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Toyota’s pickup trucks–both its midsize Tacoma and full-size Tundra–are renowned for their ability off-road. One of the ways the automaker achieves this is by sticking with tried-and-true technology, such as a 4WD powertrain with a traditional transfer case. For this reason, Toyota’s truck is one of the only pickups not available with full-time 4WD or AWD at any trim level.

Does Toyota’s truck have all-wheel drive?

You can only order the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra with 2WD or traditional, part-time 4WD. In fact, while the Ford Raptor and Ram TRX feature full-time 4WD, Toyota has stuck with a traditional transfer case even for its Tundra TRD Pro.

Closeup of a driver's hand spinning the MTS knob on a Toyota pickup truck.
2022 Toyota Tundra MTS knob | Toyota

That is not the only traditional aspect of Toyota’s 4×4 powertrain. You can also order the Tundra and Tacoma with a locking differential–a standard option on the TRD Pro trim level. This is an option prized by many off-roaders. But reviewers point out that Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select software is so good at using the brakes to prevent wheelspin, that the locker is barely needed.

Even though both the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma trucks have traditional 2WD/4hi/4lo transfer cases, they do not have a traditional transfer case shift lever like trucks of yesteryear. The current Toyota Tacoma has a 2WD/4hi/4lo shift knob on its dashboard. The current Toyota Tundra has a switch on its center console.

Learn more about the difference of AWD vs 4WD.

Does Toyota’s truck have full-time 4WD?

Full-time 4WD is different than AWD because it offers a Hi/Lo transfer case–just now 2WD mode. Toyota does not offer any trucks, even TRD Pro trim levels, with full-time 4WD. Every 4WD Toyota truck offers a traditional 2WD/4Lo/4Hi transfer case.

The grille of a Toyota Tundra TRD Pro 4WD pickup truck as it crests a hill on an off-road trail.

Full-time 4WD is less a technical term and more a marketing term. As American automakers began offering off-roaders without a 2WD mode, such as the F-150 Raptor and Ram 1500 TRX, they were hesitant to advertise these drivetrains as AWD. Perhaps this is because American 4×4 fans distrust AWD systems. Several manufacturers settled on full-time 4WD.

No vehicle advertised as a full-time 4WD doesn’t have a two-speed transfer case. But unlike traditional 2WD/4Lo/4Hi transfer cases, these systems can’t lock the front and rear axles together, but must instead include a center differential like an AWD system.

Not everyone uses the “full-time 4WD” branding. Some automakers, such as Land Rover, build “AWD” off-roaders with a Hi/Lo transfer case and no 2WD setting.

Learn more about the difference between full-time 4WD vs AWD.

Which Toyotas offer AWD?

Toyota builds many crossovers and cars with AWD. This includes its third-row Highlander, RAV4, and electric bZ4X. Toyota does not offer any of its full-frame SUVs with AWD: the Toyota 4Runner and Sequoia both share their drivetrain with a Toyota truck and thus have traditional transfer cases.

A convoy of Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks using their 4WD to off-road through the snow, mountains visible in the background.
Toyota Tacomas | Katie Musial via Unsplash

Here is every 4WD Toyota offers in 2023: Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Sienna, Corolla Cross, RAV4, Camry, Venza, and the bZ4X electric vehicle. Check out Toyota’s hybrid SUV lineup.

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Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.