Which Toyotas have locking differentials?
Locking differentials are not universal across Toyota’s lineup. In North America, they appear on a couple of off‑road trims, while globally several models offer front and/or rear lockers depending on market and year. In short: if you’re shopping for a Toyota with a locker, you’ll generally look at off‑road variants of trucks and dedicated SUVs.
Locking diffs are devices that physically lock the axle(s) so both wheels on an axle spin together, which helps traction in low-traction conditions. They come in various forms—electronic locking differentials (ELD) and mechanical/front/rear lockers—and are often paired with other off‑road technologies. Availability varies by model year, region, and trim level, so always confirm the exact configuration with a dealer for a specific vehicle.
Current North American models with locking differentials
In the United States and Canada, the best‑known Toyotas with factory locking differentials today are found on two 4x4‑oriented nameplates. Here are the primary examples you’ll encounter in North America:
- Tacoma — Electronic Locking Rear Differential (ELD) available on TRD Off‑Road and TRD Pro trims.
- 4Runner — Electronic Locking Rear Differential on TRD Off‑Road and TRD Pro trims.
These lockers are tied to off‑road packages and are not offered on base or mid‑grade configurations. If you’re shopping used, verify the trim and model year to confirm the presence of a locker.
Global/off-road lineups with locking differentials
Beyond North America, several Toyota models—often in 4x4 variants or higher trims—offer locking differentials. Availability varies by market, but lockers are common on a number of global platforms that emphasize off‑road capability:
- Hilux — Many 4x4 variants include a rear locking differential; some markets also offer a front locker on select trims.
- Fortuner — Higher 4x4 trims frequently provide a rear differential lock; front locking capability may appear in certain markets.
- Prado — A rear locking differential is common on many trims, with front locker available on some configurations.
- Land Cruiser 70/79 Series — Widely equipped with front and rear differential locks in 4x4 variants, a staple of global off‑roading.
- FJ Cruiser (discontinued) — Historically offered with a rear differential lock on many trims; remains present in some used markets where applicable.
As always, exact availability depends on the country, model year, and trim package. For any given vehicle, the presence of a locker should be confirmed with the regional Toyota site or a local dealer.
Summary
Locking differentials are not standard across Toyota’s entire lineup. They are concentrated on off‑road‑focused trims and regional variants. In North America, the Tacoma and 4Runner are the primary current models with factory lockers on specific trims, while globally, Hilux, Fortuner, Prado, and the Land Cruiser family commonly offer front and/or rear lockers in various markets. Always check the exact specifications for your market and model year.
