How truly capable are our TRD off-road 2wd's?!

Just thought I'd ask about people's opinions and reviews about the new generation Tundra TRD 2wd versions when it comes to how they handle rain? How they handle snow? How they handle ice? and how they handle mixed off-road use in different situations?
How truly capable are these TRD 2wd Tundras??? Want to hear from owners and this community that knows these trucks so well and honest reviews please.
We just got a 2019 Tundra TRD off road 2wd Crewmax and absolutely love the truck thus far!
I opted for the TRD 2wd over the 4wd bc I feel the weight reduction would provide a tiny but better gas MPG (2-3), and handles better being lighter by over 500 lbs. and light footed almost when test-driving them, towing package in TRD 2wd was said better to a certain degree, and I've heard from some owners that the TRD off road 2wd versions traction features and auto LSD handle so much more than people realize (like the prerunner tacomas debut to a certain degree).
Thanks for any insight and reviews!

 

Nice truck! I didn’t know they still made the trd off-road in 2wd anymore.
I have a 2wd myself, the auto lsd does work great I think. I haven’t been stuck or anything with it. But I also don’t test the limits.

But that being said... if you hang out around these forums long enough you’ll be wishing you had went with the 4wd.

 

Well I've had mine now for 10 yrs....its been in heavy rain, some snow with cables and chains, has been in the dunes with a 28 ft trailer and absolutely no issues, California city desert as well, so far so good many Mods but nothing very expensive, my mpg dropped drastically when I went from 265 70 18 to 295 70 18 Nitto Ridge Grapplers, but absolutely love the look of the truck

 

That's awesome and very encouraging. Pics of your rig?

 

My 2018 is 2wd, TRD Off-Road. Lots of goodies come with the TRD package that I really like including the Bilstein shock set. I chose 2wd because I have no use for 4wd, also get much better MPG and tighter turning radius let alone less maintenance and vehicle weight.

I rarely go off road anymore so I can't comment on how it works off the pavement.

Dan

 

Awesome looking Tundra Rica25! Love the setup.

 

Thanks but I would like better shock set up

 

Not much difference on pavement. But once you get off pavement... huge difference. Huge. You can’t get through any serious snow or mud in 2wd, especially with stock tires. Also on anything tougher than easy fire roads. We usually start our trails in 2wd and see how far we can go before having to go into 4wd. We rarely last 5-10 minutes. But that’s usually on pretty tough trails.

 

With highway tires and an empty bed, be really cautious where you take your truck. Soft wet ground with grass, and the rear wheels will not be able to push the truck. Snow, wet snow, with some ice and some incline very risky. I remember some members have posted years ago that a mini van was able to drive on a snow covered road with some incline. He's really pissed. I told him that's because the mini van is front wheel drive and most weight is on the drive wheels.
I used to have a 4x2 reg cab 5.7L. I played with it on muddy ground. Weight on the bed is a big help. I had 500lbs or so sand bags. Helped big time. If terrain is uneven, you may only have 1 wheel drive. It gets pretty violent when the LSD kicks in. Just remember to let the wheel spin for a few seconds for the computer to react accordingly. Another thing to keep in mind in slippery surfaces, 4x2's may not be able to steer, since no power on the front tires to pull the truck.

Now, with my 4x4 Crewmax, on 4 hi, smooth as butter. Effortless. I still have weight on bed about 400 lbs. I have Hankook AT tires in stock size.

 

I can’t get mine out of my driveway in 2wd when there’s a few inches of snow on the ground. So there’s that.

When I lived in Santa Rosa, CA I didn’t need a 4x4.

So, it depends.

 

I had a taco o/r with a locker. Little truck is a beast. However, I bought the tundy with 4x4. I don't do any off roading anymore but it might come in handy at the boat ramp. Like others have said better to have than not. But if you don't I wouldn't worry too much a good set of tires will help.

 

2wd tundras are pavement princess’s 4x4’s are pavement princess’s too who like it rough

 

The person behind the wheel is the deciding factor IMO

 

Not quite...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMHSBXjiyac

 

Real world example of two 1st Gens in 6” of snow. Neighbor has 2wd only and cannot get out of a flat driveway onto the street and gets stuck at curb. My 4wd floats like a butterfly over same situation, then stings like bee when needed.

 

One of the funnest looking purpose built sand vehicles I ever experienced was a 1974 2wd VW Bug. Big tires in back. Pizza cutters up front.

 

Yeah but they have lockers and they hit the tough sections at 80+ LOL stock suspension isn’t built to take anything fast. Put a long travel kit on it then you’re talking!

 

Horrible for street use hahaha

 

Nothing! Except I don’t think our trucks would survive.

 

Yeah I felt like a total badass hitting some small whoops at 40. I was showing my wife why it was worth it to put pro suspension on my truck. Once I was taking her down a trail and we were going really slow so that it would be smooth and we can enjoy the scenery. Then I stepped it up to show her how much smoother it is when you go fast! She didn’t like it.

 

I think mine only goes because she knows I like it. She likes the scenery but not getting bounced around. I’ve taken her up some nasty steep hill climbs and she thinks we’re going to flip over backwards. Oh honey...
Hey at least she’s down to go. Also it keeps me from getting out of hand. I’m known to get in the zone. I’m a rider at heart. I love the focus and sort of tunnel vision you get.

 

Nice, thanks for everyone's input and advice! Was more looking for tundra owners who have TRD off road 2wds and have pushed them to their limits in all of these situations to see how capable they are as opposed to all the die hard 4wd tundra owners on here although I still respect what you guys have to say.

 

@dragos28 Used to have a 2x. He wheeled the crap out of that thing.

 

I don't put mine on 4wd until I really really really have to.

I put mine in 4wd when I see rocks, mud, snow, soft sand and when I know i'm not going to be on all 4 wheels. Even then really its for preventative measures. I hate getting stuck. Other than that I'm on 2wd.

The die hard 4wd guys are actually the best ones to ask in my opinion.

 

@Sunnier ... She can do everything in the 2wd

 

Yeah but now she bought her self a 4 x 4!

 

I’m very much the same way. Although I like exercising the 4 x 4 system so sometimes I’m just in it to be in it LOL