Do 5th gen 4runners still have switchable 2WD and 4WD?

[chee]

Hi there, I have a 4th gen 2008 4Runner and really love it. It has switchable 2 wheel drive (WD) and 4WD, which is a very good feature. Namely, you can turn the switch to set the car into 2WD or 4WD mode.

I am just wondering if 2010 - 2017 4runners, namely, the 5th gen ones, still have the swtichable 2WD and 4WD feature. Since I am thinking of keeping my current 4runner (instead of getting a new one) if the newer gen does not have this feature. Thanks for your information and have a good weekend.

 

[flyrv9]

Yes, depending on the model you choose. You can have the switch knob to select 2WD or 4HI or 4Lo. Or, you can get the lever where you manually engage - disengage the functions. I suggest you look into all the options for the model years and models you're interested in. Our 2013 SR5 has the switch knob.

 

[nglayton]

2011 Trail edition has a manual transfer case shifter. 4HI, 4LO, N and 2WD. Not sure about all the models. I think the others have just an electric knob to turn, but I've not looked at any to be sure how it woks exactly.

 

[TonyBravo]

SR5- electronic T case 4H/4L
Trail/PRO- manual T-case lever 4H/4L
Limited- full time 4wd w/ low gear

 

[simple]

Hi there, I have a 4th gen 2008 4Runner and really love it. It has switchable 2 wheel drive (WD) and 4WD, which is a very good feature. Namely, you can turn the switch to set the car into 2WD or 4WD mode.

I am just wondering if 2010 - 2017 4runners, namely, the 5th gen ones, still have the swtichable 2WD and 4WD feature. Since I am thinking of keeping my current 4runner (instead of getting a new one) if the newer gen does not have this feature. Thanks for your information and have a good weekend.

Yes, but it's important you realize that the 5th gen is a traditional 4 wheel drive system only. When you activate it, the center diff is locked. 4th Gen's have more of an AWD system with a locking center diff option. So, you're not really supposed to run the 5th gen 4wd on dry pavement or non slippery conditions. If that matters to you.

 

[zcruiser]

Yes, but it's important you realize that the 5th gen is a traditional 4 wheel drive system only. When you activate it, the center diff is locked. 4th Gen's have more of an AWD system with a locking center diff option. So, you're not really supposed to run the 5th gen 4wd on dry pavement or non slippery conditions. If that matters to you.

Not the case on Limited. See [MENTION=149846]TonyBravo[/MENTION] post above.

Limited is full-time unlocked 4WD (no 2WD mode) but can be locked 4WD in either Hi or Lo mode electronically.

 

[Bossman]

5th Gen Limited model:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4ojl8t92oA

5th Gen Trail model:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bL8n5-CqQQ

 

[Cymon]

[MENTION=69860]chee[/MENTION] Most of the information to answer your questions is above but I'll just add this.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/186247-5th-gen-features-models-differences.html

 

[wfo9]

v8 4wd 4th gen models were full time 4wd just like the 5th gen limited. v6 4th gen 4wd were part time with a center differential that can be locked.

5th gen part time models do no have a center differential (they are always locked).

So you would lose the ability to be both part time and open center differential in a 5th gen.

5th gen trail models and older sr5s do have a manual transfer case. Limited editions have the center differential (that can be locked), but no option run 2wd.

They all have a low range reduction gear, but the center must be locked to enable it.

 

[simple]

Not the case on Limited. See [MENTION=149846]TonyBravo[/MENTION] post above.

Limited is full-time unlocked 4WD (no 2WD mode) but can be locked 4WD in either Hi or Lo mode electronically.

True. But in the case of the OP, he wants 2WD capability. And I wanted to point of that part time 4WD may not be what he thinks it is coming from a 4th gen.

 

[TexasTJ]

My TRD has the lever to manually engage 4wd, I rented an SR5 and it had the electronic knob that you twist. I prefer the simplicity of the lever.

 

[chee]

Thank you guys a lot for providing the information. It is really very helpful.