What gear should my 4Runner be in?

For everyday driving, stay in 2WD. Switch to 4WD High when you’re dealing with snow, ice, mud, or loose surfaces, and use 4WD Low for slow, technical off-road work or extreme conditions. Avoid using 4WD High on dry pavement to prevent drivetrain binding.

Understanding the gear options

The Toyota 4Runner typically uses a part-time transfer case with three main settings: 2WD (2H), 4WD High (4H), and 4WD Low (4L). The exact operation can vary by generation and model year, so always verify with your owner's manual for your specific vehicle.

On-road and light-weather driving

Use this list when conditions are normal on paved roads or only mildly challenging due to weather.

• 2WD (2H) — Use on dry, paved roads for the best fuel economy and smooth handling. No front-wheel engagement.


• 4WD High (4H) — Engage when traction is reduced but you’re still moving at moderate speeds (e.g., light snow, slush, wet pavement, gravel). Provides equal torque to front and rear axles with a fixed high-range gear; do not use on dry pavement unless you’re in a condition where traction is consistently uncertain and advised by the manual.

Engaging 4WD High on dry pavement can cause drivetrain binding and should be avoided unless your manual explicitly allows it for specific road conditions. In light-weather scenarios, 2WD is generally the preferred setting for efficiency and maintenance.

Off-road and low-speed terrain

Use this list for challenging off-road surfaces where you need maximum torque and control at low speeds.

• 4WD Low (4L) — Use for steep climbs or descents, deep mud or sand, rock crawling, or technically demanding off-road obstacles. It multiplies torque and keeps speeds very low for precise control. Engage at very low speeds and follow the manual’s instructions for any required gear selection or throttle input.

4L is designed for slow-speed, high-torque situations. Do not use 4L for regular highway driving or high-speed travel, as it can damage the drivetrain and tires if used improperly.

Notes on model variations and best practices

Most 4Runner models rely on a part-time transfer case without a true “Auto” 4WD mode. Some special editions or regional variants may offer different configurations, but the standard approach remains 2WD, 4WD High, and 4WD Low. If your vehicle has additional modes (such as a center-differential lock or electronic aids), consult the owner’s manual to understand their proper use and limitations.

As a precaution, practice engaging and disengaging these settings in safe conditions before you need them in poor weather or rough terrain. If you’re unsure about your specific year and trim, a quick check with the dealer or the official Toyota manual will confirm the correct usage for your exact model.

Summary

In short: drive in 2WD on dry pavement; switch to 4WD High when traction is reduced but you’re moving at moderate speeds (snow, ice, mud, gravel); use 4WD Low for slow, technical off-road work or extreme conditions. Avoid 4WD High on dry pavement, and always refer to your owner's manual for model-specific guidance. With proper use, you’ll optimize safety, control, and efficiency in a variety of terrains.

When to use 4H and 4L 4Runner?

When To Use 4H and 4L?

1. Use 4H for slippery Irvine roads where you need traction without slowing down.
2. Use 4L for slow, technical driving where maximum power is essential.
3. Avoid using 4WD on dry pavement—it can cause drivetrain damage.

How do I know what gear I should be in?

To know what gear to be in, use the tachometer or the sound of the engine as your primary guides. For normal driving, shift up around 2,000 RPM, listening for a high-pitched roar to signal the need to shift up, and a low-pitched grumble to indicate it's time to shift down. You can also use a rough guide based on speed: first gear is for starting, second for low speeds (around 10-20 mph), third for medium speeds (around 20-35 mph), and higher gears for faster driving. 
This video explains how to use a tachometer to decide when to change gears: 59sConquer DrivingYouTube · Jan 27, 2020
Using the tachometer

• Shift up: A good guideline for normal driving is to shift up when the RPMs reach around 2,000. 
• Shift down: Downshift when the RPMs drop below 1,500 to avoid stalling. 
• Accelerating quickly: Shift up at a higher RPM (around 4,000) for faster acceleration, like when merging onto a highway. 
• For economy: Shift at a lower RPM (around 2,000) for relaxed and fuel-efficient driving. 

Using the engine sound and feel

• Shift up: When the engine starts to make a high-pitched "roar," it's time to shift to a higher gear. 
• Shift down: When the engine sounds like it's struggling with a low, deep "grumble," you need to shift down to a lower gear. 
• Vibration: If you feel the car vibrating or juddering, it likely means you need to downshift. 

This video demonstrates how engine sound can indicate what gear you should be in: 0:43drivingtesttipsTikTok · Dec 4, 2023
Using speed as a rough guide 

• First gear: Use when starting from a complete stop. 
• Second gear: Around 10-20 mph. 
• Third gear: Around 20-35 mph. 
• Fourth gear: Around 35-50 mph. 
• Fifth gear and above: For speeds above 45-50 mph, use higher gears for highway driving. 
• Turns: Second gear is often a good gear for most turns, but use first gear for sharp or blind turns to have more control. 
• Downhills: Use a lower gear (like second or first) to use engine braking and prevent your brakes from overheating. 

What does H2, H4, and L4 mean in 4Runner?

Say welcome to the Toyota 4Runner's Shift Lever Transfer Case. The 4Runner Trail Grade includes a lever that shifts the transfer case between two-wheel drive high (H2), four-wheel drive high (H4), and four-wheel drive low ranges( L4). You can change from H2 to H4 when traveling at speeds less than 50 miles per hour.

Should I use 4Hi or 4Lo for snow 4Runner?

H4 or 4WD is ideal for fire roads, wet roads or light snow and can be shifted while driving up to maximum of 45 mph. 4LO is ideal for mud terrain, heavy snow, rocky terrain. 4LO should only be used at a maximum of 25mph. 4LO can only be engaged while the vehicle is at a stop and in neutral.