When the going gets tough…the tough get going. I can’t tell you who first uttered these words, but I can tell you that they readily apply to Toyota’s tough 4x4 system. Whether it’s the Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia, or all-new 2025 4Runner (shameless plug) 4x4 has been a staple at Toyota since the very beginning. Did you know that one of the first Toyota’s that made its way to North America was the Land Cruiser? Corolla may be number one in sales, but the Land Cruiser got here first.

Since it’s arrival in 1964 the Land Cruiser has popularized the 4x4 market for Toyota, leading the way for the Tacoma’s and 4Runners to follow, and now we find ourselves in a place where Toyota has a market wide reputation for making some of the best 4x4s available to consumers today.

Now if I have assumed to much forgive me, if you’re not sure what I mean by 4x4 it’s not the math equation. Rather it’s the system by which the engine can power either two or all four of the wheels in a given vehicle. By utilizing a transfer case selector, the driver is able to select between a rear-wheel-drive platform and a four-wheel drive platform. This boosts the vehicle’s traction capabilities especially in rather harry off road situations. Modern Toyota 4x4 iterations even include new features such as locking and unlocking differentials or crawl controls. These are tools that when paired together give adventurers every chance to conquer any terrain.

Toyota 4x4 systems offer three choices for drivers: 4 High, 4 Low, and 2 High. These refer to four-wheel drive high, which would allow the vehicle to spin all four tires at a highway friendly speed. Four-wheel drive low, refers to a gearing that prioritizes traction over speed, and thus is only used at very limited speeds. Two-wheel high allows the vehicle to spin the rear wheels at highway speeds.

For a visual representation of how to use the 4x4 System, check out this 60 Second Clip below.