2WD or 4WD trd off road (socal)

I planing on buy a new Tacoma trd off road either by the end of the year or early next.
Not in a rush.

I'm having trouble deciding if I should just get the 4WD or if the 2WD will be able to handle its self just as good. Obviously being from southern California the need for a 4x4 isn't a necessity but I don't want to look back a year or two and think to myself I should've/shouldn't have gotten the 4WD.

Also the Tacoma wont be my main vehicle and will mainly be used on weekends or when ever I want to get away.

 

Would rather have things and not need them than need them and not have them. Applies here I think.

 

Exactly the counter arrangement I’m having with myself.

 

I regretted not going with 4wd within months of buying my old 2011 TRD Offroad, had to wait several years before I could justify upgrading and am SOOOO happy I finally was able to upgrade. I only had to back out of a few adventures because of the lack of 4wd drive, but on those adventures it was just getting interesting when I couldn't go any further. Also, couldnt help out a few friends when they got stuck because of the concern of getting me stuck as well.

 

Get the 4x4 and stop thinking about it.

 

If you can afford to pay extra for 4WD, then go for it!

 

Counter arguments:

• you'll pay more for something you may never need
• you'll pay more in taxes, registration, insurance, maintenance
• you'll pay more in gas

Essentially you'll be wasting money.

 

I bought an 06' Access Cab with the I4 and 2WD thinking I didn't really need the v6 for since I never did any towing nor the 4wd since it will just be used for gardening and moving furniture. Traded it in in 2 years later for a 2009 Double Cab with a v6 and 4wd.

I'm backcountry camping every month now, using low range to traverse steep trails, heading to snow camp in yosemite, etc. Me and the fiance are about to buy a travel trailer to glamp it out at the beach with friends.

If you have any outdoor bug in your body, you should absolutely get 4wd. It allows you to get into more places with less worry than a 2wd truck with off road suspension and tires. Even having the low range gear box for hauling has saved my butt a few times.

 

I don’t think 4WD has an effect on the cost of registration, at least not in my state; In Pennsylvania, it’s done by weight class...

 

Buy what you can afford.

 

Just get the 4x4.
If you don't, you will come back here in a few months and say, "why didn't I listen to the guys that said to get the 4x4".

Honestly, it's just better. If you're questioning it right now, you will want it in the future.
I was putting around this weekend and doing a dirty u-turn on a trail somewhere with a little mud/sand on a hill. Couldn't back up in 2WD to make the maneuver. Kept slipping even with rear locker. I was facing downhill so majority of the weight shifts to the front wheels. Lose rear traction.
I could have pulled forward more but did not want to plow into the foliage. Put in 4wd, and backed up no problem.
The few times you go to the snow if you ever do, you WILL regret it. Your lifestyle changes and you can't predict what you'll be doing, where you'll be or the weather conditions.

Anyways, just buy the 4x4. (if you can afford it ofc)
Plus its not money lost, it will resale higher if you ever sell.

 

I have a 4x2 in SoCal. It was more cost effective since the 4x4 was about 5k more. I have yet to even get stuck on a hill in mud on a friends property. Never even engaged the rear lockers yet. Haven't gone to snow yet in it. But it goes to show how often I will use it. Everyone is different though. I see alot of folks with 4x4 in SoCal that hardly ever leave the driveway.

 

The question is where do you want to get away to? If your getaway includes any off pavement driving, then spring for 4x4. I had a 2wd Frontier when I lived in Socal, but I used it mainly to haul surfboards to the beach. When I would go to the snow, it was more comfortable to take my mazda up to Big Bear and just carry chains.

When I moved to Oregon, the need/want of a 4x4 was a bigger pull because I wanted to explore more areas off of the roads.

 

I think it's silly buying an "Off road" 2wd taco. If you're going 2wd, just get an SR5 or Sport... change the wheels out later if you are doing it because of those.

 

I like going to Utah, have family in Idaho, planing on a road trip up the coast up to Washington.
But these aren't weekly things. More of every 2 or 3 months i'll head out. I do head up to big bear, San Gabriel mountains, Mt Baldy from time to time.

Price isn't a big issue since I'm not in a rush to buy. If I do spring for the 4dw i'll just save up a little bit more.

Just debating if I could justify the coast vs the use.

 

Just realize that a 4x4 has heavier and less responsive steering even in 2wd due to all the additional weight. If you must have 4x4 go for it but I personally don’t like 4x4 pickups for road or light off road use. To be fair I do have a Subaru with AWD for a daily driver, and I use it’s awd in Chicago blizzards so I do appreciate 4 wheel drive when you really need it.

 

4wd and stop thinking about it. You’ll regret going 2wd.

 

4x4! Worth it and it will be easier to sell in the future!!!

 

What you plan on and what happens can be two totally different things.

When you get out, you will want to go to more places and some more difficult places. The fact your even thinking about 4x4 is because you know you may expand what you want to do. 2020 you, may think you will go on a few dirt roads, 2022 you may want to go out further on those dirt roads.

 

I had no idea they offered a 4x2 Off Road. Does it have a rear locker?