Comparison between 2WD and 4WD

I'm thinking of purchasing a 2016 Tacoma, but I would like to know how rough the ride is for the different models. Does the 2WD drive smoother than the 4WD? Is there any difference in 4WD SR5 vs Sport vs Off-Road?

I mainly drive on a rough highway to work. Sometimes the interstate. Will the truck beat me up?

Thank you.

 

the suspension from the 4x4 to the 2x4 is the exact same. they should ride dam near identical. the only difference is the 2x4 will be about 300ish pounds lighter.

the truck shouldnt beat you up, but it will not be as nice riding as a car or SUV.



i have no idea about this question, hopefully someone else will respond.
" Is there any difference in 4WD SR5 vs Sport vs Off-Road?"

 

Probably a different ride with each model. Limited uses SR5 Suspension. Sport uses Hitachi shocks, Off Road uses Bilsteins. I don't think the shock changes with 2WD vs 4x4 on those models. 4X4 has more weight up front which may make for mushier ride which is probably a good thing for off roading. I can tell the difference from my 2015 Sport Bilsteins to the 2016 using Hitachi. But I am strictly 2WD Street truck

 

i drove a 4x2 2wd dc v6 and thought it rode very smooth... had GST Texas package with overpriced 17's and BFG tires also..

 

at least they don't make those little 2wd tacomas anymore. I always hated the looks of the 205 tires and 3" off the ground

 

Must be something magic Toyota is doing now to thier trucks. Of my seven Toyota trucks, three were 2 wd and 4 were 4 wd. Without exception, the 2 wd handled and road better...were more economical and if I did not really need 4 wd, I would not consider it. The new ones have excellent clearance and LSD in back. Unless you have snow or off road to deal with...go with th 2 wd.
The biggest diffenrce in rides in 2 wd is a six cylinder which will calm the front end down.

 

Those little narrow cookie cutter tires and low ground clearance made for excellent economy. With the "jacked up" look of the 2 wd now, you pay for the cool look with worse economy.

 

I love the ride of the 2WD Short Sport, The ride is firm and confident, I feel safe in these new Tacomas. The steering on the TRD Sport is exceptional as is the JBL

 

or you could buy a camry/carolla if you want economy and a 4wd tacoma/tundra if you want a truck

 

Back when I needed only 2 wd I commuted back and forth to work and got well over 25 mpg highway. My 4 wd were 3 to 4 less. I appreciated it.

 

My pickup is the DC Prerunner V6 Sport. Had the chance to drive a 4x4 SR V6 (boy was that basic compared to the Sport) for a day (about 100 miles). The 4x4 is definitely softer - dives more under braking, rocks back more under light acceleration; also soaks up the little bumps in the road a bit easier. The 2016 Sport is a bit softer than the 2011 Sport I had previously; not weak, but softer.

 

Thank you all for your responses!

 

I've seen this said numerous times about the Limited using "SR5 suspension", while the TRD models get Hitachi or Bilstein shocks. I don't know what is meant by SR5 suspension. Toyota shocks? Nevertheless, I thought I would clarify that on the Limited they do indeed have Hitachi shocks as well. I can't speak for the SR5 as I've not seen one yet. I don't know if anyone can truly speak to the differences between the SR5, TRD Sport and Limited models with respect to suspension setup.

 

My SR5 has Hitachi shocks. Not sure if the TRD sports are any different. (Bilstein 5100s are being installed on Thursday though to level it out).

 

I just wonder if all three (SR5, Sport, Limited) are using Hitachi brand shocks, are they actually then all identical trucks. I know the literature on the Sport will often say something like "sport tuned", but maybe it's just verbage used to try and differentiate itself and appeal to a different buyer. I don't know that anybody besides Mike Sweers knows the real answer.

 

I test drove a white SR access cab 4 cylinder with an automatic this weekend. I got the impression all Canadian SRs come with the black alloy wheels and back up cameras as standard as the option was not given in the build sheet. Ride wasn't bad. This generation of 2wd sits quite a bit higher than the old generation. On the unit I tried the steering column squeeks at wheel lock. If it squeaks with 4km showing on the odometer what happens after 80k?

The truck also has about 5 inches of extra length compared to an old 02 access cab Tacoma. The lack of power with the auto bordered on dangerous. There is also a strange two second delay between touching the accelerator and engine input. The unresponsiveness interfered with regular driving to the point I will continue to drive ancient slant six dodges which accelerate far more predictably with a single barrel carb. I'm not sure if Toyota has a drive by wire issue or what. To drive this vehicle you have to mat it to the floor far too often to obtain any real fuel economy. I can only hope the new v6s show me something better which according to the dealer arrive in November.

 

Why does every person that test drives a Tacoma feel compelled to tell us about why they'll continue to drive their Dodge, Ford, Chevy, Mazda, Isuzu, Jeep, Packard, ect.? If you don't own a Toyota and don't plan on buying one then why even bother? I don't give a shit about test drive thoughts any longer. The truck is out now, we all know what it drives and looks like since many of us own them. The discussion has moved on and what in the hell does this have to do with the OPs post?

 

Well if you don't own one or plan on buying one, then those opinions are about as valuable as a brown eye..

 

Umm, ok Mrs. Tee. Yeah, let's get back on topic..

 

Difference is night and day. The ride quality is another discussion. 4wd lets you go places a 2wd won't without being stuck. I can't and won't speak for other members on this board but here it is. I bought a 4wd SR5 model because I didn't need all the extra stuff the TRD model had. Only thing I miss from the trd is the seats. I only wanted the 4wd setup. I knew I was gonna lift the truck and change the suspension so why pay the extra thousands of dollars for the trd model. The sr5 shocks are not but so good. If you plan on doing very little off roading and want a better ride then change out the shocks for Bilstein's. They are a much better ride. Not very expensive and you will be much happier with the ride quality.