Significant Difference MPG 2WD vs 4WD?

[Craigy]

Sorry if this is a terribly uncool question. . .

The EPA estimates put the 2WD with one more highway mile per gallon over the four wheeler.

Is there really an appreciable difference between the two? Perhaps a greater difference than the ratings suggest? 4.0 vs 4.0 (2012).

Also I'm sure this has been discussed before, but the search doesn't seem to pick up all of my terms So please direct me to any previous discussions.

Thanks!

 

[brockeverly]

Sorry if this is a terribly uncool question. . .

The EPA estimates put the 2WD with one more highway mile per gallon over the four wheeler.

Is there really an appreciable difference between the two? Perhaps a greater difference than the ratings suggest? 4.0 vs 4.0 (2012).

Also I'm sure this has been discussed before, but the search doesn't seem to pick up all of my terms So please direct me to any previous discussions.

Thanks!

I would say that it depends on the model. A TE and SR5 for example are not full time 4x4 so the loss in MPG will only be from additional weight, where an LE is full time so the loss in MPG will be from the additional weight as well as a second diff spinning.

 

[Jeremy556]

Just say no to 2runners. You will never regret having 4wd.

 

[Stifler]

Just say no to 2runners. You will never regret having 4wd.

so if someone lives in an area that doesnt ever see snow, doesnt have hills or areas to go off road they wouldnt regret spending more money for something that is not needed ever? and for having to spend more for maintenance? not sure I get your logic..... oh wait.... nevermind

 

[Jaker]

In my Limited 4x4, I routinely get 23.5 mpg on the highway. If I'm not trying, I get 20.5 to 21 mpg combined (about 60% highway, 40% city)

 

[Atlanta_man]

is it April Fools day already ?

 

[Baja Runner]

Without a way of disconnecting the axles from the hubs (manual hubs) your axles will be turning at all times. So even if youre not in 4wd, the vehicle will be pushing the front axles and diff. Rotational inertia requires much more energy than static weight. Luckily your tires act as a lever arm to turn the diff. That being said there will be a slight loss of MPG with a 4x4, but the loss of 1-2mpg is pretty negligible

 

[limamike]

so if someone lives in an area that doesnt ever see snow, doesnt have hills or areas to go off road they wouldnt regret spending more money for something that is not needed ever? and for having to spend more for maintenance? not sure I get your logic..... oh wait.... nevermind

Where's your logic? Other than buying the truck for looks, what benefit is there to buying a 2WD 4Runner over a unibody crossover or another SUV that has a much smoother ride?

 

[philsey]

@OP - Please don't take this to be wude, I don't mean it to be. But you either want and/or need 4WD/AWD or you don't. The mileage difference is irrelevant. My SR5 routinely gets 19.5 town, and 23-24 hwy, driven 65.

You don't say where you live, but if you're ever in snow with 2WD, you'll not like it (IMO).

EDIT: Plus, 2WD will hurt resale. Even if you live in Floriduh, you'll eliminate a potential off-roader as a buyer.

What Brock said...

 

[Baja Runner]

In my Limited 4x4, I routinely get 23.5 mpg on the highway. If I'm not trying, I get 20.5 to 21 mpg combined (about 60% highway, 40% highway)

That's pretty ridiculous. I have 3 friends with the 4.0, 2 in access cab stock Tacomas and an FJC who only get 15-17 MPG mixed driving, mostly highway here in SD. Is the 4.0 in the 5th Gen any different ?? Or did u just get one graced by God ! ??

 

[alc9020]

For the 5th gen Trail in 2wd the front axle doesn't turn. I assume it's the same for the 4x4 SR5, not sure about the previous gens though.

 

[1engineer]

That's pretty ridiculous. I have 3 friends with the 4.0, 2 in access cab stock Tacomas and an FJC who only get 15-17 MPG mixed driving, mostly highway here in SD. Is the 4.0 in the 5th Gen any different ?? Or did u just get one graced by God ! ??

If I try REAL HARD I can get almost 23 mpg on highway. My 34K lifetime average that includes every city and highway mile is 19.98 mpg and thats with two winters under it's belt. On trips I get 21 easy at 68-75 mph. From what I've read here the sticker values are right on.

 

[Jeremy556]

so if someone lives in an area that doesnt ever see snow, doesnt have hills or areas to go off road they wouldnt regret spending more money for something that is not needed ever? and for having to spend more for maintenance? not sure I get your logic..... oh wait.... nevermind

Then why purchase a body on frame SUV with a solid rear axle?

What if you move or take a trip to an area where you need it?

 

[Jeremy556]

Without a way of disconnecting the axles from the hubs (manual hubs) your axles will be turning at all times. So even if youre not in 4wd, the vehicle will be pushing the front axles and diff. Rotational inertia requires much more energy than static weight. Luckily your tires act as a lever arm to turn the diff. That being said there will be a slight loss of MPG with a 4x4, but the loss of 1-2mpg is pretty negligible

They have auto locking hubs, so the front drive train doesn't spin unless when the transfer case is in 2wd
You're right, it uses auto differential disconnect, not auto hubs.

 

[Stifler]

Where's your logic? Other than buying the truck for looks, what benefit is there to buying a 2WD 4Runner over a unibody crossover or another SUV that has a much smoother ride?

utility isnt defined by 4x4 it is only ENHANCED... it is still a SUV

 

[Bay33saw]

In my Limited 4x4, I routinely get 23.5 mpg on the highway. If I'm not trying, I get 20.5 to 21 mpg combined (about 60% highway, 40% highway)

^^^^^^^I get the same as Jaker in my 4x4 LE

 

[Baja Runner]

They have auto locking hubs, so the front drive train doesn't spin unless when the transfer case is in 2wd

Wow that is awesome ! I didn't know. Was the 5th Gen the only model which does this ?

 

[Jeremy556]

Wow that is awesome ! I didn't know. Was the 5th Gen the only model which does this ?

No, I was wrong, it uses an auto differential disconnect, and the front half shafts do spin, just not the prop shaft. Appears 4th gen and up use this.

 

[Jaker]

In my Limited 4x4, I routinely get 23.5 mpg on the highway. If I'm not trying, I get 20.5 to 21 mpg combined (about 60% highway, 40% city)

That's pretty ridiculous. I have 3 friends with the 4.0, 2 in access cab stock Tacomas and an FJC who only get 15-17 MPG mixed driving, mostly highway here in SD. Is the 4.0 in the 5th Gen any different ?? Or did u just get one graced by God ! ??

From what I've read here on the forum, it's not hard to accomplish. Honestly, your friends must just have lead feet. MPG is all about driving style.

 

[Craigy]

FWIW I am in the NOLA area and the extent of my "off-roading" would likely be 1) soaking up the awful roads and streets in New Orleans (I'm talking 3rd world country "roads" with 35mph limits whose surfaces keep you at a steady 10-15mph) and 2) the occasional heavy rains and light flooding that we get from time to time.

I'm not buying one tomorrow, but will be car shopping over the upcoming months. If I do buy it would likely be to keep as a daily driver for the foreseeable future. I would prob be looking at an SR5 unless I go used, but the resale seems pretty strong.

Realistically aside from the occasional gravel road I will never take it off road, but I do prefer 4WD from a safety and weight standpoint.

If it is only just one to two MPG difference it's a no-brainer. But if for some reason the 2WD gets real-world MPG that's materially different then it may be worth considering. Gas prices aside, it's nice not having to go get gas very often. Also the lower initial cost helps out too (the four wheelers are all 35k+, two wheelers can be found on lots in the 33's).