All-Wheel Drive & 4-Wheel Drive Toyota Vehicles in Riverside, UT

Which Toyota Vehicles Offer AWD-Improved Capability & Performance? Find Them Here

If you're a driver from Riverdale or the greater Salt Lake City, UT area, then we don't have to tell you about the weather around here, but we can recommend a great Toyota car, crossover, SUV, or truck to help you handle everything the four seasons can throw at you. Snowy winters give way to rainy, muddy springs; fun-filled summers curl into chillier and chillier autumn until the cycle repeats itself again, but if you need a vehicle to help you keep up with it all, an all-wheel drive (AWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD) Toyota vehicle certainly fits the bill.

Maybe you know all about the all-wheel drive (AWD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) options in Toyota's lineup or maybe you're new to the idea of AWD at all-whatever the case, we're going to cover some of the basics of AWD vs 4WD and then explore which Toyota models feature each. Toward the end we'll go over what kind of system is right for different types of drivers. Ready?

Is All-Wheel Drive (AWD) the Same as 4-Wheel Drive (4WD)?

Some people throw them around interchangeably, but those folks aren't getting things completely correct. While there's some similarity between AWD and 4WD, there actually is a practical difference. In the Toyota lineup specifically, you'll find two distinct systems:

• All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System with Dynamic Torque Control
• Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) with Active Traction Control

How Does Toyota's AWD System Work?

 More often than not, you'll find an AWD system on Toyota's crossovers to mid-size SUVs, with the full-size SUVs and trucks leaning more toward a 4WD setup. AWD is perfect for everyday drivers who prefer a little extra traction during less-than-savory weather or on imperfect roads. What separates these folks from those who need a 4WD system is pulling power; if you don't need the extra power and torque to tow something, Toyota's AWD system is a great fit.

Toyota's AWD with Active Torque Control operates normally as a front-wheel drive (FWD) setup, unless the system detects an instance in which the rear wheels need more traction and power, in which case, the system seamlessly shifts power to the axel that is best able to make use of it. The system can specify which wheel to send power to or can supply all four wheels with power at once-it really depends on the needs of the situation.

Toyota's AWD system utilizes power in all four wheels during situations such as accelerating out of a stop, driving over something slippery (loss of traction), driving on unpaved roads (gravel, sand, dirt, mud, etc), or driving up a steep or uncertain hill.

 

Which Toyota Models Have Available AWD Systems?

Always-on AWD is available on many Toyota vehicles, but not on the sedans or hatchbacks. Here are the current Toyota vehicles that offer an available or standard AWD system:

• Toyota RAV4 SUV
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SUV
• Toyota Highlander SUV
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV
• Toyota Sienna Minivan

 How Does Toyota's 4WD System Work?

While similar to the AWD system, Toyota's 4WD system is distinct, built for a different purpose than the AWD system (and thus a different type of driver!). A 4WD system is meant to deliver maximum power and traction when needed. This system isn't necessarily always-on, instead it can be turned on when you need a little extra traction, turning your truck or SUV from a front-wheel drive (FWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD) setup to a 4WD setup instantly. Once you turn the 4WD system on, power is sent to all four wheels at once.

While some folks will tell you that fuel economy might suffer when you have 4WD engaged, we think the added confidence of having 4WD when you need it will offset any small loss of efficiency you experience when 4WD is turned on.

Which Toyota Models Have Available 4WD Systems?

Those Salt Lake City drivers who need a little extra traction can count on the current lineup of Toyota trucks and SUVs to get them there. Built to handle whatever nature has up its sleeve, the following Toyota trucks and SUVs offer either standard or available 4WD systems with Active Traction Control. This system gives these vehicles certain capabilities you won't find on an AWD system, like Crawl Control Multi-Terrain Select, or a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.
Here are the current Toyota models that offer 4WD systems:

• Toyota 4Runner SUV
• Toyota Land Cruiser SUV
• Toyota Sequoia SUV
• Toyota Tacoma Pickup Truck
• Toyota Tundra Pickup Truck

Toyota's Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Might Be Best for Your Needs If…

• …you're interested in driving something on the smaller side, including crossovers, smaller SUVs, and even Toyota's minivan.
• …you want to give yourself an edge on the road without your efficiency suffering too much.

Toyota's Available 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) Might Be Best for Your Needs If…

• …if you're looking to drive a bigger vehicle like a full-size SUV or pickup truck.
• …you'd like to tow something behind your vehicle and require a little extra traction.
• …you like the ability to turn the 4WD system on/off when you do/don't need it.

Grow Your Knowledge | FAQs About Toyota's AWD and 4WD Systems:

• Are there any Toyota sedans that offer AWD?
  At present, Toyota's sedans do not offer AWD capabilities.
• If I have AWD/4WD, do I still need winter tires?
  Yes! While an AWD or 4WD system will help you while you're moving, winter tires are important to stopping as well. Having the proper tires for the season is still important, but an AWD or 4WD system can give you an added touch of capability.
• Is AWD or 4WD right for me?
  This is a great question. In all likelihood, an AWD or 4WD system will fit into your life and help enhance your lifestyle, especially here in the areas of Riverdale and Ogden, UT. Knowing which system is right for you is a little more difficult to answer, but if you visit us in our showroom, someone from our team can go over all your driving needs and help you find your answer to this question!