2WD in snow?

Hey all, I'm in the process of getting an 06 Tacoma 2.7L RWD Access cab (I should have them down under 18k soon ). I live in MA and have driven in the horrific winters my whole life. Snow is nothing new to me.

For the past two years I've driven a Mazda Miata in the winter with snow tires (Blizzaks) and it was fine (2300lb rwd convertible). I was just wondering what you all thought of the 2WD Tacoma's ability to handle snow. I do plan on getting snow tires for it, unless I hear that it's not worth it

Thanks all, I look forward to posting here (if I can get the truck)!

-Sean

 

I live in Maine and will not drive anything unless it has 4WD. I also do enjoy going into the mud/snow often. I think it's just a personal choice. Do you feel more comfortable in 4WD or 2WD in a blizzard?

 

I would probably be more comfortable with 4WD, but I can live with it.

I drove in each of the major blizzards these past two years in the Miata. I figured the weight of the Tacoma would make up for any shortcomings. That and a good set of winter tires.

 

just put some sand bags in the box and have good tires on - you will be fine... my mazda b2200 did fine in the snow.

 

2WD for city driving is fine but not to play. If you are a good and smart driver, you wont have problems.

 

Welcome schleppy to TW

 

If you can swing a 4wd, get a 4wd. They are superior to a 2wd in harsh driving conditions, evasive manuvers/defensive driving, with that said, 4wd or 2wd, you should to get snow tires for all wheels, also they have a better resale.

 

Get a 4WD!!!

Front wheel drive cars are AWESOME in the snow - as they have the entire weight of the engine on the drive wheels. I drove my old mazda protege 25 miles to work in a snow emergency and it did absolutely awesome!

Trucks in 2wd in the snow suck-azz. There's no weight back there. Surely - you could probably get around in 2WD in the snow, but you'll spend more time trying to control your fishtailing than actually getting anywhere.

 

I can tell you from personal experience that my 06 Taco sucks in the snow without it being in 4wheel drive, then its a dream.
A great set of tires and 200lbs of sand bags and you will probably be OK but if you are in negotiations with the dealer, get the 4 wheel drive.
I have driven lots of 2wheel drive in the winter and front wheel drive also but 4wheel like my truck or a Subaru seems the best.

Jeff, 06,V6,SR5, 6spd, 4x4, Brilliant Red

 

i guess it all depends on how much snow you are dealing with. i moved to Mt from Fl with my 06 Tacoma 2WD and i drove it here for 2 winters with no problem. i put really good snow tires on and put sandbags in the box. however, this winter i've been going through some real problems. twice i got stuck in heavy snow, and also going up on icy roads. i'm looking to buy a 4WD soon to be more on the safe side.

 

In real winter driving (ice and snow) a 2wd is hopeless. Winter tires and a whole lot of weight in the box can improve driving to bad.

 

I live in NH and my 14 tacoma is miserably bad in 2wd in the snow. In any sort or slush/ice/snow taking off in 2wd is a chore and can be downright dangerous if you're trying to pull out into traffic. No traction whatsoever. Now this is with stock dunlops and no sandbags. Some weight and snow tires will surely help to some extent, but nothing like 4wd will help. When i put it in 4wd its a night and day difference. Handles better than any vehicle ive owned when its in 4wd, but 2wd forget it.

Dude you live in New England, get a 4wd!!

 

By the way a front wheel drive car, even though its not quite a good as 4wd, will handle much better than a light rear wheel drive truck in the snow. Do not base you decision on driving the miata in the snow, drive the tacoma in the snow and then decide. Front wheel drives pull the car with engine weight on top of the front tires...rear wheel drive trucks push a heavy engine up front with nothing to weigh the rear wheels down in the back...you spin, you fishtail, and you get nowhere.

 

I would not suggest a RWD truck in snow.... no matter how much weight in the back or what kind of tires you have.

 

4wd is best

 

2wd is awful in the snow! Even if you drive cautious its still a battle. I had to drive my friends 2wd taco in the snow once... that sucked!!! Plus if you wanna ever wanna take her off road, you gotta have a 4wd!