Why no 4WD Auto / Multi-Mode?

Don't worry about all these different drive configurations and locking differentials, it won't be long before we will be driving Tundras with four electric motors, one on each wheel. Then it will all be handled by sensors and software.

 

having more build options increases the cost of production on top of the cost for parts. Remember Toyota was trying to keep the cost down on this truck. I’m sure they could have very easily gave every option imaginable to satisfy everyone but every truck in the line up would cost more.

 

There was a time back in the late 70's early 80's when all cars were 2wd rear drive. They even had rear axles like trucks. Heavy front end and light rear end - think Camaros.

In winter the trick was to load the trunk with weight. Gave your drive wheel traction u didn't get stuck. So just a suggestion for all those folks without 4auto on their pick up trucks. Go to Lowes or Home Depot and pick up 1/2 dozen bags of sand or stones - which ever will suit your spring lawn project better. Place in bed over the rear axle. You are already driving a 6000 lb behemoth. Whats another few hundred pounds.

Just a suggestion as I don't see Toyota helping you out any time soon.

 

Just thought about this, possibly they cant get it to work with the hybrid system so they canned it?

 

Different transfer case maybe is in the equation. I think it's Sweers making a decision based on market surveys. Survey says there's enough people that don't know what it is, therefore say they don't need it.

 

Why is there an automatic assumption that people “say” they don’t need it because they don’t know what it “is”?

 

I think it depends on what the definition of “is” is.

 

I agree it was a big miss not to include a 4A option, especially when almost every other manufacturer offers it.

As others have mentioned, its mostly about convenience on roads with constant varying conditions during the winter. Perfect example is trying to turn left from a snowy road to dry pavement - need 4wd/4A to get moving but don't want my wheels binding when I hit pavement. It gets a little annoying switching back and forth all the time, and my wife hates it compared to AWD. And no, most people dont want to switch to dedicated snow tires each year.

 

In canada, at least 4months a year road is sketch. Toyota def screw this up.

 

My opinion.
The Tundra is just now coming mainstream. A vehicle meaning to appeal to everyone - at least more people. Up to now it has been, well, a truck. Please understand that a lot of people bought Gen 2, 2.5 for this reason. It feels like and drives like a truck.... and.... I am willing to bet that most of these people, are the ones that prefer a truck that stays in 2wd for 3 parts of the years for better mileage, is simpler, less parts, ...
Switching to 4wd only when needed.

The new Tundra does not change the physics and dynamics of driving a pickup truck in bad weather, even with 4auto 4wd. It's not ideal, like a well balanced AWD vehicle. Now with that said.

Toyota seems to have completed with this new truck. Step one, moving it into the mainstream. It rides smooth now and is alot quieter. The towing video from TFL measured 62db. More people will be attracted to it for everyday driving. So, if anything I predict that if enough people complain, not only here, but to Toyota direct; that Toyota will come out with a Model Package, just like the 4Runner where the luxury model comes with full time 4wd standard along with 4Hi and 4Low.

The Rear Differential Lock and MTS Crawl Modes will be left to the off road models.
The fact you can order the offroad package on the Limited model has me shaking my head. But then Limited is now considered middle of the pack. It used to mean the Top.

 

Platinum has been the top trim level since 2010...

 

features cost money and in case nobody has been watching... trucks these days are damn expensive!
i've had 6 years of driving my truck in Saskatchewan winters with 5 months of snowy, icy, winter and have managed to live without. its 100% a creature comfort on the Grand Cherokee i regularly drive that makes accelerating off the sheer ice intersections a little easier. it doesn't offer any added safety at speed that the tundra's traction control doesn't also assist.
I'd rather have good tires and a light foot when its slippery than rely on part time AWD

 

Yeah some people say they have been fine with 2wd and they think they are better driver than others haha. It all depends on situations, road condition.

 

Yes some people say that, and they are clueless. The "I can get anywhere in 2wd that everyone else can in 4wd because I am such am expert driver" crowd is hilarious.

Back to the original topic though, I agree 4A is obviously more of a luxury than necessity. Given Toyota clearly has the capabilities, its disappointing it was not included on higher trim models.

 

I'm not sure if its on every trim level but this is what the limited slip button on the dash is for, adding traction without having to engage 4wd.
All these conveniences that people are mad toyota doesn't use is also more fancy stuff to break too. I understand its something you would like included and that's fine but as a person that has had no mechanical issues so far and hopes to drive their truck another 75,000 miles i'm actually very ok with it.

 

I think the problem with the auto LSD is you have to be between 1800 and 2200 rpm for it to work (at least in the 2nd Gen). Doing that on an icy road could end badly.

 

FWIW, I traded my ‘14 GMC Sierra for a ‘19 Tundra because of the reliability. The GMC did have an Auto 4WD mode that I really enjoyed. I do run dedicated winters and am judicious with the throttle and it’s still super sketchy at times. That split second waiting for traction might cost me an accident. Just venting my frustration, I love my truck!

 

Not a "Truck" but I loved the full time FWD in my Jeep Commander, and prior JGC. Really wish Toyota had this on demand. That was how the system was in my JGC. 2WD, FT FWD, PT 4 HI, PT 4 L. System was amazing, and I loved the FT 4WD. In the Commander, it was the default setting with a 60R 40F split as default. Both had faultless handling in sloppy conditions.

Perhaps, the issue is in the Transfer case. I noticed that the Sequoia only has a 7K tow rating and it has the Full Time 4WD transfer case?

My wife and I are toying with the idea of selling the truck and moving to a full size SUV, but the ONLY one with a tow rating above 7000-7800lbs is the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which is aroun 9950lbs. I wish it didn't start at $70K. I'm hoping that when it gets into the 2nd year of production that the prices drop or they have less luxo barge content.

Sadly, the new Tundra doesn't interest me. Good thing I love my 17 TRD PRO.

 

For comparison I looked at a F150 Tremor and without 4A it was $63k. With 4A it was $72k. There were other things in the more expensive package but nonetheless it shows you how much extra 4A is in the other guys packages or the fact that they are building Tremors without this feature. Just something to consider. How much extra would you pay for your Tundra with this 4A option?

 

My '01 3rd gen 4runner has multimode awd (with center manual locker), super useful at keeping the vehicle going straight in mud, sand, ice and snow while using the locker.

During Texas' feb. storm I had to go pick up my son whose apt had no power after a couple days, went thru a major 5 line road in austin that has a creek dipping thru it, so had to go down a long hill and back up.

Along the way I saw about 8 pickups given up on in ditches along road and of all things about 6 FJ type jeeps also walked away from and left on side of road in ditches. Plus minivans and such. Point is there were no 4runners, no tacos, no tundras, no toyota truck products among those losers, haha.

So the system worked flawlessly for me, let me travel 28 miles in ice/snow without a single slip or slide.

 

Would you rather pay $2400 for 4Lo in a GM?

 

I would rather have 4Lo than 4A, my 1st Gen Tundra has been in plenty of snow and never needed 4A.

 

I'd like both.

 

This hasn't been talked about in a while.

 

FWIW I’m coming from two Chevy trucks with auto 4WD. Drove the 2024 SR5 on muddy roads all fall for deer season, and in a huge snow storm last week. And I don’t miss the Auto 4WD one bit. Toyota’s old school 4WD system is an absolute monster in getting me through garbage conditions. Whatever Toyota is doing, it’s working

 

Full Time AWD, same as what's available on my 4Runner Limited and I believe new generation TACO Limited, should be available on e.g. Tundra Limited trim as well. I have several drivers in my family, me, my wife and my daughters and I am the only driver who understands how different drive systems work, everyone else just gets behind the wheel and drives. This is one feature I would be willing to pay extra for, or get AWD instead of panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel or some other feature I'm never going to use.

 

The real Toyota monster is the Full time 4wd system. Hi Low and Full Time.
Unfortunately its always on and there is mileage penalty. Thats a big no no for Tundra.
The towing rating would also drop and that is also another no no for the towing pissing contest with these full size trucks.
Even though most people never go anywhere close to limit on towing with their trucks.
So I don't think we will ever see it. Not enough volume with Tundra to justify.

+1

When I acquired my 4Runner Limited a few years back, I already owned my Tundra since new. Had owned 3 4Runners in the past. The Full time 4wd is the main reason I got it and its my daily driver. I won't get into Toyota Sunroofs - before all the recent mechanical problems that was and still is from reports their Achilles Heel . Terrible designs for clogging, not draning and leaking inside cabin. Tundra and 4Runner for different design reasons.

 

That's crazy talk .. heated wheel is fantastic !