2wd vs 4wd performance

After seeing how well tacos hold their value it seems that a new truck may be my best option. The problem is it seems that in florida my local dealers don't carry any 4wd and the dealers over 100 miles away that do only have 6cylinders. I plan to just order the one I want and wait for it to show up. I need to drive both the 4 cylinder and 6 and make the decision for myself but they only have 4x2 local. I am aware that the 4x4 is a little heavier but other than that will a 4x2 drive almost identical performance wise as a 4x4 or will it feel totally different? Is power delivery to the ground close? I ask because I am willing to just drive the 4x2 and decide from there which model I will order. Anyone drive both and have any comments?i don't want to drive the 4cyl in 2wd and be ok with the performance and order a 4x4 and not be happy with it. Thanks.

 

I could not tell any difference performance wise between a 2014 4X2 v6 DCSB and mine 2011 4X4 V6 DCSB

 

Thanks guys I appreciate it!

 

Get the 4.0 engine If it is an access cab. The 4 cyc. fuel mileage is not much better in 4x4.
I can tell the difference in 4x2 vs 4x4 especially if it is the TRD Offraod option. I think the TRD rides rougher on pavement. At least I can on the access cab models.

 

Another difference on new 4cyl's the 2wd's get 3.58 rears and 4x4's get 4.10's the 4x4's will rev higher on the highway but that helps the little engine move the truck better. It is entirely possible the 4x4 will FEEL faster off the line with those gears.

 

all 6 lug 4 cylinder trucks get 4.10's

you are thinking of the 5 lug tacomas that get the 3.30 gears i think.


That stated OP, wait till the 2016 specs get released. the 4 cyl in a 4wd access cab is going to be kind of a dog.

 

nope (AFAIK).... 6 lug 4 cyl tacos get 4.10s

 

I found that the steering was a little bit stiffer/tighter when in 4wd on pavement as well in the TRD off-road version. I guess this would make sense as the wheels aren't spinning freely anymore.

 

Looks like you live in Florida, so snow driving would be of minimal or even no concern... The crappy tires that the Tacomas come with from the factory won't have much influence over 2WD driving experiences for the first few years.

If snow is of concern, then you NEED the 4WD on Tacomas with stock tires.

 

He shouldn't have 4WD engaged on pavement in Florida....

 

If they have any 2wd PreRunners, drive one of them...will give you the closest feel as to what a 4wd will drive like.

 

I have a 6 cylinder 2x4 Prerunner. Great truck. Never got stuck or felt any difference in my buddis 4x4. Is recommend that you get the 6 cylinder. You'll appreciate the extra power and I don't think the gas mils that different. I'm averaging around 19 and I don't baby tge gas pedal that much. Lower now because of the remote start. Been extremely cold up in NJ.

 

You live in Florida, there are no hills there, similar terrain to where I live, the 2.7 is an adequate engine. I get 22-24 MPG on my double cab prerunner and that is in the winter. No, it isn't a powerhouse and it downshifts sometimes on interstate hills in Western Maryland, I'm happy with the performance. Sometimes I wish I would have gone TRD Sport long bed, but then I look at my cheap payment and gas mileage and smile.

 

You won't notice a difference between 2WD and 4x4 on the streets because the Tacoma's 4x4 system is a part time 4wd system. Which means that 4x4 only engages when you tell it to. Otherwise when it is off the front drive is free floating and stays disengaged.

 

Could someone look at the 15 brochure? On page 24 it looks as if the 6 lug 2wd comes with 3.58, maybe Toyota marketing printed the wrong specs?

http://www.toyota.com/tacoma/ebrochure/

 

Get the 4L, you will thank me later.
I couldn't tell much difference between the 4x2 and the 4x4 on the street.
I did have to order mine and I am glad I got the 4x4.

 

in Fl if you do not get off the road go with Prerunner. I had a 2009 Prerunner and there is no noticeable diff in performance between my Baja and prerunner. Either way go with 6 cyl..