How to use the four-wheel drive on the Prado?
2 Answers
The method to use the four-wheel drive on the Prado is: 1. Select the H4F full-time four-wheel drive mode button on the center console, and the engine power will be distributed as 40% to the front and 60% to the rear; 2. When encountering complex road conditions, choose the H4L high-speed four-wheel drive lock mode, where the front and rear drives are consistent. Taking the 2019 Prado as an example, it belongs to the mid-size SUV category, with body dimensions of: length 4840mm, width 1885mm, height 1890mm, wheelbase of 2790mm, and a fuel tank capacity of 87L. The 2019 Prado is equipped with a 3.5L naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum horsepower of 280PS, maximum power of 206kW, maximum torque of 365Nm, and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
I've been using this Prado for five years, and the four-wheel drive system is quite straightforward to operate. For regular city driving, I keep it in rear-wheel 2H mode for better fuel efficiency and smoothness. When encountering slippery conditions like rain or ice, I switch to high-range 4WD (4H) for improved stability. During off-road trips when facing muddy terrain, potholes, or steep climbs, I engage low-range 4WD (4L) to maximize torque output for better obstacle clearance. Key points to remember when switching: the vehicle must be stationary or moving very slowly, preferably in neutral. Never use 4L on paved roads to avoid differential damage. Last time in the mountains, I forgot to disengage 4L and only noticed something wrong when driving on the highway. Overall, the Prado's 4WD system is reliable but requires regular maintenance as per the manual to prevent system seizure. Learning to assess road conditions before switching makes it both safe and efficient.
