2x2 vs 4x4

I plan on getting a 2021 Tacoma off road at the beginning of the year, I want to know which is better. I would mainly use the truck for everyday driving, but I plan on doing a lot of trips to the desert and mountains.

 

You're going to want all 4 wheels, so I'd recommend a 4x2 at the very least.

 

4X4, better resale, and if it rains in the mountains you may need 4WD

 

Tacoma motorcycle!

 

If you truly plan to do "a lot of trips to the desert and mountains" then get the 4wd. This is a no-brainer.

 

If you have the option for 4x4, I'd definitely say get that. I'm not sure where you currently live, but 4x4 in the winter is definitely nice. The desert and mountains would be good for it too. To me, a 4x2 pickup is pointless, but I live in Michigan where we have winter to contend with.

 

I don’t understand why anyone would buy a 2wd off-road trim. I wasn’t even aware that was an option. 4wd is the biggest upgrade you could do to increase off road performance. Everything else is icing on the cake.

I suggest either a 2wd SR/SR5 or a 4wd off-road, but not a 2wd off-road.

 

4x4. Obvious choice.

 

4x4 all the way.

 

If affordable, get the 4x4.

 

Most people I know in Michigan drive front wheel drive cars and do fine. Michigan does a much better job clearing the roads then a lot of other states. I’d argue that’s it’s harder to drive in the snow in Maryland than Michigan because they can’t clear the roads for shit when it snows here.

 

4x2, a good set of tires and good to go but I dont have to deal with much mud in NM

 

4x2 OR’s rule. Don’t let anyone tell you different!

 

People can't afford 4x4 but they have no problems with a 4x2 plus lift plus tires plus locker plus therapy.

 

Front wheel drive isn't bad. It isn't AWD or 4WD, but beats RWD solely because of where the weight is. I drove a Mustang in the Michigan winters for a couple of years so I'm pretty comfortable with RWD. But I also managed to get stuck in both RWD and FWD. I'd argue though that steering is easier with RWD though since there's no power going to the front wheels.

As for clearing the roads, it just depends where you go. Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, etc are pretty good. Montcalm county is horrible as is Osceola County. Mecosta County shaves the road down so much it creates glare ice. Normally that isn't an issue because of the amount of salt they use, but there's a temperature which it is too cold for salt to work.

Then there's the UP, which seems to leave a layer of snow, but oddly enough it feels grippier than any of the previous places I just mentioned during snow storms.

 

This is a 2x2, don't do it

 

Is the price difference an issue? If not, sounds like you would benefit from 4x4.

I think you need to ask yourself, cost and what you consider off road driving.

4x2 is a pretty capable truck, but 4 spinning tires is better than 2 if you get stuck.

 

Thats a silly statement. 4x4 is definatley not the end all be all offroading. Ground clearance and technique go a very long way.

 

2wd TRD ORs are everywhere out here in the southwest. They far outweigh the 4x4s especially in 1st/2nd gens (yes, 2wd TRD Offroads have been around since the late 90s).

Its all marketing really, Toyota knows a lot of folks like the looks of 4wd but have no intention of using it or needing it, so they catered to them as well

 

Personally, I like have the peace of mind that 4wd provides. It's gotten me out of a few unexpected situations. If it's financially feasible, I would go for the 4wd, especially since you mentioned trips to the mountains and desert.