2WD or 4WD trd off road (socal)

4WD

 

I know of two folks who originally went with 2WD and traded them in for 4WD a year later realizing that they wanted to be able to play more in the desert and mountains. I really recommend 4WD because if you get into a situation, you'd rather have it than not.

 

I bought my new 2017 in January 2018 when the new 2018's where being released. Saved $4k

Even more reason to get the 4X4

That was my thinking about getting an Off Road over a Sport! More stuff included for virtually the same price!

 

If you ever go outdoors (actually outdoor not those amusement parks they call campgrounds) get 4wd.

I have probably only ever really needed 4wd a handful of times but those few times made it worth it to me. Its like the winch, I have only used it twice in 10 years but the first time I needed it I didn't care it just sat on the truck as decoration 99% of the time.

Before I had the tacoma, i had a 2wd 4runner. Within a year I wanted the 4wd model.

 

You'll regret not getting a 4X4. I was born and raised in SoCal and once made the mistake of buying a 2WD pickup. I have no idea what I was thinking at the time and it took about a year to correct that mistake, but correct it I eventually did.

Thanks to the existence of roads that go everywhere, it doesn't really matter where you live, it matters where you go, and if you like to get off road or even out on the open road like I do, at some point you'll be happy you have that 4X4 capability because most of the country north of the lower latitudes has actual winter weather. In such locations a RWD-only vehicle is not of much value and you'd be better off driving a 1984 Honda Civic.

 

Yeah it does

 

4WD for resale value

One will always look back and think they should have got the 4WD

 

There is a lot to explore in those areas that would justify having 4x4, while the 1mpg difference and the price difference are not that big of factors. I bet when you are ready to buy, if you are a savvy shopper and not set on a specific options/color package, you could negate the cost difference by shopping around.

 

4x4

 

I don't, but to each their own I guess.

 

I know a few of those types as well, and I also have a ton of friends that brought 4x4 trucks over the years and have literally never turned the dial or hopped down to lock the hubs. “It’s nice to have it,” they say.

To the OP—sounds like you’re going fun places with lots of potential to explore. I’d get the 4x4 if I were you and try really, really hard to justify it...by going off-road a lot. Don’t forget to read up on recovery techniques and equipment, especially if you are going by yourself.

 

Welcome to TW! The 2WD (with locker) might be capable enough for you, but it's never going to match the 4WD.

 

4X4. Most important upgrade for any Tacoma.

 

2wd trucks are fun to drive and less to take care of .

 

No one ever looks back and think gee i'm sure glad I bought the 2wd as a park ranger pulls their truck up the boat ramp at lake hemet

 

Why get a off road when you can get a sport if you want 2wd? Off roads are just more expensive.

 

I went from a 4wd main vehicle to 2wd sr5. I mainly use the truck to haul crap, go shooting and fishing. I've been up to big bear in the snow multiple times and haven't had issues. I have Falken AT tires and keep chains with me. My 2wd trucks have been up to mammoth and all over the unpaved roads up there to fish the rivers. Never needed 4wd to this. A 2wd trd off road with good tires and good driver is pretty capable in socal. My buddy took his from lucerne valley through the back way 3N16 to big bear in early snow fall and didn't have any issues. He did roll with a few other vehicles just in case. He's an experience driver and has a modified 4runner for his more serious out of state adventures. If you plan to go crawling often or like to play in the snow often get 4wd. It's nice to not have to get out of the car to put chains on when snow is falling. I've you're not over landing often get 2wd and just rent a 4wd jeep from the rental places for the 1 or 2 trips a year you plan to go out. If you're towing a boat it's nice to have 4wd. I've had no problems towing and launching boats with my 2wd tundra but that was a beast of a truck. The launch ramps get pretty slick and the 4wd option is always nice when launching boats. If you like the snow I'd say get an 4wd suv with more weight than a truck. Been stuck in utah snow a few times with 4wd so don't think just b/c you have 4wd you can do anything. Be smart and realistic with what you plan to do with your vehicle. 4wd isn't necessary in socal. For anything out of state or serious snow play the taco stays home and the rover comes out to play.

 

I’ll say one last thing. You will thank yourself for getting 4wd the first time snow hits. Just remember this lol. If not you will hate yourself. Even if it’s 1-2 a year.

 

A locker has more value than a hood scoop

 

If you are going to need a locker why not just get 4wd then?