DannyW
Senior Member
I think "cons" in the early days of AWD were cost, complicated repairs, and reliability. Today, I think those concerns in comparison are minimal and far outweighed by the "pros".
My Montero has both AWD and 4WD/low range in one system called Super Select. My 4WD Hi (no locked center differential) is AWD. I tow in that mode, when it's raining, or any other foul weather. When I switch from RWD to 4WD Hi on the fly, I can feel the front wheels "grip" just a bit. It handles better, is much more sure footed than in RWD mode, and there really isn't a penalty except maybe a tick of fuel mileage, but it's pretty much a bear in that category anyhow.
This writeup explains the system (Australia-style). So as far as AWD is concerned, 4H in this article w/o LC explains it. (Sounds similar to @earlthegoat2's Jeep system, I think it used to be called Quadra Trac in earlier days)
Mitsubishi Super Select 4x4
My vote is for AWD hands down. (And I wish they would still import their Pajero Sport which uses the same 4WD system today, except "fly by wire" instead of linkage control).
Side note: we passed a medium sized Nissan SUV nosed into the ditch last weekend on the way to the dump. No foul weather, driver appeared to have over corrected in the curve. It was an AWD and all 4 wheels were on the ground, but no matter what, it would not move out under it's own power, no wheel spin, tried to push, nope.
Went home, got my Montero and recovery gear, pulled him out easy-peasy, and he was on his way, after getting a phone "correction" from home for getting his wife's car in the ditch. I wonder if the Nissan CVT (transmission), just wouldn't apply power with the front end angled or lifted a bit from the ditch?
I think my 2004 Toyota 4-WD is similar to yours. I have the ability to shift into 4-WD drive LOW, but it stays in 4-WD HIGH otherwise. Not sure if this is considered AWD or 4-WD.
I have had rare occasions to go with 4-WD LOW.
Will say gas mileage sucks...around 14-15 MPG...the ONLY negative I have to say about the 2004 Toyota 4Runner. Solid car...whether it's an AWD or 4-WD.