Is 2011 LE any good off road compared to Trail Edition?

[naturebay]

I like the full time 4WD on the 2011 LE, as I plan to drive frequently in northern Canada on snowy and icy highways. But I will also be going offroad to camp and search for photography locations. Mostly I will drive up old dirt roads, logging roads, etc., but occasionally want to ford some wash-outs, crawl through mud and deep snow.

I read this silly review on one website: "The Limited uses a dial-actuated full-time system that is always on, ready for changing road conditions or inclement weather. The full-time system is better for those driving in ice and wintry conditions when grip is inconsistent. It automatically apportions power to the tires with the best grip. The driver need do nothing to engage it. The system is good for those who live in snow country and need all-wheel drive but probably won't take their vehicle off-road." That is, the reviewer is saying that the LE is just not good off-road.

I somehow doubt that, but could someone with experience tell me if the LE can climb up and down steep skidder paths without all the off-road gearing specific to the Trail? Or am I better off getting a Trail, despite the fact that most of my challenging driving will be on snowy mountains in the Canadian Rockies and Yukon.

Before I plunk $33K on the LE I am looking at (it comes with skid plates!), I just want to make sure it is good for off-road use as well, (though it might not keep up with the Trail in the backcountry).

 

[JB.]

The system is good for those who live in snow country and need all-wheel drive but probably won't take their vehicle off-road." That is, the reviewer is saying that the LE is just not good off-road.

The LE is the least suitable for offroading, but it has virtually nothing to do with the reason above. It's limiting factors vs the SR5 are the 20 inch wheels and more body overhang. For the TE, add the rear locking differential.

But from what you've described, it sounds like the LE will handle it easily.

Since I own a 4th gen, I'll stop there and let you get the straight dope from the 5th genners.

 

[downpour11]

Deep snow and mud will be the limiting factor for both trucks, lack of ground clearance.

 

[eddiebx]

I like the full time 4WD on the 2011 LE, as I plan to drive frequently in northern Canada on snowy and icy highways. But I will also be going offroad to camp and search for photography locations. Mostly I will drive up old dirt roads, logging roads, etc., but occasionally want to ford some wash-outs, crawl through mud and deep snow.

I read this silly review on one website: "The Limited uses a dial-actuated full-time system that is always on, ready for changing road conditions or inclement weather. The full-time system is better for those driving in ice and wintry conditions when grip is inconsistent. It automatically apportions power to the tires with the best grip. The driver need do nothing to engage it. The system is good for those who live in snow country and need all-wheel drive but probably won't take their vehicle off-road." That is, the reviewer is saying that the LE is just not good off-road.

I somehow doubt that, but could someone with experience tell me if the LE can climb up and down steep skidder paths without all the off-road gearing specific to the Trail? Or am I better off getting a Trail, despite the fact that most of my challenging driving will be on snowy mountains in the Canadian Rockies and Yukon.

Before I plunk $33K on the LE I am looking at (it comes with skid plates!), I just want to make sure it is good for off-road use as well, (though it might not keep up with the Trail in the backcountry).

I don't think the LE's 4WD system is any less capable off-road than the TE once it's center diff is locked. I mean both have a 4hi and 4lo, so once it's locked it's pretty much all the same right? The only advantages that the TE has over the LE are pretty much those things @JB mentioned. Plus the TE has crawl control and could potentially be equipped with KDSS, that's about it...but even without crawl control, the LE should still have downhill assist (DAC) and ATRAC, which are both pretty good electronic traction control aid, that can get you out of a jam

If the LE and the TE were running the same exact tire/wheel combo, I'm pretty sure neither one would leave the other in the dust off road.