Do I really need Crawl Control and terrain select versus A-trac?

I have a 2016 SR5 Premium XP Predator Package (has 20" Gunner wheels and Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires) and I love my 4Runner.

I am considering purchasing a TRD Off Road 4Runner just to get the Crawl Control, Terrain Select and more importantly, the locking rear diff.

My question is, do you think these features are needed and/or valuable for minimal/mild off roading?

 

The short answer would be no.

 

Locking diff is supremely useful.

The other stuff is not.

 

Ok, I’m an old timer, my first 4x4 was a 1966 Chev 1/2 ton pickup. Heaven came years later when I made a big gamble and bought my first 1980 Toyota 4x4 pick up. I know what driving a 4x4 with basic technology is all about. Don’t discount the modern, computer based technology that keeps all the wheels moving forward smoothly. Those computers can outperform most humans that I have witnessed out on the trails. They work, and work well.

 

But for minimum/mild off-roading, not really. Just know your limits ( As Detective Callahan says)

 

^^what he said. Just straight up 4Hi will serve you well in 99.999% of circumstances. Could you possibly need the “extra” stuff someday? Yeah, maybe. But probably not if you’re mindful of limitations.

There are also those times when even the “extras” aren’t gonna get you out of trouble.

The “extras” are cool and they work well. If you can afford it and you want it... go for it. But I’d sit tight and make the upgrade down the road. You’ll do much better on the trade. Even one or two years out would make a difference.

 

For mild off roading, I would say no. I have done a lot of mild off roading, and I haven't needed them, or the locker... Yet.

I wanted these features as tools for if I get stuck, or decided to take on some really nasty terrain.

But, you can do a lot with 4H and 4L and just taking your time and using good judgement.

Those Nittos will help as well!

 

Just depends on what you want to do. Even all the gadgets won’t get you out sometimes

 

Yup!

 

This is where your winch in a pinch
J

 

Need no.

Nice to have yes.

 

The crawl control and terrain select are cool and can come in handy, I got buried in sand up to my running boards on both sides and got out using just those modes and nothing else, but with that being said I dont think it would be worth it to buy a whole new car just for them.
The locking rear diff is another story but if youre doing minimal 4x4 driving I cant imagine needing it enough to justify the upgrade.

 

No.

I have a 2018 TRD ORP with all the goodies on it. They are cool for sure. But.....

When I wheel I basically put it in 4Lo and then when I get to something sketching I engage the rear locker. My soccer mom SUV has amazed several of my built jeep buddies.

 

What happens is that you’re down the trail on your way to a remote destination and all of a sudden you encounter a doubtful obstacle. Do you give up and go back, play it safe? Or, with some advanced capability you keep going and conquer the difficulty. You have confidence because you’ve got backup on board. Maybe 99% of the time it won’t be needed, but it’s great that it’s there and knowing you’re unlikely to be stranded.

 

Why not get a locker for your current 4runner?

 

I gotta OP that everyone here has brought up valid points and I am of the opinion that I would rather have and not need it than need it and not have it...

I realize my analogy is not a apples to apples comparison but here it is anyway. I do a lot of ATVing in New York, Vermont, and Pennsylvania which consists of very technical steep terrain. In all honesty nothing that the average 4Runner is capable (again I KNOW they are different animals...) of. My ATV has a locker and a winch. The winch has saved my butt more times than the Locker. On a larger vehicle I do see how the locker offers more benefits than on a 800 pound ATV. Ultimately what I am getting at is...what type of off-roading are you doing? Mudding=winch rock crawling=locker...I am generally speaking here not citing fact (majority of times)... I used to off-road with my trucks many years ago but as I grew older I learned that I would be better suited to buy a beater truck because I am rough...hence why I bought a ATV and now completing a UTV.

When ITS time to purchase a new truck make sure you get those things but you are going to hand Toyota and the dealership a lot of money. Money that you could use to purchase a aftermarket front and rear locker two times over. You know the truck you have and that’s sometimes that’s better than the devil you don’t know. I am currently having rust issues with mine with makes me want to trade it in but it pains me to think of the monetary loss on a mechanical rock solid truck (Even though I feel that it was painted by a drunk on a street corner somewhere ). IMHO if you are only doing moderate off-roading I don’t see the value in trading. Upgrading is most likely a better bet...

 

4 low and ATrac will get you probably 99% of the places you want to go. I have had all gadgets on other Toyota’s and always did great with ATrac.

 

This.

 

You can see a real difference of opinion about the value of computer based systems to manage forward wheel motion off road. The most advanced systems in the world are arguably in the new LR Defender, making it probably the best stock 4x4 manufactured right now in terms of off road capabilities. The Toyota systems are basic in comparison, but they definitely work well, and can definitely outperform most humans in challenging situations. If you have them and choose not to use them, it’s a choice. It’s nice to have choices in difficult situations.

 

My question is, do you think these features are needed and/or valuable for minimal/mild off roading?

This is the OP’s last sentence, and is why my answer was no. Now if he goes beyond that for off roading, then it’s another game.

 

For "minimal/mild" you are often enough not even really needing 4x4. I laugh at a lot of videos online (this site included) where people are turning things on and going to 4x4 when to me it looks like a 2 wheel drive truck on bald street tires and a weak LSD could get through it with a little throttle.

 

I went with the “better to have and not need than to need and not have” philosophy. Will I need the systems? Maybe. If I just went SR5, would I eventually end up wishing I got the OR? For me, I knew I’d wish I got the more capable vehicle later.

 

Right on CJT4Runner! If you ever decide to sell your vehicle which model will command the highest price and be easier to sell?

 

My opinion is, it would be just like in new runners, some folks just can’t put out that high dollar, and go for a nice cheaper one. But hey, what do i know, I’m senile.

 

True SlvrSlug, you can’t go wrong with any 4 Runner, they’re all good.

 

You would lose a lot of money by trading it in.

You should spend your money on a decent winch and a tow strap,they are way more useful and practical than the off road features you just mentioned.

Moreover,get to know more off-road enthusiasts in your area and make friends with them and have them come with you when you go offroading.

 

Its $33 more a month over 60. Thats 1-2 eat outs. IF You use it once I feel it has paid for itself in aggravation / frustration / labor. If you are using this off road 2-6x a year where you could benefit from it

 

If you are not running in thick mud or sand or rock climbing regularly, for which the lockers would help, I suggest you save the 2k and use it for your next 2 sets of really great tires. I live in a steep, muddy place, and I use the lockers once in a while, but the crawl control and MTS are gadgets for conversation only.

 

I agree with you aside from this statement.

I've heard of trucks being stuck in deep sand getting out using crawl control.

Whether you'll ever need it is not certain. But, it definitely serves a purpose other than a conversation piece.

 

It's been 30 years since I've been dumb enough to get stuck in deep sand. But yes, if skill and judgement are limited to that extent (as mine once were), then perhaps crawl might be useful.
I use crawl range a lot on my big 4x John Deere ag tractor, but that's another story usually related to maneuvering around severe slopes or giant holes.