Full-time 4WD vs. 4WD on-demand for 2025 4Runner 6th gen?

[Ryan]

Hello all....Here's the thing....I have a '10 4 Runner Limited that I have absolutely loved. I am considering moving to the 6th Gen. I m looking at the 58-60k price point. I know that to get the full time 4WD, I need to be looking Limited, or Platinum......not sure which will meet my price point. In the event that none do, I am wondering what you all would feel I would be giving up going from full time 4WD to 4WD on demand with one of the other trims. This would give me more choices to meet my price point. Is the anti-skid feature enough to keep me moving in the right direction on icy mornings without 4WD engaged?

 

[sirdizzle]

 

[Ryan]

Thank you. Perfect. If full time 4WD has a wider range of capability, why wouldn't the Pro and Trailhunter be full time? Price point?

 

[kzrman]

Thank you. Perfect. If full time 4WD has a wider range of capability, why wouldn't the Pro and Trailhunter be full time? Price point?

It would not be more advantageous to have a full-time AWD SUV for off-roading compared to a part-time 4WD system. Here's why:

Off-road capability: Part-time 4WD systems are generally more capable in extreme off-road conditions than full-time AWD systems

Low-range gearing: Most part-time 4WD systems offer low-range gearing, which is crucial for tackling steep inclines and difficult terrain

Locking differentials: Many 4WD vehicles come equipped with locking differentials, which provide superior traction in challenging off-road situations

Driver control: Part-time 4WD allows drivers to manually engage or disengage the system as needed, providing more control over power distribution

Fuel efficiency: When not engaged, part-time 4WD systems are more fuel-efficient than full-time AWD systems, as they operate in two-wheel drive on normal roads

Durability: Traditional 4WD systems are often built with more robust components, making them better suited for harsh off-road conditions

 

[GRAPPLER!]

I have a 2024 4Runner Limited, and decided to purchase this because I live in Minnesota. If you drive a lot on snowy and icy roads, and so some part-time off-roading, the Limited will suit your needs better. It is not AWD, but "Full-Time" 4wd, which means you have a low range. You'd also get a locking center differential and A-TRAC, which will get you through 99% of what you face.

 

[northernlights]

So Toyota only wants to sell the off road product for areas that have sand and dirt and no snow or ice? It appears there is no way to configure any of the off road trims with full time 4WD (deal killer). Looks like only mall crawler urban soccer mom gets the full time 4 wd (limited and platinum). What am I missing here??? I live in CO where early and late season its mixed snow and ice and pavement. That's less than ideal for a part time 4wd. This is highly disappointing. Guess I'll be moving my money to the Bronco. Bummer.

 

[Salukidawg]

You could certainly consider Landcruiser 1958 edition. It’s a base Landcruiser with manual cloth seats but full time 4WD. Most people in Colorado and Utah that need that full time 4WD option are going with that specific model.

 

[visually oriented]

So Toyota only wants to sell the off road product for areas that have sand and dirt and no snow or ice? It appears there is no way to configure any of the off road trims with full time 4WD (deal killer). Looks like only mall crawler urban soccer mom gets the full time 4 wd (limited and platinum). What am I missing here??? I live in CO where early and late season its mixed snow and ice and pavement. That's less than ideal for a part time 4wd. This is highly disappointing. Guess I'll be moving my money to the Bronco. Bummer.

Correct- With 4Runner there is no way to get all the off-road stuff (locking rear diff, MTS, etc.) and full-time 4WD. The Land Cruiser and some manufactures such as Ford and Jeep have a 4 Auto setting that shifts between 2WD and 4WD as conditions dictate.

I, like most people don't need a body on frame vehicle with a solid axel so it's looking like new Passport Trailsport Elite for me... I expect it to be $9K less than a 4Runner Platinum and much better on the road.

 

[northernlights]

The more I think about it theoretically, it's almost an unbelievable oversight/marketing decision to not have any full time 4wd system offered in their off-road trims. Besides perhaps cost? is there another reason? because the lack of a true center differential really severely limits what you can do with a part 4wd system on mixed traction surfaces. Is this a vehicle now fully targeted for sun belt states?? What am I missing here??? Of course real world a part time system may not be that big of a deal. But at some point you can't defeat physics. Someone(and I mean a lot of people) are going to be in 4 wd in the part time system ripping around at 40mph+ and take a corner at speed. Either the tire will break and lose traction (less likely with beefy A/T tires) and the tension is taken off the system OR it stays hooked up and all that force on the transfer case will lead to premature or catastrophic failure. And Toyota is okay warranting all of this??? I just have to be missing something here.

 

[andim]

The more I think about it theoretically, it's almost an unbelievable oversight/marketing decision to not have any full time 4wd system offered in their off-road trims. Besides perhaps cost? is there another reason? because the lack of a true center differential really severely limits what you can do with a part 4wd system on mixed traction surfaces. Is this a vehicle now fully targeted for sun belt states?? What am I missing here??? Of course real world a part time system may not be that big of a deal. But at some point you can't defeat physics. Someone(and I mean a lot of people) are going to be in 4 wd in the part time system ripping around at 40mph+ and take a corner at speed. Either the tire will break and lose traction (less likely with beefy A/T tires) and the tension is taken off the system OR it stays hooked up and all that force on the transfer case will lead to premature or catastrophic failure. And Toyota is okay warranting all of this??? I just have to be missing something here.

The lack of a center diff like the land cruiser has is the only reason why I'm still hesitant to get the 4Runner. The limited and platinum are not really an option because if I want luxury trim I would prefer the land cruiser. I want more ground clearance and a bit more off road capabilities. However on mixed snow/dry pavement roads ad even on an mix of well maintained dirt roads/bad dirt roads a Torsen diff would be much better.

I can only imagine that they think most customers won't care or won't know. I don't think it's fuel efficiency or reliability as the land cruiser is doing well on and off road with a center Torsen diff.
I hope they add this as an option down the road. However I need a new car within a year or so as my jeep is now 10 yo and I also want something new.

Maybe get a trailhunter now and get a new model in a few yers when they include full time AWD in their off road models or get something different like the Scout. Hoping the resale value of the Trailhunter is good as I don't want to lose too much money...........

 

[northernlights]

Well just test drove the 1958 Landcruiser and the Bronco Wildtrack. Landcruiser is nice if you want to insulate yourself from the outside world and feel like you are driving in suburban metro land. I don't mean this as a slam just that while it may be capable in the off road department it doesn't FEEL capable/rugged/off roady. Bronco felt exact opposite. So the truth for both is likely in between. No snow/ice to test on today. However, I did have an interesting experience testing the four wheel ABS calipers on the Landcruiser. While at speed during the test drive a large Buck came running right onto the road. Stood on that brake and made an aggressive avoidance turn. Missed the deer and kept in complete control. It stopped pretty aggressively. So kudos to the Landcruiser for avoidance!

 

[Newtsy]

The lack of a center diff like the land cruiser has is the only reason why I'm still hesitant to get the 4Runner.

I'm a bit confused. According to Toyota directly, it looks like the Full Time 4WD offered on these '25 4Runners *do* have a center diff. Take a look here. Am I missing something?

https://pressroom.toyota.com/2025-toyota-4runner-refines-adventure-ready-heritage/

 

[visually oriented]

I'm a bit confused. According to Toyota directly, it looks like the Full Time 4WD offered on these '25 4Runners *do* have a center diff. Take a look here. Am I missing something?

https://pressroom.toyota.com/2025-toyota-4runner-refines-adventure-ready-heritage/

That's correct, the limited with the hybrid and the Platinum have full-time 4WD with a center diff. The problem is you can't get these models equipped with the other off-road oriented equipment like sway bar disconnect, locking rear diff. and MTS. The models that do have those off-road bits can't be equipped with full-time 4WD, only part-time, manually selected 4WD without the center diff.

 

[andim]

I'm a bit confused. According to Toyota directly, it looks like the Full Time 4WD offered on these '25 4Runners *do* have a center diff. Take a look here. Am I missing something?

https://pressroom.toyota.com/2025-toyota-4runner-refines-adventure-ready-heritage/

It seems that Toyota decided to offer full time AWD with a center diff only in the luxury oriented trims, the limited and the platinum. A lot of customers either want a cheaper trim (like the SR5) or more off road oriented trims like the TRD off road or TRD pro. These trims do not offer the center diff and with that also no full time AWD, a big drawback when you are in winter conditions on mountain roads a lot. The Landcruiser is also a more luxury oriented SUV and has the center diff (a Torsen diff) standard and people have used the Landcruiser off road in very rough terrain and the Torsen diff held up very well. So I can't see any good reason why Toyota wouldn't offer the Torsen diff in the off road and lower Trims.
There is of course the problem that you can't order a 4Runner to your spec in the USA (also something I will never understand). If Toyota would offer the center diff in some 4Runners you would have to be lucky to find a Trim and color that also has the center diff in your area.

 

[Clodydeloady]

It’s always been like that on previous generation.