Any outdoor enthusiast will love driving a Toyota 4Runner Trail. Additionally, you’ll have considerably superior control and performance with the four-wheel drive system.
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.
To adjust this lever, you must come to a complete stop and maintain foot pressure on the brake pedal. After coming to a complete stop, place the shift lever in the neutral position and select four-wheel drive low (L4) or four-wheel drive high (H4) (H4).
You can now reach any hiking route or fishing place thanks to your 4Runner’s 4WD system. However, use the Jerry app to check that you have the finest auto insurance coverage at the cheapest price before you hit the road.
In This Article...
Does the Toyota 4Runner always have 4WD?
For daily trips, front-wheel drive is standard on Toyota 4Runner models. A part-time 4WD system with Active Traction Control and a two-speed transfer case are standard on the majority of Toyota 4Runner trim levels, including the Trail Special Edition, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Venture Special Edition, Nightshade Special Edition, and TRD Pro. With this tough 44 system at its disposal, the Toyota 4Runner will transmit torque to any tire making contact with the road, and Active Grip Control will make sure you don’t lose traction in slick and bumpy circumstances.
Toyota 4Runner Full-Time 4WD System with Torsen Locking Center Differential
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.
How quickly can a 4Runner be driven in 4WD?
Normally, 4WD is always an option, although the best speeds tend to be under 35 mph. Highway speeds between 55 and 65 mph are generally not excessive when driving in 4WD, unless road conditions make it impossible to do so safely.
What does “4WD” mean on a Toyota 4Runner?
A better 4 wheel drive system was added to the third generation 4runner. It has settings for 2WD, 4hi, and 4lo. This system is a standard 4WD in that it locks the drivetrain while in 4hi or 4lo to offer a 50/50 split between the front and rear (“4hi locked).
Toyota introduced the Multi-Mode setting with the Limited versions in 1999 and 2000, as well as with all models in 2001 and 2002. This setting was comparable to the 4hi level in the other models, but it produced torque wherever it was needed, much like all-wheel-drive vehicles do. This qualifies as “4hi unlocked.”
The “4WD button on the side of the shifter is a sign that a 4runner is Multi-Mode fitted. By pressing a button on the dash or moving the lever to H4L (depending on the model) to lock the center differential, it can be changed to a conventional 4hi setting (50/50). This qualifies as being “4hi locked.”
A locking rear diff, or “e-locker,” was also available on some 3rd generation 4runners. A center diff lock should not be confused with this. For added traction, locking the rear differential locks the two rear tires together.
When to use each 4WD setting in a 3rd gen 4runner
A 2WD vehicle should always be used unless more traction is required. Although it can put greater strain on the system, that level is still safe to use on 4Runners with Multi-Mode 4WD.
Snow, ice, and loose gravel are no match for the 4hi enabled (Multi-Mode). Basically, situations in which an AWD vehicle, such as a Subaru, would perform well. In essence, 4hi unlocked simulates all-wheel drive. It will determine which wheels are slipping and distribute power appropriately.
Only utilize 4hi locked when the terrain is slick. In this setting, avoid driving on bare pavement. It might harm someone.
How to engage 4WD in a 3rd gen 4runner
Simply move the lever to 4HI if your vehicle has the standard 4WD system. You can do this while moving as long as your speed is under 50 mph.
By pushing the 4WD button on 4Runners with Multi-Mode 4WD, you can switch to 4hi unlocked. Either move the lever to H4L or press the center diff lock button on the dash to lock the center diff 50/50 like the standard 4WD system (depending on the model).
You must be halted and in neutral in order to engage 4lo. Put L4L on the lever. If the vehicle is being recalcitrant, you might need to move it an inch forward or backward to get it to engage.
H4 and L4 are what?
In low-traction situations, H4a high-speed mode that activates four-wheel drivingshould be employed. When maximum traction or power is required, such as when going up steep slopes or pulling hard in slick conditions, L4, a low-speed mode for four-wheel driving, should be used.
What distinguishes 4H and 4L from one another?
Your car could be able to handle the terrain without being in 4L if you feel the need to go more quickly than 10 mph. Drivers utilize 4H more frequently than 4L, and 4H enables faster driving. 4-High is designed to allow you to travel at speeds of up to 55 mph while improving traction on slippery, rocky, and muddy situations.
Can the 4Runner handle snow?
The Toyota 4Runner SUV is generally well-equipped to handle the snow. The vehicle has long been associated with off-road driving. It performs best off-road at its top trims. Winter driving can benefit from features like high ground clearance, traction control, and all-terrain tires. The 4Runner’s inexpensive 4WD immediately makes it a solid choice for the majority of snowy conditions, even though the lowest trims aren’t flawless. The Toyota 4Runner performs well in the snow because of this.
Can a 4Runner be put into 4WD while being driven?
While driving, you can switch between H2 and H4 as long as your speed is under 50 MPH. To switch to or from L4, your vehicle must be stopped. Put the car in neutral and apply the brakes. Next, change into L4 with the gear shift lever (or H4).
Is it acceptable to always use 4WD while driving?
According to Car and Driver, 4WD is not intended to be utilized constantly. It only applies to specific sorts of roads, such as off-roading and rugged terrain, as well as slick terrain like snow or mud. Car and Driver advises driving 4WD vehicles in two-wheel drive if possible.
Is it possible to change from 2H to 4H while driving?
Note: It’s usual to hear some noise as the mechanism activates or moves. At a halt or while operating a vehicle, you can switch the control from 2H to 4A or 4H.
Can you drive a 4WD 60 miles?
No, assuming speeds are kept under 60 mph on a regular basis, driving in 4WD high is not awful. The top speed for a 4WD high varies according on the vehicle. Some more recent automobiles may automatically move the vehicle out of 4 low to prevent damage to the vehicle, even if 4wd low shouldn’t be driven faster than 10 mph.
How Fast Should You Drive In 4wd?
Depending on the vehicle’s specs and the 4WD system, you should drive at a moderate speed. In general, 4WD high vehicles shouldn’t be driven faster than 55-60 mph, while 4WD low vehicles shouldn’t be driven faster than 10-15 mph. For more information on your vehicle’s 4WD system requirements, consult your owner’s manual or the nearest car dealer.
Should I drive a 4WD in a lot of rain?
This post is for you if you want to learn how a 4 wheel drive dynamics works and if it helps in the rain. Although four-wheel drives have several advantages over two-wheel drives and even all-wheel drives, may these advantages give drivers a false sense of security on slick roads? We’ll examine a 4WD’s powertrain to see if it offers any advantages when traveling in the rain on a surface with good traction, such a road or pavement. Now let’s take a closer look at it.
Will four-wheel drive be useful in the rain? In slick driving situations like mud, ice, snow, and rain, 4 wheel drive does indeed improve traction and handling. On slick, greasy, and slippery surfaces, the 4wd will feel more sure-footed and secure because all 4 wheels are propelling the vehicle forward.
But hold on! When the road surfaces are wet from rain, you can only anticipate a certain amount of grip from your 4 wheel drive. The advantages and disadvantages of operating your non-permanent 4 wheel drive on highways will be covered in this article, along with potential long-term harm.
Now let’s examine more closely how traction and stability in the rain are improved by a 4 wheel drive.