4×4 Toyota Pickups

When it comes to heritage and bloodlines, 4x4 Toyota Pickups have some of the best history out there. The Land Cruiser line is an international legend when it comes to getting there and back. Those decades of expertise show up in the evolution of their 4x4 truck line.

As you probably know, you have two true truck choices for 4x4; the Tacoma and the Tundra. Just as appoint of note, the 4Runner and FJ Cruiser are built on a modified Tacoma platform and the Sequoia is built on the Tundra. While these are not true trucks, they do carry many similarities and shared features of the line.

4x4 Toyota Pickup

The Tacoma has been the stalwart member of the 4x4 Toyota Pickup line. With a nearly bullet proof 4 cylinder engine and a strong 6 cylinder option, their power plants do quite well. With the evolution of the rig, growing in size as they have, the four-cylinder option seems to be a little weak for anything less than an empty truck. They don’t match it with double cab option for that reason. Toyota also does not recommend taking the double cab long bed models into a four-wheel drive environment. One of my favorite options is the 6 speed manual transmission, paired with the six-cylinder engine. The control of a stick plus the sixth gear overdrive makes it a little more versatile. With a low center of gravity the Tacoma holds the ground quite well, and still has the clearance to get over the trail’s obstacles.

The Tundra is available in the market with three engine choices, although the six-cylinder is uncommon. For good reason because it limits payload and towing so severely. The 4.6L engine does quite well, but that 5.7L is really nice. Great torque, and I love the kick when you are on the highway or towing. There were initial issues with the six speed automatic transmission in 4x4 mode, but those seem to have been resolved. As a 4x4 rig, I found the Tundra to feel just a little top heavy. The four by mode and the limited slip differential both performed well.

Toyota has made good gains with their TRD options for four wheeling. Some of these options are great when you get the initial package. Downhill assist control on the Tacoma, for instance, is a great feature in an icy urban environment or the occasional steep downgrade in the mud. On both rigs they package well with upgraded suspension and such. To buy the items as add-ons can get pretty costly, especially compared to the after market choices that are available in the market.

The 4x4 Toyota Pickups continue to be great overall choices for real world use, extreme off road and severe weather in the urban environment.