4Runner 4WD Options Clarification on Limited trim.

Hi there, first time post but I’m in the market for a 4Runner. Been doing research on the various trims as I’m new to the Toyota trim levels and felt like I had it figured out but I seem to be confused on the 4WD option at the various trim level.

I am looking at the year ranges 2016-2018, I am hoping for a Limited trim model due to

- HVAC button layout is nicer on the limited model.
- Ventilated seats
- overall body (bumper and wheel) styling I feel is a bit nicer on the limited.
- black seems to be more a common color option too.

Now my understanding is the Limited has the electronic dial to select 2WD, 4H and 4L but I seem to be coming across that the Limited model is full time 4WD which basically means AWD? Can someone tell if this is the case or was this a specific year thing?

I don’t want AWD/full 4WD all the time. I want to basically be in 2WD until I select to get into 4wheel.

thanks for any feedback!!

 

All 5th Gen Limited trims with 4WD (you can by a 2WD Limited) have full time 4WD with a locking center differential which when engaged puts it in a drive mode similar to part time 4WD models with 4H/4L engaged.

If you want part-time 4WD, you will be selecting from SR5 and Offroad trims.

Welcome to the forum.

 

Well thanks for the info.. this changes the game field for sure. I assume when you say you can buy a 2wd limited it still has selectable 4wd? And is not just a 2WD rig? How can one tell the difference between a full time 4wd limited vs. 2wd selectable?

Does applies to the entire year range I am looking at?

Because I am about to look at a ‘18 Limited and was told you had to put it in 4WD and it’s not AWD basically..

 

No, I mean it's literally 2WD, Rear differential only. No 4WD mode.

Yes, comments reply to the entire year range you are looking at. Applies to every 4Runner 2010-Current.

 

2wd limited = 2wd (no 4wd at all)

4wd limited = full time 4wd with locking center diff for part time 4wd and low range gearing (no 2wd)

 

The 2WD Limited would not have 4WD capability at all. The 2WD versions do not have a transfer case.

 

Alright, thanks for the info.


Because I am about to look at a ‘18 Limited and was told you had to put it in 4WD and it’s not AWD basically..hence why I am confused. But in reality on a limited model all 4 wheels are working all the time similar to a AWD vehicle?

 

Correct.

 

Correct.

 

Thanks guys. Well this may change my decision moving forward, I know these rigs are not the best on MPG so if I can avoid having full time 4wd it would save a penny or two.


Just looked a bit better and stumbled on this video, which explains it.
https://youtu.be/ODoz9amiUWM

 

The full time 4WD with the center diff open/free (H4F) is not AWD. The Torsen center diff will distribute power from front to rear wheels as it senses torque differences. However, there is never zero power going to either the front or rear wheels. I believe under normal driving on dry pavement it sends ~60% power to the rear wheels and 40% power to the front wheels. If in conditions where the center diff senses torque differences it will alter power ~70%/30% front/back or back/front. Typically AWD is 100% to the front wheels unless slippage is sensed and then power is sent to the rear wheels. If you lock the center diff (H4L) - now you have equal power going to all 4 wheels - like in 4HI in a part time 4WD system. Going into the lower range of the gearbox (L4L) would be equivalent to shifting into 4Lo in a part time 4WD system. Why the apprehension to the full time 4WD? It gets the same mileage as the other trims that can select 2WD - and it is a great system for driving in the snow.

 

There have been discussions here recently surrounding differences in fuel economy between part-time 4WD models in 2WD mode vs. Limited full-time 4WD.

One thing to note is Toyota's claimed fuel economy is reported as identical, though there is agreement they don't have to submit all trims for a given vehicle for testing mileage claims. That said, there does not appear to be much in the way of documented evidence suggesting Limited trims see reduced mileage. Most people concerned with gas mileage would avoid a 4Runner altogether.

 

Thanks for the explanation, but what you describe is exactly how my bmw x3 performs, 60% rear power, 40% front until it senses slippage and then adjusts torque at the wheels.

Well if they get the same mileage between sr5, limited etc. that’s a relief lol! I guess maybe I would still consider it I just figured a full time 4wd system HAS to use more fuel vs. rolling around in 2WD

 

Good post. I think we were sticking with "similar" to keep it simple to start with, but this is great information for the OP.

 

Make sure(look very carefully) the Limited you are looking at has this 4WD selector. H4F, H4L, L4L. If so its a real Limited with full time 4wd, not a re-badged TRD Sport with part-time 4wd.

 

I should also state I’m in Canada where we have snow 364 days a year

 

5th Toy is correct - they are other posts that discussed fuel economy between the different trim levels. All of the trim levels are rated with the same MPG numbers. I never saw any clear evidence that one trim level actually got better MPG than the others. One guy said he looked at fuelly.com and said that reported MPG numbers for Limited's vs other trim levels were actually better - but he also said they were all so close that individual driving styles probably had more to do with the differences. You would think that FT 4WD would not get the same MPG as a PT 4WD vehicle with selectable 2WD. However, their are some differences with the Limited trim that could more than make up for slight MPG differences between the FT 4WD and 2WD in the other trims. Thinner, lower profile tires that are specifically designed for on road use = lower rolling resistance. Lower front bumper with under bumper air dam reduces the amount of air that flows under the vehicle - which reduces aerodynamic drag. These are probably things that help the FT 4WD vehicles get the same MPG as the PT 4WD.

 

Driving on snow is one of the main reasons I selected the Limited with FT 4WD. I drove a 2010 Tacoma TRD Sport with PT 4WD for ~13 years before I got the 4Runner Limited. It was always a pain in the ass to switch between 2WD and 4Hi when going from snow covered streets to cleared streets or from snow covered parking lots to cleared streets, etc... With the FT 4WD - you don't have to worry about it until you get into deep enough stuff that you need to lock the center diff.

 

Also, if ruggedness and reliability is a concern - the FT 4WD system with Torsen center diff, 4.0L 1GR-FE engine, and 5spd A750 transmission has been used in 4Runners and Land Cruisers for nearly 15 years - in parts of the world where it would take a beating unlike anything it would see from a typical driver in the US.

 

A Rav 4 or Highlander would be better on fuel.

 

Personally, we bought a '19 SR5 Premium. My only dislike is the selector dial rather than a shift lever, but I've gotten used to it. No sunroof (OK by me!). Otherwise, I LOVE it! Very basic!

 

exact same reason for me. while shopping i was shocked when i learned that only the limited had full time 4wd. its also nice having leather seats instead of cloth or that plastic stuff as well as not needing to use a key, having remote start, auto headlights, decent stereo, etc. i am not a rock crawler but i do drive in the snow so the choice was easy.

 

I'm may be strange, I'm a HUGE fan for no moon roof. I wish all my 4Runners not have moonroof.
Also wish my Limited came with 17in wheels from factory.

 

I'm from Canada and definitely recommend the Limited with the 4WD.

Were you even able to find a 2WD in Canada.

 

I second the Limited 4X4 for on road and offroad capabilities, as long as you're not rock crawling or drag racing. And, living in Canada, it's a proven platform for that environment. I've been extremely impressed with the capabilities of the Limited with good tires. The GX is also excellent.

 

I was looking at GX460 too as its in our budget, But skipped GX for few points like less ground clearance 8.1 vs 9.6 on 4Runner (I get good amount of snow in CO winters). The Toyota Venza that we traded in had 8.1 clearance too, plus I already had over size tires on it. So we should have had more clearance than factory. 4Runner has skids including full gas tank skid. 4Runner having V6 with 23gal tank vs GX having V8 with 23gal tank. And few more.

 

Yes, they both have pros and cons for sure. My wife's 22 RX350 was almost totaled by a tractor trailer, we ended up trading it in for a 23 GX. I'm elated with the GX, and it doesn't make sense what that vehicle can do offroad stock.

 

If you’re looking at a used Limited check the shocks and make sure they are not leaking. The limited has a different suspension system that is very expensive to replace with factory setup. It’s around 5k. Unless it’s under warranty most go with a different aftermarket setup.

I have a limited and a SR5 with only 4WD being the only option. The limited is much nicer in bad weather with its full time 4WD. The SR5 I will most likely keep until I am dead because of how basic it is.

 

Thanks for the great feedback guys. I’ve looked at the highlander and rav4 and both appear to be a bit boring to me styling wise.

What’s so special about the suspension on a limited? I believed the only special suspension was KDSS which was found in some TRD models?

 

it’s called XREAS, hydraulically linked opposing corners LF-RR & RF-LR