Yes, depending on the trim level, the Toyota 4Runner has four-wheel drive (4WD), either as standard or optional. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the two base trim levels, and 4WD is an option. Following that, trim levels offer either permanent 4WD or part-time 4WD. Additionally, locking differentials are an option.
The 4Runner is an adaptable off-roader thanks to these combinations. This car has additional advantages besides just that one. You see, Toyota is one of the few producers to heavily employ body-on-frame manufacturing. This technique entails fastening a body to a heavy-duty frame constructed of solid materials, as the name suggests.
The 4Runner’s off-roading capabilities are further improved by its ability to handle the roughest terrain. Additionally, this vehicle can generate torque in places most vehicles cannot due to its sturdy back axle. However, because it is heavier than many of its contemporary alternatives, it has a price. Highway speeds may result in a bumpier ride.
A versatile car that can transport you anywhere comes at a cost. Therefore, we’ll go over how the Toyota 4Runner’s 4WD functions and which variants have it if you’re interested in learning more about the ins and outs of this vehicle.
In This Article...
Are 4WD systems standard on all 4Runners?
The 4-liter V6 engine that powers all 2021 4Runner models can produce 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, but not all 4Runner models are four-wheel drive. The majority of 2021 trim levels let you choose between a four-wheel-drive variant and a rear-wheel-drive model. A 44 powertrain is available for all 2021 4Runner trim levels at the very least, if not as standard. Here, let’s take a closer look at the 2021 Toyota 4Runner’s off-road prowess.
The 4WD or 2WD Toyota 4Runner?
Rear-wheel drive is a standard feature on both of the two entry-level trim versions, the SR5 and the SR5 Premium. The 4Runner continues to carry the torch by providing rear-wheel drive as an option rather than front-wheel drive, which used to be the norm for SUVs.
If you plan to perform a lot of towing or even take the SUV off-road, rear-wheel drive is really preferable to front-wheel drive for an SUV. The weight of your car goes to the back whenever you try to speed, thus having rear-wheel drive will normally provide you superior traction.
What is part-time 4WD in the Toyota 4Runner?
Both the SR5 and SR5 Premium have part-time 4WD options. Part-time 4WD is a standard feature on the TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and TRD Pro. But what does the Toyota 4Runner’s part-time 4WD do?
What you are probably used to from four-wheel-drive systems is basically the part-time 4WD drive system. It has three modes, including a 2-high mode that provides rear-wheel drive and standard gearing. There is also a 4-high mode, which is standard four-wheel drive. There is a third option dubbed 4-low, which uses low gearing and four-wheel drive for the most torque and traction possible.
Can 4Runners handle snow well?
Toyota 4Runners perform well in the snow because to their 4WD and traction control systems, which can manage unexpected slips in hazardous winter driving conditions. The 4Runner’s nine-inch ground clearance and 6,300-pound weight are sufficient to provide the best traction in a variety of weather conditions.
In this post, we’ll talk about a variety of 4Runner features that make it possible for it to easily navigate snowy roads. We’ll also discuss whether your 4Runner needs snow boots, why snow tires are a necessity, and how to make it more weather-resistant.
A Toyota 4Runner has rear-wheel drive, right?
A 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and a five-speed automated transmission are standard on all variants. Although four-wheel drive is an option in those trims and is standard in a few TRD models, rear-wheel drive is the default in the majority of them.
Describe 4×2 4Runner.
4×4 refers to four wheels with four powered wheels, usually with simultaneous power to all four wheels. 4×2 refers to 4 wheels and 2 powered wheels, usually the rear wheels.
Does traction control exist in the 4Runner?
It’s common for traction to be lost when rolling your truck or SUV across various terrains. With multi-terrain choose, you may customize your settings to offer the most traction possible. Select among mogul, rock, looks rock, or mud/sand/dirt. This all-new multi-terrain choice is also available on the 2019 Toyota RAV4. Bravo, RAV4 owners! You’ll adore it.
A-TRAC, or active traction control, aids drivers whose wheels are slipping and losing traction. When driving in snow or rain, your Toyota 4Runner’s active traction control system delivers more torque to the wheel with the highest traction, reducing the need for that wheel to provide traction.
The purpose of the traction control system in vehicles, trucks, and SUVs is to minimize wheel slippage and maintain grip on the road.
When the traction control system in your car detects that one or more of the wheels are slipping, it simultaneously applies extra brake pressure to those particular wheels and lowers the engine’s throttle. This keeps things moving forward so as to prevent bad outcomes.
But there can be times when you want to disable the traction control. For instance, if your automobile is immobile due to mud or snow, you might need to rock it back and forth by switching from reverse to drive a few times in order to free yourself. You cannot accomplish this with traction control. All you have to do is press the traction control off button to hopefully get your car out.
Oh, and if you want to perform donuts in a snowy parking lot, you must switch off traction control. Yes, this is the ideal time to switch it off.
According to how and where you plan to drive, which 4WD features do you think are most crucial? Do you intend to shop for a new car in the upcoming years? If so, will this requirement be a factor in your decision-making?
What is part-time 4WD?
When driving on shaky surfaces, 4WD increases your likelihood of gaining traction. You have four moving wheels that may be able to find adequate traction to keep the automobile going rather than only two driven wheels (2WD).
Consider driving a rear-driven, two-wheel-drive vehicle in which the front wheels are on dry ground and the rear wheels are buried in muck. Mud has less traction, so your back wheels are more likely to continue spinning while your automobile is still moving. Since the traction is in the front wheels, it would be wonderful to see them moving, coefficient.
The front wheels of a 4WD vehicle in the same circumstance will receive power from the engine and be able to move your car forward because they are on the high traction surface.
The important takeaway is that overall enhanced traction is a huge advantage of 4WD. 4WD traction is a little more involved than what I just explained, and we’ll get into some of those intricacies below.
Power
You’ll need extra traction and power given to your wheels if you’re off-roading up a steep hill or trying to drive over obstacles, as you can see in this video. It can be had with 4WD.
The majority of 4WD vehicles allow the user to choose between Hi or Lo 4WD. 4WD-Hi enables your car to drive all four wheels while traveling quickly through hazardous terrain, such as a gravel or snow-covered road. Simply put, less power is being transmitted to the wheels.
You’ll switch to 4WD-Lo if you need extra power to get over an obstacle. It increases the power in your wheels while slowing down their motion, enabling you to overcome that obstacle by just driving over it.
Now that we are aware of the benefits of 4WD, it’s time to examine its mechanism in more detail.
How Part-time 4WD Works
A car with part-time 4WD allows the driver to use the 4WD only when necessary. Without the 4WD active, it performs identically to a rear-driven 2WD car on normal driving surfaces. Increased fuel efficiency is one of the major advantages of vehicles with part-time 4WD. More fuel is needed to power all four wheels than just two. By only using 4WD when necessary, you can reduce your petrol costs.
Parts in Part-time 4WD
Part-time 4WD cars use a transfer case, a front drive shaft separate from the rear drive shaft, a front and back differential, and locking hubs to get the front and rear wheels rotating simultaneously when 4WD is engaged. Let’s examine each of these components individually.
The transfer case, often known as the T-case, distributes engine power equally to the front and back axles via the front and rear drive shafts. Normally, the transfer is located directly after the transmission in your drivetrain.
RAV4 or 4Runner, which one is superior?
Overall, the Toyota 4Runner provides more space and power, while the Toyota RAV4 gets better gas mileage while maintaining high performance levels. After reading the comparison between the Toyota 4Runner and RAV4 for 2021, get in touch with Jim Hudson Toyota to schedule a test drive of each vehicle.
Is buying a 4Runner a wise decision?
Even though crossovers are beginning to rule the auto industry, many drivers still value an SUV’s ability to handle rough terrain. The Toyota 4Runner is still a fantastic option for families who prefer an active outdoor lifestyle. Models with 4WD are particularly adept at navigating difficult terrain. Despite its many advantages, some drivers might not find the 4Runner to be the greatest choice. Let’s see how well this midsize SUV does against the opposition.
The extremely durable TRD Pro model this year gains new shock absorbers and improved underbody protection. Toyota has also introduced a brand-new Nightshade Edition with a number of darkened exterior accents.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Toyota 4RunnerThe Pros
1. Dependable Compared to Most Competitors
As you may be aware, Toyota cars have a reputation for having a very long lifespan. The 4Runner is a fantastic investment due to its expected above-average reliability. The 2019 Toyota 4Runner should provide a dependable performance whether you utilize it for weekend excursions or daily commutes. The SUV can resist a wide range of difficult situations because to its durable build. You can also benefit from the 4Runner’s reasonably low maintenance costs.
2. Strong Engine
The base V6 engine in the 4Runner has a reputation for being exceedingly robust despite not being particularly sophisticated. According to Toyota, this engine generates a satisfying 270 horsepower and close to 280 pound-feet of torque. The five-speed automatic transmission from Toyota is equally durable. The 2019 Toyota 4Runner has an average 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds, so it’s not exactly slow. There is usually a healthy kick beneath the hood while passing another vehicle.
3. Able to handle any challenge
Compared to a crossover built on a car, the 2019 Toyota 4Runner is far tougher. This is why it draws so many people looking for adventure. Upgrade to the TRD Pro if you’re really interested in exploring the wilderness. It is specifically made to overcome nature’s most difficult obstacles. Over difficult terrain, the 4Runner TRD Pro is kept steady by TRD-tuned shock absorbers. A substantial skid plate shields the undercarriage from debris in the meantime.
4. Remarkably Simple To Drive
Some people might anticipate the Toyota 4Runner to drive more like an old-school pickup due to its truck-based structure. The 2019 Toyota 4Runner, however, actually handles the road rather well. It is simple to drive thanks to accurate steering. Although the 4Runner will never be mistaken for a sporty car, it handles curves with great assurance. The opulent Limited variant has a unique X-REAS suspension that makes it feel more controlled.
5. Appears Tough
The new 4Runner might win your heart if you dislike the carefree aesthetic of most crossovers. It looks quite tough. Even the entry-level SR5 model has a serious businesslike appearance. Projector-beam headlights and an edgy front fascia are included as standard. A hood scoop is an option that furthers the 4Runner’s athletic appearance. While some drivers will enjoy the daring look of the TRD Off-Road model, others will favor the opulent Limited trim.
6. Has room for seven people
Seven passengers can fit in the 4Runner thanks to an optional third row. The first two rows can easily fit adults, while the third row has enough room for children. The Limited variant, which is the top of the line, has heated and ventilated front seats. Additionally, the 2019 Toyota 4Runner provides good utility. The SUV’s large amount of cargo room is made possible by its squared-off shape. The rear seats can be folded down for sleeping when camping.
7. Fully-Compliant Base Model
Drivers should think about the base 4Runner SR5 if they want to keep their costs down. The TRD Off-Road model is hundreds of dollars more expensive than the starting price of $34,900. Outdoor enthusiasts will like its roof rails and tough skid plates, which are included as standard equipment. On the inside, there is also plenty of equipment. A 6.1-inch touch screen, a media player interface, and an eight-speaker sound system are a few of the features.
8. A Basic Interior
There are no complicated controls to contend with when operating the new 4Runner. The interior features are quite simple to operate. Everything about the infotainment system is simple. For those who don’t want to be troubled by any distracting technology, it’s a perfect car. You can simply glance down to check your speed thanks to clear gauges. You can see better at night thanks to colorful instrument lights. For those who don’t want to be troubled by any distracting technology, it’s a perfect car.
9. Sensors for Front and Rear Parking
Despite the 4Runner’s size, available parking sensors make it a little bit simpler to manoeuvre into tight spaces. The parking sensors will save you from expensive fender benders while you’re trying to squeeze between two automobiles. Having a little more peace of mind is never a bad thing.
Power Rear Window 10.
The motorized rear window of the 4Runner will be appreciated by many families. The airflow will assist in keeping the interior cool while traveling on a hot day. Dogs will particularly like the additional wind. You will also be able to improve your outward visibility if you are moving off-road. At the touch of a button, it is effortlessly rolled down.