What do H4 and L4 mean in the Prado?

[IsabelleFitz]

"H4" stands for High-speed 4-wheel drive, while "L4" stands for Low-speed 4-wheel drive. High-speed 4WD is suitable for driving on gravel roads, muddy surfaces, snow, and sandy terrain, with the maximum speed generally limited to 80 km/h. Low-speed 4WD provides higher torque, making it more powerful and suitable for off-roading, climbing steep slopes, descending steep inclines, and escaping difficult situations, but it is rarely used for continuous driving. When using 4L, it's best to start in 1st gear and avoid shifting to gears higher than 2nd, while also keeping the speed relatively low. "4-wheel drive" means the vehicle maintains all four wheels driving throughout the journey, with the engine's torque distributed to the front and rear wheels at a fixed ratio. This driving mode ensures good off-road and handling performance at all times, but it cannot adjust torque distribution based on road conditions and tends to have higher fuel consumption.