What is the difference between Toyota Prado H4 and L4?

[NathanMarie]

Toyota Prado H4 and L4 differ in their driving performance. "H4" stands for High-speed Four-wheel Drive, while "L4" stands for Low-speed Four-wheel Drive. High-speed four-wheel drive is suitable for gravel roads, muddy surfaces, snow, and sandy terrain, with a maximum speed generally limited to 80 km/h. Low-speed four-wheel drive provides higher torque, making it more powerful and suitable for off-roading, climbing steep slopes, descending steep slopes, and escaping difficult situations, but it is rarely used for continuous driving. Below is an introduction to four-wheel drive systems: Full-time Four-wheel Drive: Full-time four-wheel drive means the vehicle maintains a four-wheel drive configuration throughout the entire driving process, with the engine's torque distributed to the front and rear wheels at a fixed ratio. This drive mode ensures excellent 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. On-demand Four-wheel Drive: On-demand four-wheel drive is controlled by a computer chip that switches between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. On normal road surfaces, the vehicle operates in two-wheel drive mode. When encountering off-road conditions or wheel slippage, the computer detects and automatically distributes power to the other two wheels. For part-time four-wheel drive systems, the quality of the control program affects the intelligence of the drive mode switching.

[IrisDella]

As an experienced off-road driver who has tried various SUVs, I believe the main differences between Toyota Land Cruiser's H4 and L4 modes lie in gearing and usage scenarios. H4 refers to High-range 4WD mode, designed for daily driving on paved roads or highways, providing better traction to prevent wheel slip while allowing higher speeds. L4 stands for Low-range 4WD, specifically engineered for off-road situations like steep climbs, muddy terrain, or sand dunes—it multiplies torque output for greater pulling power but restricts vehicle speed to low-range operation, such as crawling pace. The crucial point is you must switch modes when stationary; otherwise, the transmission might protest and get damaged. I've seen novices attempt mode changes while moving, resulting in system failures—costly repairs and safety hazards. In summary, H4 is the fuel-efficient and safe choice for daily use, while L4 should only be engaged when absolutely necessary—avoid overuse to ensure safety.

[StHarmony]

As an off-road enthusiast who frequently tests vehicles outdoors, the H4 mode in my Land Cruiser is my go-to for regular driving. I engage it on paved roads or during rain and snow for stable wheel linkage without drifting. However, L4 is an essential weapon for off-roading. Once while climbing a mountain, I switched to L4, and the torque instantly increased, allowing me to easily conquer steep slopes, though the speed was limited to a slow crawl. The core difference lies in the gear ratios: H4 has less gear reduction, offering more speed flexibility, while L4 has greater gear reduction, multiplying torque, but the engine sound deepens as a reminder to proceed slowly. Shifting must be done in a stopped state with the gear in neutral or the clutch depressed to avoid component wear. I recommend owners switch flexibly based on road conditions—use H4 on highways and L4 only for off-roading—to ensure the vehicle remains durable and reliable.

[DiMicah]

As a regular commuter driving the Prado to work, I keep the H4 mode on almost all day. It provides stable performance on city roads or highways, making driving effortless and fuel-efficient. I rarely use the L4 mode, only occasionally activating it when returning to my hometown for muddy or snowy roads. The L4 low-speed mode offers strong torque for getting unstuck but isn't designed for speed. The main differences lie in speed and purpose: H4 is suitable for high-speed daily commuting, while L4 is specifically designed for harsh conditions and should be used slowly. Remember to stop, engage the parking brake before switching modes to avoid damage. Don't mistake H4 and L4 for automatic switching - you need to manually select each time, otherwise trouble might come knocking.