Why are tacomas RWD?

Tacomas are offered in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The RWD setup is lighter, simpler, and typically cheaper, which is why many buyers opt for 2WD; 4WD adds off-road and poor-weather capability. This article explains what that means for Tacoma owners and how to decide between the two configurations.

What does RWD mean for a Tacoma?

In a rear-wheel-drive Tacoma, the engine’s power is sent to the rear axle via a driveshaft, while the front wheels handle steering but are not driven. This arrangement reduces weight and drivetrain complexity, which can improve efficiency and payload. Toyota offers both 2WD (RWD) and 4WD variants so buyers can choose based on budget and how they plan to use the truck.

Here are the main characteristics that distinguish RWD Tacomas from their 4WD siblings:

• Lower base price on 2WD trims due to fewer components and simpler drivetrain


• Better efficiency and slightly higher payload potential because of lighter weight


• Fewer drivetrain components, which can translate to lower maintenance costs


• On-road handling is straightforward, with traction controlled by the tires and road conditions


• Off-road performance is reduced compared to 4WD; traction in snow, mud, and steep grades benefits from 4WD

In practice, most buyers who need genuine off-road capability, heavy snow driving, or challenging terrain gravitate toward 4WD variants. For urban or highway use with modest hauling, 2WD Tacomas deliver adequate capability at a lower cost.

How 4WD fits into the Tacoma lineup

Four-wheel drive on the Tacoma uses a transfer case to send torque to both axles. In many markets, 4WD is available on most mid- to high-trim levels and is paired with a two-speed transfer case, sometimes offering a low-range gearing for difficult terrain. It adds weight and cost but provides traction advantages in adverse conditions.

Key considerations when evaluating 4WD Tacomas:

• Enhanced traction in snow, mud, sand, and steep trails


• Ability to drive in low-traction terrain thanks to 4WD torque distribution


• Increased weight and drivetrain complexity that can slightly reduce payload and fuel economy


• Higher upfront price and potential maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle

For buyers in regions with harsh winters, backcountry adventures, or frequent off-road use, 4WD is often worth the investment. For city driving with occasional light-duty tasks, 2WD offers a more economical choice.

Trim and market variations

In the United States and Canada, Toyota typically offers 2WD and 4WD configurations across several Tacoma trims, with 4WD more common on the sportier or off-road oriented lines (for example, TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro). Other markets may have different availability; some regions emphasize 4x4 as standard or near-standard on most pickups, while others offer 2WD as the baseline option. Always check the exact specifications for the model year and market you’re considering.

Summary

Takeaway: Tacomas are not exclusively RWD; they are offered in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The RWD option provides a lighter, cheaper, and efficient package for on-road use and light towing, while 4WD adds off-road traction and capability for challenging terrain or winter conditions. Your choice should match your climate, terrain, and planned usage, balancing cost, payload, and capability.

What year to stay away from Tacoma?

The Toyota Tacoma years to avoid include 2006, 2009, 2016, 2017, and 2019 due to issues like frame rust, transmission problems, and engine issues. Other problematic years include 2005, 2007, and 2012, which also have known issues.
 
This video explains the Toyota Tacoma models to avoid: 39sShifting LanesYouTube · Oct 6, 2021
Second Generation (2005–2015) 

• 2005–2010: Prone to significant frame rust due to poor drainage, which can lead to costly repairs or replacement. 
• 2006: Suffers from frame rust, and has transmission issues such as slipping and hard shifting. 
• 2007: Experienced a spike in complaints related to body, engine, and drivetrain issues. 
• 2009: Had numerous complaints about the radio, and also featured frame rust issues. 
• 2012: Saw an increase in engine stalling and hesitation, and issues with the electronic stability control system. 
• 2015: Had a spike in complaints about transmission failures and faulty drivetrain components. 

Third Generation (2016–Present) 

• 2016: The first model year of the third generation, it has the most complaints, including transmission problems (rough shifting, slipping), engine issues (stalling, oil consumption), and infotainment system glitches. 
• 2017: Continues with transmission problems, rough and noisy steering, and issues with interior material quality. 
• 2019: Reports of sluggish and clunky transmissions with jerking and vibrating, and safety recalls for fuel pump issues. 

Do any tacomas have AWD?

No, Tacomas are not AWD; they are equipped with four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems that can be manually engaged for off-road or slippery conditions, unlike AWD which is typically automatic and always-on. Tacomas are available with rear-wheel drive (2WD) or part-time 4WD systems, and certain high-end models (like the Limited hybrid) have a full-time 4WD option. The 4WD system allows drivers to choose between 2WD, 4-high, and 4-low modes for different driving needs. 
Tacoma drive systems

• 2WD (Two-Wheel Drive): The standard drive mode for most driving on dry pavement. 
• Part-time 4WD: Available on many models, this is engaged when extra traction is needed on surfaces like snow, mud, or trails. 
  • 4-High: Used for slippery roads or loose surfaces. 
  • 4-Low: Used for slow-speed, high-traction situations, like climbing steep hills or getting unstuck from mud. 
• Full-time 4WD: Available on specific models like the Limited trim with the i-FORCE MAX engine, this system automatically sends power to all four wheels as needed without driver intervention. 

Key differences between AWD and 4WD

• All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Typically always-on or automatically engaged by the vehicle's computer to provide traction on all surfaces. It is designed for use on dry pavement and slippery roads. 
• Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): A system that requires the driver to manually select a driving mode (2WD or 4WD). Part-time 4WD systems should not be used on dry pavement, as it can cause drivetrain binding and excessive wear. 

Are there FWD tacomas?

No, Tacomas are not front-wheel drive; they are rear-wheel drive (RWD) in their standard configuration, and four-wheel drive (4WD) is an option. When a 4WD model is engaged in 2WD mode, it operates as a rear-wheel drive vehicle. 

• Standard configuration: Tacomas are built on a rear-wheel drive platform. 
• 4WD models: On 4WD Tacomas, the system defaults to RWD for better fuel efficiency during normal driving conditions. Power is sent to the front wheels only when 4-high or 4-low is manually engaged for situations like low-traction road surfaces or off-roading. 
• RWD vs. 4WD: You can choose to purchase a Tacoma with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. If you have a 4WD model, it will still function as a rear-wheel drive vehicle when you are not using the four-wheel drive system. 

Is a trd off road always 4x4?

Is TRD Off-Road a 4×4? The Tacoma TRD Off-Road is a 4×4, however, don't be fooled. You must opt for the 4-wheel drive (4WD), otherwise, the “Off-Road” following TRD is meaningless as far as off-road capability goes.