We have an '09 Highlander with Full Time 4WD. It is okay in the snow, but not great. It has a tendency of sliding around some in accumulated snow and I've noticed a fair amount of tire spin when starting off from a start on slippery roads. I'm sure some of this is due to the tires, but where we live winter performance is a necessity. We were looking at getting a 4Runner Limited and was wondering if locking the center differential makes a big difference in wintry conditions? With the center differential locked, is the system essentially functioning the same as an SR5 with the part time system engaged? Thanks....
Locking Center Differential
- Thread starter psuche
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JB.
New member
Yes.
It's also doubtful you'll need to lock it much with the 4Runner full-time system with Torsen center diff.
Thai
Elite Member
x2. I would NOT lock the center diff in snow. This will turn off VSC...at least it did in the prior 4runner generations. VSC is a good friend in the white stuff (for most situations). Now, you may want to lock the center diff IF you are stuck in a ditch or trying to get out of your driveway and your 4runner is buried in snow.
JB.
New member
I don't know what the Highlander has, but I'm pretty sure I know what it doesn't have; namely, a Torsen based full-time system which would make it, to a near certainty, a less effective system than the 4Runner.
CJ3Flyr
Super Moderator
Make no mistake, I am a 4Runner fan. I love the 5th gens, especially the Limited. The Limited gets you the Torsen, as you know.
Do you like your Highlander? If the Highlander does everything you want well except for the snow I'd consider some Blizzack tires for snow season. The Highlander can't be "bad" in the snow... You must be suffering through bad tires. I can't imagine that both vehicles with the same tires would be that different for on-road snow driving.
Just a thought.:cheers:
Do you like your Highlander? If the Highlander does everything you want well except for the snow I'd consider some Blizzack tires for snow season. The Highlander can't be "bad" in the snow... You must be suffering through bad tires. I can't imagine that both vehicles with the same tires would be that different for on-road snow driving.
Just a thought.:cheers:
We're planning on keeping the Highlander and replacing another vehicle (Acura RDX) with possilbly a 4Runner. The Highlander tires will be replaced prior to next winter so that should help out. The Highlander had replaced a Pathfinder that did great in the snow. We're looking to get that type of performance again. In one respect the full time system of the limited is nice (especially with my wife driving it) but on the other hand I want to make sure we get something that will do better than the Highlander. We live on top of a hill in a mountainous area that can receive upwards of 200" of snow a year and come armageddon or 3 feet of snow I have to get to work. I was looking at 4Runner Limited as potentially the best of both worlds....a full time system but with ability to lock the center differential that would give performance similar to a traditional part time system in wintry conditions.
Thai
Elite Member
Subaru?? You need a true full-time AWD system for your needs. I hear that Subaru makes an excellent AWD system.
JB.
New member
Don't know what that means, but even if the Subaru has a more effective AWD system, being able to lock the center diff and more ground clearance would shift the advantage back to 4runner in deep snow.
Thai
Elite Member
JB, oh no, i agree with you. I am just saying that, maybe the original poster does not need the off-road capability of a 4runner (4-LO for instance) and just need a good all-weather vehicle. If that is the case, then a Subaru may be a good alternative. Subaru makes cars and SUVs with the same full-time AWD system.
Don't laugh, but a Subaru Outback has MORE ground clearance than a 4th gen 4runner!!! :jump: And as noted above, locking the center diff is not necessarily a good thing in the white stuff, except for rare occasions noted above by me.
Full-time AWD = power is delivered to both axles all the time. In contrast, the Highlander's AWD (or CRV etc.) delivers all power to the front axle and only delivers power to the rear on an as needed basis.
Oh yeah, i agree with Chris...a good set of tires goes a long way!
Oh yeah #2, Toyota's AWD system are pretty pathetic from what i have read...not sure about the newer systems, but the one on the Sienna and the previous generation Highlander is downright bad!
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JB.
New member
I won't laugh. I might cry, but I won't laugh.
Jeremy03Sport
New member
If not trying to slide around corners it's good to keep locked. problem i have is when stopped at an intersection and trying to get going. vehicle jumps enough to get my nose out into traffic, but then ding ding grr grr grr, skid control kicks in and i have no power and i'm in the line of fire. even when locked, the vsc will want to kick in ocassionally, but foot on gas seems to override.
Punkin1220
New member
Old thread, I know, but....
Jeremy03Sport...my 05 Sport is doing the same thing you described, when in 2wd, (is basically fine in 4H when that finally engages!) with the tiniest bit of snow or slush on the road. Once going it's fine, but it's the "getting going" that it won't do. I've had mine for 7 years now, this is the first winter I've had these problems...did you figure out a cause for yours??
Jeremy03Sport...my 05 Sport is doing the same thing you described, when in 2wd, (is basically fine in 4H when that finally engages!) with the tiniest bit of snow or slush on the road. Once going it's fine, but it's the "getting going" that it won't do. I've had mine for 7 years now, this is the first winter I've had these problems...did you figure out a cause for yours??