How to Use the 4WD System on the Prado 2700?

[LeRiver]

The Prado 2700 features three 4WD modes: H4F with the center differential unlocked, H4L (high-speed 4WD) with the center differential locked, and L4L (low-speed 4WD) with the center differential locked. Below is an introduction to these three 4WD modes: 1. Use H4F for urban roads and generally for dirt roads as well. 2. H4L is only used for extremely muddy or difficult terrain. 3. L4L is used when stuck or climbing steep slopes. When switching between H4L and L4L modes, note the following: 1. For manual transmission models: Depress the clutch pedal and stop the vehicle or maintain a speed below 5 km/h. 2. For automatic transmission models: Stop the vehicle, apply the brakes, and shift the transmission to 'N' first. This function can be used in combination with the transmission's L gear for extreme off-road or recovery situations. 3. The four transmission gears in full-time 4WD mode (H4F): D gear for daily driving, 3 gear for overtaking and acceleration, 2 gear for aggressive overtaking, hill climbing, off-road use, and acceleration, and L gear for high-altitude hill climbing, recovery, extreme off-road, and water fording.

[DelOscar]

As a long-time owner of a Prado 2700, I've accumulated five years of off-road driving experience. For daily city driving, the 2WD H2 mode is sufficient—the transfer case doesn't engage in this setting, making the drive both fuel-efficient and quiet. When encountering mud or steep slopes requiring 4WD, remember these three key steps: first, come to a complete stop, press the brake and shift to neutral, then turn the silver dial on the center console to H4 (high-range 4WD). For very steep inclines, switch to L4 (low-range 4WD), where the transmission amplifies torque for powerful climbing. A crucial reminder: never engage 4WD on paved roads, as this can damage the transfer case and differentials. If stuck in mud, after switching to 4WD, press the central differential lock button—a green lock icon will illuminate on the dashboard. I always move the vehicle slightly back and forth to confirm the mode has engaged successfully. Additionally, transfer case oil should be replaced every 20,000 km to prevent rough gear shifts.

[MichaelFitz]

When driving a Prado 2700 on the Sichuan-Tibet route, I figured out a simple yet practical set of 4WD operation rules. On normal roads, always keep it in H2 (2WD). If wheel slippage occurs, switch to H4 (high-range 4WD), but you must follow the correct procedure: stop the vehicle and shift to neutral first—forcing a switch while driving can damage the gearset. For steep gravel slopes, shift to L4 (low-range 4WD), and the dashboard will display the low-range 4WD indicator. At this point, steering will feel noticeably heavier, but the power output can reach 2.48 times the normal level. It’s very useful for winter snow and ice conditions, but I found that once speeds exceed 60 km/h, you should switch back to H2 to avoid overloading the steering system. Those who’ve upgraded to AT tires should be extra cautious—wider tires increase the transfer case’s cooling burden, so avoid continuous 4WD use for more than 3 hours. Also, don’t engage the differential lock unnecessarily; only activate the center locking function when diagonal wheels lose traction.

[DeOwen]

When I first got my Prado and studied the manual, I learned that the 2700's part-time 4WD system has three modes. The knob on the left side of the steering wheel is the control hub: normally set to H2 for rear-wheel drive, with fuel consumption around 11L. In rain or snow, switch to H4 for full-time 4WD, which instantly improves traction but increases fuel consumption to 14L. For climbing or towing, use L4 low gear—the tachometer will run higher but torque is significantly stronger. A crucial note: shifting must be done with the vehicle stationary and in neutral. Forcing a shift will produce audible gear grinding. After using 4WD, remember to switch back to H2 promptly, otherwise the steering will noticeably stiffen. Last time I got stuck in sand, I forgot to engage the differential lock—later the manual showed me to press the ×-marked button on the console to rigidly connect the axles.