way the RWD handles compared to the 4X4. That said, I know most will argue that there is no point in getting a RWD bc it's essentially a tall station wagon.

Here's my dilemma.....I like the ride and feel of a body on frame truck, and I live in Georgia, where we rarely get snow. I don't plan on serious off roading a 30000$ truck either. Even if I got the 4x4, I wouldn't be rushing off to drive over huge obstacles. However, I will be occasionally driving on unpaved roads and some light off road paths (small/medium size rocks), as well as grassy areas.

Will the RWD version handle this?

Can anyone give me some positives on the RWD T4R?

The SR5 in 4x4 is still RWD unless you engage 4x4, so I don't know that they handle any differently...

That said if you like a BOF truck, and you don't think you'll need 4x4 then you should be fine.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

2WD is 400lbs lighter. So it is quicker and handles better in almost every single way on-road.

2wd is a great option for your intended use. You could also add a rear locker and potentially a lift and have all the off-road capability you would ever need.

4wd is great, but a big anchor in the front of the truck if you don't use it.

Where are you getting 400 lbs. difference?

Toyota 4Runner Interior, Exterior & Safety Features

275 lbs. difference on SR5 according to Toyota...

 

[Chaidelll]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I think the rwd had a better turn in and did feel a little quicker on the road than the 4x4. 275lbs is a lot of weight when measuring driving dynamics.

 

[Engineer]

If its will suite your needs go for it! I never drove one so I can not speak to personal experience but I would be curious to know if you can describe how they drove/handled different. The extra weight of the transfer case, ADD , front drive shaft etc I wouldn't think would be any different then a couple average size adults but lower CG (better) and I can tell you that I would be none the wiser if 2 grown men were hiding in the rear of the truck based solely on handling.

Now I want to go find a picture of the center console of the 2wd 4runner to see what is in the place of the 4x4 lever/knob.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I think the rwd had a better turn in and did feel a little quicker on the road than the 4x4. 275lbs is a lot of weight when measuring driving dynamics.

Maybe, but it's not 400 lbs.

There are several factors outside of weight that limit what you describe as "driving dynamics" on an SR5 4Runner.

 

[macgyver_ga]

One thing to keep in mind is that in the south, a 4x4 will have better resale value due to scarcity. When we bought my wife's 4th gen, we had to drive all the way to Asheville, NC to buy it because it was next to impossible to find a 4x4 in Atlanta. There were pages and pages of 2wd T4R's on autotrader but maybe 3-4 4x4's.

When it comes to 4wd, I'm of the school of thought that it's better to have it and not use it, than to need it and not have it. I only use the 4x4 on our vehicles a few times a year but it's only the flip of a switch away. Snowpocalypse was a perfect example of me being thankful I had 4wd. I was able to drive on the shoulders and through ditches around all the idiots stuck spinning in the middle of the road. Helped pull a few people out of the ditch. I also ascended and descended some pretty steep hills that the 2wd people were having trouble on or couldn't even make it up.

The whole 4x4 is heavier argument is pretty weak. It's sprung weight so it doesn't have that much of an effect. Driving style will have more effect on your mpg's than an extra 200+ lbs will. It's no different than having a passenger or two in the vehicle.

 

[Chaidelll]

One thing to keep in mind is that in the south, a 4x4 will have better resale value due to scarcity. When we bought my wife's 4th gen, we had to drive all the way to Asheville, NC to buy it because it was next to impossible to find a 4x4 in Atlanta. There were pages and pages of 2wd T4R's on autotrader but maybe 3-4 4x4's.

When it comes to 4wd, I'm of the school of thought that it's better to have it and not use it, than to need it and not have it. I only use the 4x4 on our vehicles a few times a year but it's only the flip of a switch away. Snowpocalypse was a perfect example of me being thankful I had 4wd. I was able to drive on the shoulders and through ditches around all the idiots stuck spinning in the middle of the road. Helped pull a few people out of the ditch. I also ascended and descended some pretty steep hills that the 2wd people were having trouble on or couldn't even make it up.

The whole 4x4 is heavier argument is pretty weak. It's sprung weight so it doesn't have that much of an effect. Driving style will have more effect on your mpg's than an extra 200+ lbs will. It's no different than having a passenger or two in the vehicle.

Valid point on snowpocalyse, but I worked from home that day. Don't get me wrong, I think it's valuable to have the 4x4 on tap, but I definitely felt a difference in driving. The weight must be in the front end, so that would explain why the rwd felt lighter on its feet. All I can say is to try one out at the dealer.

 

[obsfsean]

If you're thinking you want rwd because it handles better the 4x4 then do a search for KDSS. Many of the members that have it say it handles really great on road and (correct me if I'm wrong) is only available as an option on the trail, which is part time 4x4.

It may be worth test driving before you make a decision.

(edited: grammer)

 

[wfo9]

Where are you getting 400 lbs. difference?

Toyota 4Runner Interior, Exterior & Safety Features

275 lbs. difference on SR5 according to Toyota...

Let me google that for you

That is the difference between sr5 2wd and limited 4wd. 405lbs.

Trail vs sr5 4x2 is 350lbs.



The other link you sent shows 350 lbs between the trail and sr5 4x2. Rounded out, I think it is close to 400lbs. Have you removed the front diff and ADD. I can tell you first hand that they are about 250lbs alone. That does not include the drive shaft and transfer case. I've driven 4x2 4runners and can assure you that you can feel the weight difference on the road. 4x2 is simply better on the road, get over it folks. They get better mpg... Its a minor difference overall, but it is something you can feel.

If I was doing an all around utility truck for towing and did not plan on wheeling it (and lived in the south)... I would do a 4x2 with a rear locker.

 

[KidVermicious]

driving on unpaved roads and some light off road paths (small/medium size rocks), as well as grassy areas.

Will the RWD version handle this?

A Corolla would handle that.

 

[8086bruce]

You will be fine. I've had mine since nov. and live in northern MN. I have yet to put it in 4wd since I bought it.

 

[Bimmer-Bob]

I bought a '14 SR5 Premium 4x4 in NOV of '13 and, I'll be honest, I could count on one hand the number of times I've needed to engage 4WD.

The resale value will likely be higher, but then again, I paid more for the truck in the first place, so maybe it's a wash.

The weight thing isn't super important to me. #275 (per Toyota's site, the difference between SR5 Premium 4x2 & 4x4) is a nontrivial difference when talking about driving dynamics (sprung or not). However, a BOF truck is not a sports car, and the idea of "turn in" does not even enter my mind when driving my T4R. It handles like a truck, I drive it like a truck, and I don't think I would notice a couple hundred pounds shed from the ~#4500 curb weight.

At the end of the day, as someone else said, I'd rather have the 4WD and not need it than need it and not have it. For me personally, it would feel weird to own a 4Runner that didn't have that capability. Also, I do intend to use it more, when I have time to take the family camping off the beaten path, etc. But no disrespect to 2WD T4R's. After all, that's basically what mine is, most of the time. If you do an honest self-assesment of your needs, and are confident that the RWD is all you need to meet them - then go for it. Great truck either way.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

Let me google that for you

That is the difference between sr5 2wd and limited 4wd. 405lbs.

Trail vs sr5 4x2 is 350lbs.



The other link you sent shows 350 lbs between the trail and sr5 4x2. Rounded out, I think it is close to 400lbs. Have you removed the front diff and ADD. I can tell you first hand that they are about 250lbs alone. That does not include the drive shaft and transfer case. I've driven 4x2 4runners and can assure you that you can feel the weight difference on the road. 4x2 is simply better on the road, get over it folks. They get better mpg... Its a minor difference overall, but it is something you can feel.

If I was doing an all around utility truck for towing and did not plan on wheeling it (and lived in the south)... I would do a 4x2 with a rear locker.

Toyota clearly indicates that the SR5 4x4 is 275 lbs. heavier than 4x2... We aren't talking about Limiteds or Trail editions.

No one needs to get over anything, everyone has said if op doesn't feel the need for 4x4 but wants the other aspects it should be fine. The only clarification is that the small amount of weight is negligible in handling. If the op feels different based on the seat of the pants test then great.