What is the difference between the Land Cruiser H4 and L4?
2 Answers
H4 stands for High-speed 4WD, while L4 stands for Low-speed 4WD. Both are terms for four-wheel drive systems, with the difference being high-speed and low-speed. Different four-wheel drive modes should be used according to different environments to help the vehicle achieve better driving performance. Below are the detailed explanations: 1. Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): "Four-Wheel Drive" refers to a vehicle that maintains four-wheel drive throughout the entire driving process. The engine's output torque is distributed to the front and rear wheels in a fixed ratio. This driving mode ensures excellent off-road and handling performance at all times, but it cannot adjust torque distribution based on road conditions and has higher fuel consumption. 2. Land Cruiser: The English name of the Land Cruiser is Land-Cruiser. In 1996, Toyota officially renamed the FJ90 model of the Land Cruiser to the Land Cruiser Prado. Since then, the Prado has become a branch model of the Land Cruiser and has gradually developed independently, now trending towards parallel development with the Land Cruiser.
In my years of experience driving off-road vehicles, I can tell you that the H4 and L4 modes are the core differences in the Land Cruiser's four-wheel drive system. H4 is high-speed four-wheel drive, suitable for city driving, highways, or snowy roads. It provides extra traction, making your drive more stable, and allows for normal speed increases without the risk of slipping like in regular mode. I often use H4 on highways during commutes or weekend trips, finding it both safe and practical. L4, on the other hand, is low-speed four-wheel drive, specifically designed for tough terrains like mountain climbing, river crossings, or muddy areas. It significantly reduces speed but increases wheel torque to help you get unstuck. However, remember not to use L4 too long on regular paved roads, as it can wear out the drivetrain or even damage the vehicle. Additionally, the Land Cruiser comes with features like differential locks. H4 combined with these is usually sufficient; only switch to L4 when facing real challenges to ensure smooth driving and prolong the vehicle's lifespan. Regularly check if these mode switches function smoothly to avoid switching errors.
