4x2 vs 4x4

I'm currently shopping for a new Tacoma and I've never owned a truck before, so I appreciate any advice here. I am leaning towards a SR5 v6 AC model, just trying to decide between a 4x2 or 4x4. I do not go off-roading, however I do plan on taking occasional camping trips & skiing trips (maybe like 5-10 times a year). Is a 4x2 sufficient for driving in the snow? I'm trying to keep costs down as much as possible. Thanks for your input.

 

4x4 more than worth the money. You will get the money back when you sell it.

Also, if you're used to FWD and have no experience driving a 2wd truck with a light back end, you won't like it in the snow or ice.

 

I live in la and for skiing few times a year 4x4 really helps

Some resorts require chain on non 4wd hear
Man I miss the Bay Area

Also 4wd Tacoma has amazing resale

 

Snow?4wd

 

4wd

Buy once, cry once

 

If you want to take it up to the snow get 4WD. It makes life a hell of alot easier. I take my truck to the Tahoe region a few times a month in the winter time and they do a pretty good job of clearing the main highways but most of the time the side roads all have a layer of snow/ ice on them. It costs a little more up front but can you really put a price on safety and peace of mind? Also putting chains on in a blizzard sucks.

 

4x4 won't do shit for you on ice, but it will enable some assistance on snow. This Tacoma is my fist 2wd truck. I looked at my needs, and realized in all my years I never engaged 4x4 that often, even when I did I'm sure 2wd would have sufficed. I have been to many rural areas with piss poor conditions and have done fine. Think of all the people who drive cars in snowy regions, and do just fine. Properly equipped tires and driver, will get you many places.

You say you don't plan on wheeling heavy and only occasional "snowy" regions with some camping off the path, I say stick with 2wd if it's more budget friendly.

Remember when you add 4x4 to list of items to fix, shit gets pricey.

Also, don't let the 4x4 "better to have it,never use it then to not and need it" talk sway you. I would rather pay a 250 tow bill then 3-4K extra for something...

 

Trophy trucks aren't 4x4 and they do a lot more off-roading than I do.

I'll be alright with 2wd, less weight and other stuff I have to worry about.

And yes, do not listen to that crowd.
I don't carry around an umbrella to be prepared when it rains.

 

Apples to oranges. 4x4 in a truck is a big investment, you can't just go out and buy a t-case and magically get 4WD when you might need it.

 

Yea but if I find myself in that situation and I get stuck, well I guess I'll call an off-road wrecker service. I'll pay the man 200 bucks when he gets me back on the pavement and I'll go on my merry way.

4x4 does not get you out of everything, only some things.

 

I live in the high desert and the only terrain I have to worry about is fine loose sand, and even 4x4's will get stuck in that.

So I guess it depends on your application and of 4x4 will actually help you.

 

Buy 2wd save the money

 

A trophy truck uses momentum...
Try approaching an obstacle the same way a trophy truck can do it (at speed) and let us know what happens.

I say 4wd, my friend got stuck on a slight hill with a 2wd 4Runner recently that he would have climbed easily with 4wd.

 

This guy is clueless.

 

Really? How so?

 

I've seen plenty of campsites with motorhomes, which are 2wd, minvans, most FWD, and every sedan known to man fed and 2wd, they made it just fine. When I drove my truck up pikes peak, I was one of the few 4X4's and everyone else made it up fine. For what you want to do you would never engage the transfer case

 

Well the OP said he'd be going on camping/skiing trips 5-10 times a year and driving in snow. I can tell you 4x4 will help you a lot more than only having power to the rear wheels in snow. Hell I got stuck in my driveway when I had my Prerunner when it snowed 4" a couple winters ago. Pretty humiliating too...

 

Also in California, taking a 2WD without chains on the road when there's chain controls will get you a wreckless driving ticket which is around a $600 dollar fine.

 

Four wheel drive helps immensely driving on ice. The weight over the front axle greatly assists gaining momentum, negotiating turns, not power-sliding everywhere you go, and gives you much more ability to react to unexpected obstacles / other vehicles.

Watching two wheel drive trucks do things like try to turn left in front of traffic is hilarious. They have to get their back tires spinning well before they intend to cut between traffic.

With the exception of allowing increased braking distance and slowing down just a hair for corners, I have effectively zero change in my driving habits during winter in four wheel drive (we drive on ice six months out of the year). In two wheel drive, it is a challenge to get from point A to point B.

 

You also failed to mention you have properly equipped tires. A factory 4x4 will do nothing but spin like a factory 2wd will on ice.