2wd or 4wd
- Thread starter michelle
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Thai
Elite Member
Basics:
2wd: power goes to the rear wheels only (in a rear wheel drive vehicle; to the front wheels in FWD vehicles).
4wd: power can go to 4 wheels; 4-LO transfer case is included.
AWD: most (if not all) power usually goes to 2 wheels; if there is slippage, then power will be directed to 4 wheels.
For example, a Camry or Accord is 2wd (both are front-wheel drive). BMW 325/330i are RWD (all power goes to the rear wheels). 4runners also come in 2wd models (cheaper than 4wd models).
4wd 4runners come with a transfer case (the "dial" on the dash). For V6 models, you can run in 2wd mode (like a car). You can also run in 4wd mode (by turning the dial to 4WD). When in this mode, power is directed to the front and rear wheels. 4wd 4runners can also be put into 4-LO (LOW range), which multiplies your engine torque (power). This 4-LO mode is mainly used for off-roading or can be used launching your boat.
In V8 4runner models, there is no 2wd mode. It is ALWAYS in 4wd. It also has a transfer case to shift into and out of 4-LO.
AWD do NOT have a transfer case...thus, it cannot be shifted into 4-LO mode. Examples include Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, BMW X5, Honda CRV, most AWD cars, etc.. However, in these systems, if there is slippage, power can be directed to 4 wheels. Thus, these SUVs/cars are good for all-weather driving, but are not suitable for off-roading.
Hope this helps...it's actually kinda confusing when you get down to the details of each vehicle.
2wd: power goes to the rear wheels only (in a rear wheel drive vehicle; to the front wheels in FWD vehicles).
4wd: power can go to 4 wheels; 4-LO transfer case is included.
AWD: most (if not all) power usually goes to 2 wheels; if there is slippage, then power will be directed to 4 wheels.
For example, a Camry or Accord is 2wd (both are front-wheel drive). BMW 325/330i are RWD (all power goes to the rear wheels). 4runners also come in 2wd models (cheaper than 4wd models).
4wd 4runners come with a transfer case (the "dial" on the dash). For V6 models, you can run in 2wd mode (like a car). You can also run in 4wd mode (by turning the dial to 4WD). When in this mode, power is directed to the front and rear wheels. 4wd 4runners can also be put into 4-LO (LOW range), which multiplies your engine torque (power). This 4-LO mode is mainly used for off-roading or can be used launching your boat.
In V8 4runner models, there is no 2wd mode. It is ALWAYS in 4wd. It also has a transfer case to shift into and out of 4-LO.
AWD do NOT have a transfer case...thus, it cannot be shifted into 4-LO mode. Examples include Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, BMW X5, Honda CRV, most AWD cars, etc.. However, in these systems, if there is slippage, power can be directed to 4 wheels. Thus, these SUVs/cars are good for all-weather driving, but are not suitable for off-roading.
Hope this helps...it's actually kinda confusing when you get down to the details of each vehicle.
peter78
Super Moderator
I am one of the few with just 2WD. In the 4Runner a 2WD drives the rear wheels. In other SUV's such as the Highlander a 2WD will be front wheel drive. For what I use my 4Runner for and where I live, I really don't need 4WD. Sometimes while camping, I get the urge to go off road, I mean really off road, but I am happy with 2WD. Besides being cheaper, you get less maintenance and better mileage. 2WD still comes with traction control and VSC (vehicle skid contol).
Also, it should be noted that the V6 is part time 4WD and the V8 comes in full time 4WD. If you get a V6 4WD you can have a choice to be in either 4WD or 2WD.
4WD and all wheel drive are not the same. All wheel drive is for a car which can travel in mud and snow better, the 4WD in the 4Runner is much more advanced and is more for extreme off roading.
Also, it should be noted that the V6 is part time 4WD and the V8 comes in full time 4WD. If you get a V6 4WD you can have a choice to be in either 4WD or 2WD.
4WD and all wheel drive are not the same. All wheel drive is for a car which can travel in mud and snow better, the 4WD in the 4Runner is much more advanced and is more for extreme off roading.
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Thai
Elite Member
Just a note:
If you don't plan on off-roading, then 4wd is not really needed. Therefore, AWD or even 2wd models are good enough. 4runner 2wd models have stability control and traction control, which should be enough to control your SUV in the rain or even light snow. AWD is probably the best compromise.
Good luck.
If you don't plan on off-roading, then 4wd is not really needed. Therefore, AWD or even 2wd models are good enough. 4runner 2wd models have stability control and traction control, which should be enough to control your SUV in the rain or even light snow. AWD is probably the best compromise.
Good luck.
