4x4 or 4x2

Kinetic said:
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?
Click to expand...

I also live in your area. I purchased 2 PreRunners from Toyota of Boerne in the past 8 years (even when they were North Park Toyota).

After reconnecting with my now wife and all my family in Colorado, I quickly realized that I needed a 4WD vehicle when we go out there every 2-3 months.

That being said - even with the flooding this past weekend and all of the "soft-roading" we did to go explore in the area, we have NEVER used our 4WD in the Boerne or San Antonio area.

Honestly, it is worth it in resale alone in my humble opinion, but if you don't need 4WD other vehicles could suit you much better.
 
As originally intended by Toyota , ALL Toyota 4Runners should be built and sold as 4wheel drive only. In case you missed my subtle point . I think you should go with the 4x4.
 
Definitely get something else. Its a not a vehicle that should be made in 2wd. It will either be too truck like for you, or as it happens to so many years later you will be pissed you bought a 2wd when you are stuck in an off-road SUV in an ice storm, or say a family vacation in Big Bend. Rarely do I find off-road vehicle buyers happy years later buying an odd ball 2wd.
 
Even if I didn't want a 4x4, the 4runner would still be my vehicle of choice. That being said, it's worth getting the 4x4 even if you never use it.
 
has nobody noticed that the OP, [MENTION=90406]Kinetic[/MENTION], has only posted the original post and one reply in here??? he has likely already purchased his 2wd 4runner. And if that works for him, that great. because at the end of the day he just has to be happy with it.

We all choose what we drive for various reasons: cost, MPG, BOF, bells and whistles, color, etc., sometimes practicality is not the main reason we choose what we choose. i would be willing to bet many who drive 4runners will never even take off the pavement, but they still love what they drive and thats what matters.
[MENTION=90406]Kinetic[/MENTION], do what you want, it's your money and your decision.

:hippie::hippie::hippie::hippie::hippie::hippie:

why cant we all just get along, 2wd and 4wd, toghether as one family???

peace, love, 4runner.:grouphug:
 
2wd

The easiest vehicle to sell in Texas is a body on frame 2wd pickup. They hold their value as well as anything. Most ranch trucks are 2wd. I've taken my 2wd Limited on most of the so called 4wd back roads in Big Bend. Also done forest service roads. in Co. in the summer. Everyone doesn't need a rock climber.
 
Alright, so truth be told, I currently have a 2012 SR5 4WD. I am looking to trade-in for a newer model and would prefer a 4WD for the exact reason that a few here have mentioned; it's just nice knowing that I have that option. In fact, that's why I purchased 4WD in the first place. I just haven't used it as much as I thought I would.

Unfortunately, here in San Antonio/Boerne area 4WD is actually hard to come by!!

I should have been more transparent in my initial post I guess.

I've always loved the 4Runner. Just personal taste I guess. Basically, I just wanted some feedback on whether or not I could/should forego the 4WD since they are difficult to come by down here.

I'll most likely end up just keeping my 2012 for a bit longer.

And don't worry, I've been keeping up with all the feedback so far! :cheers:
 
A lot of members here live out west or in areas where public land suited for off-roading is available.

There isn't much of that in the immediate SA Tx. area. People in that part of the country with a legitimate use for 4x4 are generally ranchers, farmers, or people in the trades who have to access remote areas. I see countless 4x4 F150s everyday whose only experience in the dirt is pulling off the side of the road to make a U-turn.

4x2 gets plenty of use in SA where you spend 99.99999% of your time on pavement. Not all of us like cross-overs. Some prefer the big, bodacious look and feel of a 5th Gen 4 Runner.

My 2014 4x2 SR5 serves me quite well. It might not sell easily in the western slopes of the Rockies, but I don't live there.
 
my 2 cents:

If you don't mind paying for it (extra costs up front, extra maintenance costs, MPG loss - assuming) I would get a 4runner that is 4x4. Doubtful you will ever need it but to me it would be like an extra layer or protection or more insurance. Slide off the road into the ditch, might help get you out - might not, can't negotiation or plan for all the "what ifs" in life and I do think if you get it you should be diligent enough to actuate the system per guidelines in the Toyota manual.

PS. Upgrade from a 2012? The truck isn't even broken in yet!
 
Just don't regret your decision, I get the feeling the whole reason you asked is because you're afraid you will regret getting a 2wd. Make sure that you are comfortable with whatever choice you make.

There is a Nautical Blue TEP in Austin... and a white one at Cavender it seems. I don't see any shortage of 4x4's in your area.
 
Last edited:
Lester Lugnut said:
A lot of members here live out west or in areas where public land suited for off-roading is available.

There isn't much of that in the immediate SA Tx. area. People in that part of the country with a legitimate use for 4x4 are generally ranchers, farmers, or people in the trades who have to access remote areas. I see countless 4x4 F150s everyday whose only experience in the dirt is pulling off the side of the road to make a U-turn.

4x2 gets plenty of use in SA where you spend 99.99999% of your time on pavement. Not all of us like cross-overs. Some prefer the big, bodacious look and feel of a 5th Gen 4 Runner.

My 2014 4x2 SR5 serves me quite well. It might not sell easily in the western slopes of the Rockies, but I don't live there.
Click to expand...

FYI, There are plenty of places to go off-roading near SA TX. Not public (free) land, but several parks/off-road ranches with very extreme steep terrain where 4x4 is 100% mandatory. In fact, much of it is simply too extreme for a 5th gen 4runner.
 
Kinetic said:
Alright, so truth be told, I currently have a 2012 SR5 4WD.

I've always loved the 4Runner. Just personal taste I guess. Basically, I just wanted some feedback on whether or not I could/should forego the 4WD since they are difficult to come by down here.

I'll most likely end up just keeping my 2012 for a bit longer.

And don't worry, I've been keeping up with all the feedback so far! :cheers:
Click to expand...

Keep what you have, mod the heck out of it and come up and play in CO and Utah. A couple trips and you'll get plenty of use out of the 4wd
 
The only reason I got 2wd is because i could not get a limited with PT 4WD.
I plan to put a few hundred thousand miles on her and didn't like FT 4WD for something that will likely see 99% pavement.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 218 (members: 0, guests: 218)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,309
Messages
3,554,071
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top