Is there an easy way to ID 4X4 models

[Asmara]

Unfortunately, I'm selling my 3rd gen so I'm in the market for a 4th gen model. The main criteria are 4x4, leather seats and a reasonable price. I'd prefer the V6.

I've been watching eBay, craig's list and autotrader. One thing that I keep seeing over and over is dealers that don't state whether the vehicle is 4wd. For example this listing. It doesn't meet the leather criteria but at this point I'm willing to take it to an upholstery shop after I buy it if I can get the right price.

The photo isn't detailed enough to tell but the badges on the doors look similar to other 4x4 models. I'm assuming it says SR5 4X4 and the 2wd models only say SR5.

Is there an easy way to tell the difference between 4WD and 2WD models, either from the door decals or the VIN? The only reasons I can think of for dealers to not list it is 1) ignorance or 2) to force you to contact them for clarification.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

The VIN #'s are UZN or GRN. The U's are V8's and the G's are V6's. The next 3 digits are either 210 or 215. The 215's are the 4wds.

That, the door badge, an interior photo (showing the 4wd switch) or a shot of the front that shows a CV are the only ways I know of...

EDIT: DOH I was confusing model# and Vin's

 

[ZandT4R]

The one in your link is 4WD, the badge on the door says SR5 4WD.

 

[dpodo]

VINs

From my recent search experience (last fall), the 4WD VINs are JTEBU and the 2WD VINs are JTEZU for the 4gens.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

From my recent search experience (last fall), the 4WD VINs are JTEBU and the 2WD VINs are JTEZU for the 4gens.

:bash: DOH I was confusing model# and Vin's

 

[toto]

From my recent search experience (last fall), the 4WD VINs are JTEBU and the 2WD VINs are JTEZU for the 4gens.

That's mostly correct - the fourth digit of the VIN (the B or the Z) is 4WD or 2WD. The fifth digit is the engine, where U = V6 and T = V8. Also, the seventh digit will tell you if it's a Limited (7) or either an SR5 or Sport Edition (4).

And yes, the badging on the front doors would say "4WD" if that were the case.

 

[Bossman]

Door badging indicating "4WD" may be specific to American T4R models.

My Canadian T4R Limited 4WD only has "Limited" door badging. And it is definitely 4WD.

 

[Asmara]

decoded

Thanks. I typed it out so it is a little easier to view.


J
T
E
B or Z B=4WD Z=2WD
U or T U=V6 T=V8
1 1 = 4Runner
4 OR 7 4=SR5/Sport 7=Limited

 

[Absolute]

I used the VIN to make sure mine was 4x4 when I got it. I must say the cloth seats are amazing ... I do a lot of mudding and I have yet to stain the seats, everything just wipes right off the top. But Best of luck to you on your shopping, I just bought one sol if you have any questions just let me know. Ryan

 

[Will_4R]

I have a 4wd Sport and the door badge is just SR5. I think they only sell 4wd models in Canada so we don't get the 4wd badging, but I could be wrong.

 

[Absolute]

I have a 4wd Sport and the door badge is just SR5. I think they only sell 4wd models in Canada so we don't get the 4wd badging, but I could be wrong.

I have the 4x4 SR5 well sport haha, the vin runs it as sport but I always thought the sport had the hood scoop. Also I have the 4WD Stamp on mine and it was bought in the US. But who knows it might have been shipped in. I am the 2nd owner so I only know what was done with it per the word of the first. I might also add the best way to see if it is 4x4 is to either crawl under it and see if it has a front dif or you could look for the switch if its the V8 it will have full time 4x4 (awd) and the 4x4 switch will be always in 4h. V6 have 4x2 and can will have 2wd / 4h / 4l on the switch. Another way i forgot to mention is there will be a locking center switch on the left side of the steering wheel.

 

[Coles05t4r]

When i was searching for mine, I had the same issue. If there are any interior shots, I would look for the round 4wd Switch (4HI - 4LO) which is to the right of the steering wheel. Hope this helps.