5th Gen vs. 4th Gen ( Full Time 4wd etc.)

[Quentin]

I was referring to the 5Gen Limited full time 4WD. Can that be put in 4 low?



Whoever had the idea to put a 4 cyl engine in the new 4Runner should be given a job at Chrysler.

Yes, the 5th gen Limited can be put in 4WD low. You can also lock the center differential to have the front and rear prop shafts "locked" at the same speed relative to one another.

 

[M1911]

I rushed my post and you may have misread it. We are only debating semantics here - choice of words. AWD is generally marketed on vehicles without a low range, where as full time 4wd GENERALLY is used to describe such a vehicle with a low range and a lockable centre diff. A perfect example of an exception to this is Honda who has "4wd" pilots, etc.

You might think your full time 4wd is more bad ass then some AWD import/domestic but really your just buying into the marketing these different brands use. There is no technical-legal definitional difference between full time 4wd and AWD.

All full time or AWD vehicles employs a torsen centre diff, or a planetary gear set to allow for wheel slip between front and rear.

The AWD systems are really all over the map. Many don't send any torque to the rear axle until after the front axle slips, in which case you may already stuck before the rear wheels engage.

In contrast, the Torsen center diff sends torque to both axles under normal circumstances. Furthermore, there are some systems with open center diffs that are not lockable. Even the Land Rover Disco had some years when its center diff was not lockable.

Whether you call the 4th Gen and 5th Gen Limited system all-wheel-drive or full-time 4WD, I would argue that it is better than most competing systems.

 

[oblivionis]

Yes, the 5th gen Limited can be put in 4WD low. You can also lock the center differential to have the front and rear prop shafts "locked" at the same speed relative to one another.

So short of not being able to be put in 2WD it's pretty much the same as the 4Gen 4WD system. Cool. Now, if it would only be available in the SR5 trim I'd be all set.

 

[CraigRoberts]

So short of not being able to be put in 2WD it's pretty much the same as the 4Gen 4WD system. Cool. Now, if it would only be available in the SR5 trim I'd be all set.

It also has A-TRAC, Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control.

I really like the leather interior and creature comforts too

 

[Ripsnort]

It also has A-TRAC, Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control.

I really like the leather interior and creature comforts too

This is primarily why I decided to go with a limited. I love my FJ Cruiser, but hell, I'm getting old. I like the creature comforts, smooth ride and REAL 4 doors. :bluejump:

 

[Quentin]

So short of not being able to be put in 2WD it's pretty much the same as the 4Gen 4WD system. Cool. Now, if it would only be available in the SR5 trim I'd be all set.

The electronic stability and traction control are good enough, IMO, that I'm OK with no center diff. The truck is so planted and composed in bad weather in 2WD, that I typically only pull on the 4WD lever when I'm going through some really nasty stuff: ice and snow. Sure, it would be nice to have the option of running 4WD in all situations, but I'm not sure I'd be willing to pay for it if it was on the option sheet.

 

[Uneek]

So short of not being able to be put in 2WD it's pretty much the same as the 4Gen 4WD system. Cool. Now, if it would only be available in the SR5 trim I'd be all set.

Yes, but also there isn't the option of being in 4Lo and unlocked.

The 5th gen Limited has 4H unlocked, 4H locked and 4L locked.

 

[jo-e90]

This video should clear things up- All ALL WHEEL DRIVES are NOT created equal. (Subaru Vs Other - YouTube