4x4 or 4x2

[Kinetic]

So, I'm looking at some 2014 new/used T4Rs as the family vehicle. I like the idea of having AWD, but honestly, I don't know how much I'd actually use it and if it is really worth it.

I'm not into off-roading and the weather here (San Antonio, TX area) is mostly dry and warm/hot, so not a whole lot of wet roads where AWD might come in handy from a safety standpoint.

Should I just go with the 4x2?

 

[wanderMT]

If don't want/need 4x4, might even consider different vehicle. To me, a 4runner should be 4x4 - but I live in snow country.

 

[STX4Runner]

If you're not in to off roading 2wd is fine in San Antonio. Both my dad and mom have 2wd 4Runners and they are fine. A lot of members on here will tell you get 4x4 for resale value, but to me a 2wd 4Runner will hold value just fine here. I think most 4Runners I see in San Antonio are 2wd and the dealers stock a lot of 2wd 4Runners. Like you said the weather doesn't demand 4x4 here. But i you do end up getting a 4x4 don't use 4x4 in wet weather, it dosen't help and if you have an SR5 or Trail you shouldn't be driving in 4x4 on pavement anyway.

 

[Kinetic]

Thanks guys! I think 4x2 is probably the better choice for now. Appreciate the advice.

Didn't realize that about 4x4 in rain and on pavement. Good to know.

 

[KidVermicious]

If you don't need legit 4wd, a minivan or crossover will work much better as family vehicle. Lower stance means more interior space, unibody means smoother ride and more efficient.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

I agree with many of the comments above.

A 2WD 4Runner is sort of like a six cylinder Corvette. It's not what the vehicle is intended for. I mean if you really, really like the 4Runner, cool, get a 2WD but in reality if a people hauler is what you need there are vehicles built more towards that (read unibody).

The 4Runner is one of the last of the true truck SUV's. Body on frame. They are built for 4WD use, and are very, very good at it. If you are pounding pavement 24x7 there are better choices for you.

 

[3wbdriver]

Look at the Highlander. Really. If I didn't want the 4R specifically for its off road capability I would have been leaning toward the Highlander for its comparable capability in all other aspects.

 

[bimrunner]

If you don't need legit 4wd, a minivan or crossover will work much better as family vehicle. Lower stance means more interior space, unibody means smoother ride and more efficient.

I agree with many of the comments above.

A 2WD 4Runner is sort of like a six cylinder Corvette. It's not what the vehicle is intended for. I mean if you really, really like the 4Runner, cool, get a 2WD but in reality if a people hauler is what you need there are vehicles built more towards that (read unibody).

The 4Runner is one of the last of the true truck SUV's. Body on frame. They are built for 4WD use, and are very, very good at it. If you are pounding pavement 24x7 there are better choices for you.

Look at the Highlander. Really. If I didn't want the 4R specifically for its off road capability I would have been leaning toward the Highlander for it comparable capability in all other aspects.

Meh. My wife's MDX is all those things you mention except, I like driving the trucks more even around town. Sometimes a 4x2 4Runner makes sense - when you like it more just as a daily driver. Personal preferences don't always make sense.

 

[jicko]

Thanks guys! I think 4x2 is probably the better choice for now. Appreciate the advice.

Didn't realize that about 4x4 in rain and on pavement. Good to know.

It's NOT a good choice.

I had a 3rd gen, 270kmi and 18yo. The ONLY thing I regret NOT getting for that car is 4WD! The ONLY regret.

And a 4Runner is meant to be a 4x4. If you don't need that.... like others have said.... just get a Highlander.... it is more comfortable inside, if you get an XLE, you are having a Lexus luxury and paying Toyota prices.

 

[wfo9]

A 4x2 4Runner is actually better than a 4x4 4Runner for daily driving on dry pavement. The reason? It weighs significantly less and is not so heavy in the front. Can't remember the exact numbers but I think it is between (300 - 400lbs)

There is also less maintenance... (no CV joints to go bad, no diff side gears spinning in the front all the time...)

The worse thing to have a is a 4wd system that is never used. And most people don't use them in Texas.

The limited does have full time 4wd, which allows for some stability on wet slick roads... The sr5 and trail only have a part time system (which is really only used off-road).

Highlander is a camry on stilts. If you like that kind of thing. Personally, I would never buy a Toyota car.

 

[JayceeP]

I don't think you need to off-road your 4Runner to justify owning it. I sure don't. I drive it because they look awesome, are rugged, reliable, and unibody' are flat out boring!(except for some of the premium vehicles). Buy a Highlander? No way. People who buy 4Runners are enthusiasts in some form or another and a true enthusiast wouldn't go boring/practical IMO. Even a lot of the modded vehicles on here are probably overkill but I think it's awesome. Also, a lot of the other Toyota's are not made in Japan except for the niche vehicles... and I know that is also important to a lot of 4Runner owners as they view made in Japan as superior quality.

Having said all of that, I think having the ability to engage 4wd is important for any vehicle in this class for reasons already mentioned. You also never know when you might want to venture into areas where having that extra capability in case it is required would be very helpful. I would also have to think re-sale would be easier, even if you do live in Texas. I'd rather have it and not need it versus needing it and not having it.

 

[THEROK]

Good luck selling a 2wd body on frame truck.

 

[Kennyr44]

How many pickup drivers really use the bed? Most just enjoy driving a truck. To me and my wife it feels good and is fun. I live in Denver and really how often do we engage the 4wd? Not that often, a few times when it snows in the winter. We love driving the 4 runner every day. I have 2 other really nice cars I can drive and the one I pick if available is always the 4runner. I think a 2wd 4runner is like an enclosed pickup just the right size and way more useful than a bed that doesn't get used. Sure the Highlander etc. are more practical to go to the mall in but way less fun getting there. If I lived in a warm climate I would own one with 2wd. By the way we have 20k miles in the first 9 months and haven't lost our enthusiasm yet.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

....I would also have to think re-sale would be easier, even if you do live in Texas. I'd rather have it and not need it versus needing it and not having it.

I can tell you that here in Colorado, 2WD 4Runners are almost unheard of and when you do see them, the resale value is in the toilet.

They are about as useful as tits on a bull in our climate.

 

[Jhalko]

I live in Denver and really how often do we engage the 4wd? Not that often, a few times when it snows in the winter. We love driving the 4 runner every day. I have 2 other really nice cars I can drive and the one I pick if available is always the 4runner.

I get to lock my center diff on weeknights sometimes the trails are so close to Denver. You should take more advantage of them...

Personally I Choose 4wd not for driving in the snow but to camp and off-road away from civilization.

 

[delloro]

I'm not in the used car business, but there guys are: carmax 4runners in san antonio. seven out of the 10 used 4runners for sale at the san antonio lot are 2wd, and they do not appear too far behind the 4wd in price.

OP, get what you want, none are a bad choice. but I would never pass on the 4wd option again. I did once, and always regretted it a little.

 

[wfo9]

Good luck selling a 2wd body on frame truck.

That is funny! Most body on frame trucks produced are 2wd and for very good reason.

The market dictates what sells...not you. And it varies greatly by region. There is a reason 2wd sell just fine in dry/warm climates.

 

[wanderMT]

As I mentioned above, live in snow country. I'm guessing that in 40 years of driving 4x4s that 95%+ of my 4x4 use was on paved streets and highways. Also guessing that 75%+ of my trail driving was in 2wd. Everyone's use of 4x4 is different - environment probably biggest influence. I don't really have to deal with mud often - we only get 11" precip. year so ground is usually either snow covered/ frozen or bone dry.

 

[Honu*]

test drive the 2 wd 4runner and a highlander and get the one you like best

just had a loaner highlander when my FJ was in repair and the thing was really nice ! much nicer than I thought

I am a off road guy though but if I was getting it for daily driving maybe some dirt roads once in a great while the highlander in AWD would be a great choice since every day traction etc... more room it seems inside and much nicer back seat area if you have kids et...

but if you like the 4runner for looks get it IMHO there is no wrong thing to buy

 

[STX4Runner]

That is funny! Most body on frame trucks produced are 2wd and for very good reason.

The market dictates what sells...not you. And it varies greatly by region. There is a reason 2wd sell just fine in dry/warm climates.

Agreed! 2wd trucks sell just fine in Texas. If the OP gets a 2wd 4Runner he will have no problem selling it down the road in San Antonio. Only part of Texas where I would recommend 4x4 for non off roaders is the Panhandle. They can get some real blizzards up there.