Would anyone like to see an "All wheel-drive" Tacoma option?

Let me start by saying I live in Maine where we generally (not this year) get LOTS of snow. For me having an all-wheel drive option in addition to the standard 'part-time' (full-locking) transfer case would be a very welcome addition. I live in a rural area even after plowing there are always areas on the paved roads that have packed snow and areas that are bare. All wheel drive would be a blessing there. Instead of having to switch back and forth between 2wd and 4wd.

I am not talking about full time all-wheel drive like on other Toyota's (Venza, Rav4, ET), but something similar to the Selec-Trac transfer that I had on my old Jeep Cherokee XJ

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_four-wheel-drive_systems#Selec-Trac

You maintain the original functions of the standard transfer case (2wd, 4wd-hi, 4wd-low), plus the new addition of all-wheel drive.
I miss this feature I had on the Cherokee XJ.

Thoughts.?

 

I could see it being something that some might want, but I think the people that would use it vs not use it would be one sided.

 

At first I thought your want AWD (puke), but selec-trac should have been the industry standard decades ago. More options on a transfer case is great. That was my favorite jeep transfer case. I never liked the ones without the part time HI option.

 

Another person who thinks they need 4wd for hard pack snow/ice . Why not just leave it in 2hi for conditions like that, all 4wd does it gets you going faster.

 

4wd also helps your rear end from breaking loose around a corner or being able to start at stop signs/traffic lights on hard pack. Not necessarily just for speed.

 

I have owned 2 1st gens and now a second gen. I agree with Mavrick...on hard packed snow you really don't need 4wd, what you do is know how to control the gas pedal. I have never added weight and have used Michelin MS tires which is not aggressive by any standard. I would be almost indifferent because I don't see a need for having both systems. And on a Tacoma I would choose 4wd over Awd. Driving slower in the snow will provide any vehicle with better traction, stopping ability, and safety...not more "systems".

 

Sounds like you are thinking of the feature that comes as an option on the GM twins. They have an option for "4wd Auto" setting. Basically you're running in 2 hi, but when the vehicle's traction control senses any slippage it automatically engages 4wd for you. It's been on many other vehicles in the past too. I don't know for sure but I don't think Toyota has used this though.

 

man, what? If you believe that I won't try and convince you otherwise but there are tonnes of safety and handling benefits of being in 4hi on hard-packed snow and ice. Do you need it? Of course not, but it has benefits beyond "gets you going faster". I only use it very rarely especially on the hwy but it helps handling, cornering and steering if you are in 4wd with positive throttle pressure. Your front tires pulling your truck in the direction you want it to go, rather than being pushed in a straight line from the rear tires and fighting to maintain traction to pull the truck around the way you want it to go.

What kind of winter conditions do you drive in that you've never had your back end break loose around a bend or going up a hill? The ability to be able to accelerate on those conditions can get you out of a pinch too like if you see something about to hit you and you need to get out of its way. (Happened to me when someone slid through a red on ice and would have broadsided me if I didn't punch it and get out of their way.)

 

I can understand some skepticism.. I guess you would have to have used it for a while to have missed it.. That Cherokee transfer case was the best.. Also miss the torque from the good old trusty 4.0L six...

I guess some folks don't get hard packed snow on hills, where they live. Lucky...

 

Basically that's what my 2009 RAV4 did. it was Front wheel drive until it felt slippage, and then I could feel the rear wheels start to drive as well.

 

I'd rather it all went a step back. Manual transfer case and hubs. The benefits of 4 wheel traction are great but the simpler (mechanically/electronically) it is and more it's controlled by the dummy behind the wheel the better I feel about it. The built in nannies work great when when they work but if they don't do exactly what I want when I want them doing it then they serve no purpose. For reference see all the 4L not working, can't engage crawl control, locker not engaging, how does MTS work, and transmission hunting threads. Less of that shit please. Oh, I'll take crank windows too while we're at it.

 

I definitely agree. However, I drive in 2wd whenever possible. Personally, I feel like driving in 4wd gives you a false sense of security. Yes, it definitely helps with acceleration and handling on snow/ice, but it has zero impact on breaking. How many of us have seen some idiot doing like 45+ on really snowy roads in a 4x4? If they have to stop quickly, they're screwed.

 

forty2^^ Bet you'd love this...

 

Yes please.

 

haha so whats with the 2016 TRD OR?

 

After spending WAY too many hours sitting behind the steering wheel of a semi over about 30+ years, I have observed that almost every year at the first snowfall, a rather high percentage of the vehicles in the ditches or off in the woods were SUVs or 4x4 pickups. Apparently some folks forgot that 4 wheel drive basically means bupkis when you break traction on ice or hard snow. It's great for getting going in poor traction conditions, and can help with control under certain conditions, but it really doesn't do much when you are sliding!

 

LOL...
My old ScoutII had everything you'd like (except the crank start). Manual hubs, rubber floor mats, steel door panels and dash. Solid Axels front and rear. V8. i miss that one...

 

Hold the train there hoss, slick enough roads and compression alone can make you want to swap ends in 2wd. 4wd engine braking can be difference between the ditch and making it home.

 

Darn, wish I'd known you when I had this...

 

Right. Most people have to re-learn how to drive in snow/ice every year here in Maine too it seems.
For ice/snow braking only dedicated winter tires or studs help.