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...
AWD or 4WD refers to the Toyota 4Runner Limited.
Toyota donated a Trail Special Edition with a TRD skid plate, enhanced infotainment, a cargo cover, and part-time 4-wheel drive for this evaluation. The whole cost, including the destination fee, was $43,904.
Toyota transforms the Trail Special Edition by adding bigger roof rack baskets and dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels to the exterior. Inside, you’ll discover the previously mentioned sliding cargo deck, rubber floor mats, tan seat stitching, and a specially built cooler that can keep its contents cold for up to a week. For the 2021 model year, Toyota will produce 4,000 units of the Trail Special Edition.
How is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner interior?
The Toyota 4Runner’s design reflects its intended use. Toyota builds the interior with easy-to-clean hard plastic as the norm rather than the exception. The 4Runner’s cabin is refreshingly straightforward, with big, clearly labeled controls.
Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner comfortable?
The 4Runner is comfortable once you’ve made it inside over the high door sills. Excellent leg support is provided by the cloth seats of the Trail Special Edition, and the upholstery appears and feels sturdy.
Amazing space can be found in the back seat. Adults will have plenty of room to spread out, and the test vehicle has USB charging connections and back air conditioning vents. My 10-year-old, who is young for her age and is short, commented on how simple it was to look out.
Drivers have a power window control panel that operates all four windows automatically. The 4Runner offers an open-air sensation similar to a Jeep Wrangler when equipped with a power sunroof, the rear liftgate glass is down, and all of the windows are down, but without removing a top and windows (and storing them) to do so.
Does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner drive itself?
The Toyota 4Runner does not have a self-driving feature. Although adaptive cruise control is included as standard equipment, stop-and-go functionality is not included. The 4Runner lacks lane-centering aid equipment. Even if a car had all of these capabilities, it would not be considered fully autonomous or self-driving at this time.
The 4Runner’s standard Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) suite of cutting-edge driving assistance systems includes the adaptive cruise control (ADAS). It also has automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, a forward-collision warning system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beam headlights.
It should be noted that the 4Runner does not have a blind-spot detection system with rear cross-traffic alert. Remember that a motorist will eventually grow tired of the lane-departure warning system’s constant beeping, which leads to disuse.
Does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner have AWD?
It does, however, have 4-wheel drive (4WD), and this explainer might help you distinguish between the two.
Depending on the 4Runner model, a part-time 4WD system with a 2-speed transfer case and brake-induced A-Trac technology to reduce wheelspin and send power to the wheels with the best traction is either standard or optional. A Torsen locking center differential is featured in the full-time 4WD system of the Limited and Nightshade Special Edition models. All 4Runners come equipped with standard hill-start assistance and downhill assist control.
If you choose a 4Runner with a locking rear differential, you can choose from the TRD Off-Road, Venture Special Edition, or TRD Pro models. Crawl Control, an off-road, low-speed cruise control that propels the SUV across difficult terrain while the driver concentrates on picking the best course of action, is also a standard feature for these models. These 4Runner models also have Multi-Terrain Select, which provides numerous traction settings for various surface types.
These features turn the Toyota 4Runner into a capable off-road vehicle when combined with its 9.6 inches of ground clearance, 33-degree approach angle, and 26-degree departure angle.
Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner fun to drive?
The 4Runner is unquestionably a delight to drive in mud and dirt (and likely in snow, in the sand, and on any unpaved surface). However, the 4Runner is not fun to drive on a daily basis unless you find the novelty of operating a car that handles like a classic, old-school SUV intriguing.
Although the 4.0-liter V6’s 270 horsepower allows for respectable acceleration, the 4Runner’s weight and lack of refinement make the SUV feel sluggish and lethargic. Driving one is unlikely to endanger your driving privileges, even though it feels that way when you’re moving at 75 mph. Surprisingly, and especially in light of the Trail Special Edition’s substantial roof rack basket, wind noise on the highway is not as loud as anticipated.
The 4Runner’s steering wheel appears to treat driver input more like a suggestion than a command, making parking or making U-turns more difficult than you might like. Also challenging to easily modulate is the 4Runner’s brake pedal, especially in congested areas. The 4Runner always feels ponderous on pavement, with holes and bumps echoing throughout its design.
These characteristics are typical of all vehicles primarily built for off-road use, even though they do reflect the 4Runner’s outdated, truck-based foundations. For instance, a Jeep Wrangler is similarly uncomfortable when used for something other than what it was designed for.
This attributes will be somewhat charming to people who purchase cars like these and expect rough and unpolished driving characteristics on cemented roads. People won’t drive a 4Runner like an old truck if they don’t expect it to.
Are all 4Runners AWD-equipped?
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.
Is the 4Runner RWD or FWD?
Rear-, four-, or all-wheel drive can be paired with the 4.0-liter V-6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission of the 4Runner. All trim levels, with the exception of the top-of-the-line Limited model, have selectable, part-time four-wheel drive. Entry-level SR5 cars are rear-wheel drive. These models feature a low-range setting on a manually selectable two-speed transfer case. Full-time all-wheel drive is standard on Limited models, and they also contain a Torsen center differential that may distribute torque to the front or rear wheels as needed, depending on the grip of the individual wheels and the state of the road. In our tests, the mid-level 4Runner TRD Off-Road variant gave obedient acceleration, its vintage V-6 groaning and a harsh exhaust note accompanying it. Even though the Toyota feels dated while it is in motion, its performance is on par with that of its more contemporary rivals, such as the V-6 Dodge Durango. The Toyota also outperforms the Ford Edge and Wrangler in terms of towing ability, with a 5000-pound capacity, while falling short of the more potent Durango’s 8700-pound limit. This is due to the Toyota’s tough structure and torque-rich engine.
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.
Do 4Runners always have 4WD?
With a full-time 4WD system that uses a Torsen locking center differential, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner Limited trim will raise the bar for off-road capability. Three 44 modes on the Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD vehicles enable drivers to maximize performance with a 40:60 torque distribution that is perfect for daily commuting. The Toyota 4Runner Limited may split its torque between 30:70 and 53:47 when the situation calls for it. An additional tool to help you keep control with low-speed control on hilly terrain is downhill assist control.
A 4Runner may be 2WD.
On the fifth generation 4Runner, there was a query over 2 vs. 4 wheel drive. This inspired me to write a brief summary. Take this with a grain of salt, and it shouldn’t take too long. I am aware that there are many men with 2WD vehicles who can traverse some trails. When choosing between 2wd and 4wd on a 4Runner, or any vehicle or SUV for that matter, a good driver can make all the difference in the world.
The question (2 wheel drive vs. 4 wheel drive):
So, regrettably, my 4Runner SR5 is only 2WD. Kind of depressing BUT do you believe it will perform better in terms of traction on snow, mud, loose rock, etc. if it has new off-roading tires with the lift? I am aware that it will never have the superior traction of a 44, but I believe it will function well with really good driving. I just wanted to know your opinion!
Quick Answer (Sell your 2wd and buy a 4wd):
There isn’t a tire, lift, or accessory that can replace 4WD. A 4Runner’s heart and soul is its 4WD. Without it, if you ever become aggressive, you risk becoming stuck someplace, somehow, someway. I hate to be so direct, but it couldn’t be more accurate. This past weekend, I was up in Truckee, California, and spent the most of the time driving on snow- and ice-covered roads as well as normal fire roads with the 4Runner in 4HI. Sell the 2WD and buy a 4WD if you even have the slightest plan to take your 4Runner off-road; you’ll be glad you did. Simply read the summary of the 4Runner’s features. The 4Runner is a fairly badass vehicle thanks to all of these factors. You only have a 2Runner without it. Pretty weak
The real question (How will you use your 4Runner?):
How will you use your 4Runner? should be the first thing you consider. 2wd might be appropriate for you if you reside in a metropolis like San Francisco or Los Angeles and have no desire to go off-road at all. You risk being stuck with a 2WD in even the smallest spaces, like a parking lot or an icy side street. absurd but true However, if you invest in a good pair of all-terrain tires, you can get away with 2wd in some circumstances. I’m sure there are hundreds of 2WD owners out there who scream about how their vehicle kicks asses and “it works for them.” Although it might be effective for some, I could never make it work. Actually, EVERYTHING depends on how you want to use your 4Runner.
Buy a 4WD if you reside in a location with a lot of snowfall, occasionally off-road, want to go on ordinary forest service routes, or if you periodically drive through deep sand, rock, or gravel. In my perspective, the advantages much exceed the disadvantages. A 4wd 4Runner is the best option for an SUV that has all the features you need.
the two-wheel drive The 4Runner is primarily intended for people who have little interest in venturing off the main path. The ideal 4Runner has all four wheels in motion. A 4WD can travel almost anyplace that is allowed and can also navigate most on-road conditions, including ice, sand, gravel, snow, and heavy rain.
I owned a 1999 SR5 4Runner when I was in high school (4wd). My friend owned a Tacoma PreRunner 2WD. We had to save this youngster from far too many predicaments since he was constantly on struggle street with his Toyota Tacoma. He struggled on the straightforward dirt roads leading to a nearby camping location (Ice House Placerville, California). The PreRunner was consistently significantly sluggish, and my 4Runner in 4HI could power through almost anything. Naturally, I would never purchase a 2WD truck or SUV.
wheel drive 4Runner cons
To each their own, but I personally do not see the benefit of owning a 2wd 4Runner or any truck for that matter. Depending on your expectations for the car and your final goals, there are many scenarios when a 2wd 4Runner will work just fine. Just keep in mind that you’ll probably need chains if you plan to drive a 2WD in snow. You are more likely to become stranded with a 2WD than a 4WD if you plan to travel through snow, sand, or big rocks. However, even 4WD vehicles can become stuck in sand, snow, and just about anyplace.
In the end, the inquiry is fairly straightforward. Do you ever envision yourself in a circumstance where you “may require it? then invest on a 4WD. If you “Never assume you’ll be in a position where 4WD is necessary before purchasing a 2WD.
Sell your 2wd and acquire a 4wd if you have one and are thinking about exploring some trails or wish to be adventurous in any way off-road. You’ll be glad you did. Even if you add a locker to your 2wd’s back axle, it won’t ever work as well as a 4Runner.
Is AWD the same as full-time 4WD?
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a system that drives a vehicle’s four wheels continuously, which is nearly the same as full-time 4WD. Like full-time 4WD, it can be used continuously on all surfaces, even pavement. AWD vehicles don’t have a “4-low” mode like full-time 4WD vehicles have.
What distinguishes 4WD and AWD from each other?
All-wheel drive, sometimes known as AWD, is a system that allows each of the four wheels to acquire traction on its own. AWD is normally constantly on, whereas 4WD has a toggle switch that allows you to switch between having it on and off.
How can I activate 4 wheel drive on my 4Runner?
Find the shift lever transfer on your center console to activate the four-wheel drive system in your 4Runner. Depending on your demands, you can choose between four-wheel drive high, four-wheel drive low, and two-wheel drive high with this shift lever.