Is the Prado a part-time four-wheel drive?
2 Answers
The Prado is a part-time four-wheel drive, with all models featuring this drive system. Here is an introduction to it: Part-time four-wheel drive requires the driver to manually switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The driver can choose the high or low range setting of the transfer case, meaning the drive mode is manually controlled. Here is a brief introduction to the four-wheel drive systems in vehicles: (1) The four-wheel drive systems in vehicles are divided into three main categories: on-demand four-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, and full-time four-wheel drive. (2) For full-time four-wheel drive, the vehicle is always driven by all four wheels, whether on highways or rough terrain, and whether moving straight or turning, it always maintains four-wheel drive.
Actually, the Prado can't be considered a pure part-time 4WD system. From my frequent experience in the automotive circle, the Prado's 4WD system is more like a variant of full-time 4WD. It automatically distributes driving force under normal conditions, but you can also manually switch modes for different road conditions - like using 2H for highway fuel efficiency, 4H for muddy terrain, and 4L for steep slopes. This design offers multiple advantages: it enhances off-road stability while avoiding the hassle of having to switch back to 2WD on paved roads like with part-time systems. Having driven a friend's Prado several times, I found its steering responsive and effortless, with no slipping even in rain or snow. The only caution is not to fiddle with the mode buttons carelessly - accidentally selecting 4L at high speeds could damage the transmission. Overall, the vehicle's system is thoughtfully designed, balancing both economy and adventure needs.
