Do You Need 4 Wheel Drive To Overland? (2wd vs 4wd)

How do you even overland? Do you need a 4 wheel drive truck? In this video lets test out the 2019 Toyota Tacoma 2 wheel drive TRD Off Road.

Overlanding is all the hype right now, its awesome that so many people want to explore the outdoors and escape the city life on the weekends or for long periods of time.

I just want to encourage people to not worry so much about your vehicle but the experience of exploring the world in whatever vehicle you can access. You don't need a brand new TRD Pro Tacoma to go off road and explore the world.

So don't buy into the instagram lifestyle, just get out there and explore the trails and outdoor in whatever vehicle! Just bring your supplies!

Two-wheel drive and overlanding in the Toyota Tacoma offer unique perspectives on exploring the great outdoors. While many associate overlanding with four-wheel drive vehicles, the Tacoma's two-wheel drive variant proves that off-grid adventures are still within reach. With its rugged build and capable suspension, the Tacoma excels in traversing various terrains, even without the added traction of four-wheel drive. Its lightweight design and nimble handling make it a versatile option for those seeking thrilling off-road experiences while still enjoying the comforts of a capable midsize truck. Whether embarking on remote camping trips or tackling dirt trails, the Tacoma's two-wheel drive configuration provides an opportunity to embrace overlanding without the added complexity and costs associated with a four-wheel drive system.

Embracing the spirit of overlanding in a two-wheel drive Tacoma comes with certain considerations. While it may lack the enhanced traction and crawling capabilities of its four-wheel drive counterpart, the Tacoma's ample ground clearance, sturdy frame, and robust suspension allow it to tackle moderate off-road challenges. Careful route planning, tire selection, and driving techniques become crucial to navigate more challenging terrains successfully. Two-wheel drive overlanding in the Tacoma opens up a world of possibilities, as it encourages adventurers to find alternative routes and discover the beauty of less-traveled paths. With the right mindset and preparation, a two-wheel drive Tacoma can embark on memorable overland journeys, proving that the joy of exploring the great outdoors can be experienced in various ways, irrespective of the number of driven wheels.

[jaylee]

I grew up in eastern Kentucky, in the foothills of the appalacian mountains. My first truck was a 85' Ranger that was two wheel drive. I took that truck everywhere.

[andrewfehrsen]

Diff lock, clearance, good tyres and skill - pretty much all you need for 98% of trails

[xDzFIFA]

To everyone here comparing overland and off-roading vehicles... there is a difference. Overlanding is about exploration and getting to destinations. Off-roading is about going through rough terrain and conquering hard obstacles. You don't need 4wd to overland, but you will need 4wd to do off-roading. They are two completely different types of hobbies.

[gabesantiesteban]

I have seen other overlanding vehicles on trails with their 4wd lifted vehicles and then see a stock subaru on the same trail. Its hilarious.

[tundrasever]

All you need is a rear locker for almost anything! Good set of tires. Lower the psi and away you go! Well said. Been doing it on my pre runner which only has rear locker. Zero issues

[ajohn]

Man I’m happy for the explanation. I’ve been wanting to start this hobby/lifestyle with my son and build a Tacoma but was unsure if I needed a 4WD or if a 2WD will be okay. Thanks man

[JeffreyWillis]

You made that hill at 7:50 or so look too easy. Dang, now I feel much more confident in what my 2wd 2017 4runner can do. Thanks man! People just think only their 4wd vehicle can handle stuff so they can justify their added price.

[pbc_]

I have an 07 4runner 2wd and got a lot of grief from my 4wd friends. Well, I've kept up with all of them and their trail rides.

[justindunn]

Couldn’t agree more, I have a 2wd ranger and am able to go on most the trails in the IE

[NK-vwms]

Love this video. Overlanding has become more about the tool than the journey lately.

[crv]

Thanks for posting--key point about 2WD, with good tires, careful driving and no rock crawling you can do a lot.

[mathematicus]

Thank you for making the video. I have been debating between 4wd and 2wd for a while and this is the most convincing info. Thanks!

[JeffreyWillis]

I need to learn more about locking the rear differential, particularly on a 2wd 4runner.

[dreadedjay]

Here in Michigan, we come across tons of mud, sand and obviously snow. Michigan is filled with hills(which are really dunes most of the time) and 4wd comes in VERY handy in the trails. That being said, with careful driving, 4wd still won't be needed very often unless you're in thick mud, quite deep snow/snowy hills or in sand. Michigan drivers handle 95% of snow pretty much fine in any vehicle though. We all have years of practice under our belts.

[octane]

I'm amazed you did all that on stock tires and stock ride height I had a chance to get 2019 4x4 with 40K miles but it had some use, I ended up getting a 2020 off road 2WD with 20k miles very clean leased truck garage kept. I wanted a 4x4 but ended up getting a 2WD since its also a daily driver.

[neilsade]

2WD frontier desert runner here. Go wheeling all the time. Big mudders, lift, giant tool box over axle. She goes, often making someone mad because they had to use 4wd.

[Wolfwdadventures.]

Just proves you don't need 4wd most of the time...
Good A/T tyres, suspension height and a locker goes a long way... Great video.

[MikeRubin]

If anyone is wondering what trail this is. It looks like Silverado Canyon off maple springs road.

[nwyetiphotography]

Great video! I own a 06 Nissan Titan 4x4 with the offroad package and a 02 Ford F250 Superduty 4x2 with a limited slip rear axle. The Titan is my daily driver and I rarely use the 4wd here in northwest Oregon except for when we get freezing rain which is usually in February and March. I use the F250 to haul our RV to Montana and Wyoming every spring, along with traveling on snow covered and heavily mudded Forest Service roads looking for wildlife to photograph and have never gotten stuck. I run all terrain tires on all four wheels and have tire chains if I ever need them. Being near 60 years old now I can say that when everyone says that you need 4wd for the backcountry or driving offroad is completely B.S.!!! Back in the 60s, 70s, 80s and beginning of the 1990s very few people had four wheels drives. Back then people weren’t stupid enough to go where tanks could and if we had to we’d get a horse. Many people went camping in their cars (sedans and station wagons) and pulled their travel trailers with those cars. So if Americans have been “overlanding” for 60 or so years with 2wd cars and pickup trucks, why does everyone need a “jacked up” 4x truck, jeep or SUV (crossover) with humongous tires with rear and front lockers to drive down a backcountry Because it’s a status symbol and it makes them look cool. But there are a few roads in between that you need a four wheel drive with high clearance but like you said, for most forest roads you can get by with a 2wd. Nice truck by the way!

[cooloffroadtrucks]

My previous truck was a 4wd my current one is 2wd. When I owned my 4wd I only had one time I needed 4wd and that was because I turned around in a gravel pit other then that I only used it to keep it from locking up from non use. Would I like 4wd yes totally but do I need it? No not at all