4x4 vs 4x2

[flwildcat]

Hi all - newb here - 2nd post. I thought I had a good deal on a lightly used '07 LTZ the other day but it turned a little fishy and I backed out (it appeared to be online fraud).

Anyway, I'm back to square 1 scouring the market for a good deal on an '07 LTZ. My question is this - is there a significant difference in ride, gas mileage, and/or reliability between the 4x4 and 2WD models? I might have occasional use for the 4x4 but nothing hardcore. I live in FL so snow isn't a concern but I like the idea of having a 4x4 for beaches and the occasional muddy shortcut. Is it worth it?

Thanks for your input.

 

[LAP TOP GAMER]

The ride shouldn't be effected whether 2 or 4X4 unless you get the Z71 suspension as it might be a tad bit tighter, honestly living in Florida the 4X4 will hardly ever get used, so I 'm not sure it would matter.

 

[tracon]

I live in SC and while we do not get any snow here along the coast we do get a lot of rain. I had a 04 VW touareg that was 4x4 and never had any problems with the deep pools of water or any loss of traction. When I went to get a new car I knew that I wanted a 4x4. When its rains I put the trany in auto and go with no worry of lossing control. I have seen many 2x4 slip sliding away when it rains. Most of the time I drive in 2x4 mode and avg around 17 mpg. Hope this helps.

 

[CobraKai]

Mileage will be a tad worse than the 4x2s due to the heavier weight (and will be significantly lower during the time you have 4x4 engaged). Reliability should be the same, although repair costs can be higher on the 4x4. Ride should be the same.

FWIW, I had a 99 Isuzu Trooper before this that only comes with 4WD, and I used the 4WD less than 5 times in the 8 years that I drove that truck. Knowin this, I opted for the 2WD when I got my Tahoe. No sense spending $3K more for something I almost never used.

 

[uofmz71]

sometimes (if you have the money) i like to go with - its better to have and not use (or rarely use) then not have and need...

just a thought

 

[gmcul8r]

Personally I would never by a 4x2 over a 4x4, but that's just me. That one time you might need it could be a life saver and resale will also be better. If you do got 4x2, I would DEFINITELY get the G80 locking rear diff it is available in the 4x2.

 

[Rollin Thunder]

my old sub didnt have it and there are countless times i could have used it. so i made sure to have it on my yukon, i use it alot, but i choose to, my sub i ran in to stuff, like a surpise snow storm while at work, and this happend mroe thatn 5 times, and would have loved it, but now that i have a 4x4 it has not snowed in 2 years.

 

[tracon]

I agree that you may never need the 4x4 hi or low but when its been raining it is nice to have the auto 4x4. When you pull out into traffic its nice to have 4 tires to get you going instead of just 2. In the auto mode it will ingage the front when you need it and disingage when you dont. Unlike alot of 4x4s, you can drive in the auto mode on dry streets whithout messing up the drive train or tires. Its like insurance you hope you never have to use but your glad you have it when you needed it.

 

[Rollin Thunder]

auto track is the best, gives you the fuel economy of the 2wd but, the security of the 4wd, i always leave mine in 4w auto, that way i dont damage the drive train, pulling out in traffic while wet is so much smoother.

 

[High4]

If your use of the vehicle has questions of which to get, then I suggest that means you should get the 4wd. I agree with what others have said, put it on auto track in the rain, 2wd when dry, and 4wd if going off-road. It's the best of all worlds. Ride should not be different (except with Z71).

 

[way2fast4u]

ok Next question, Acceleration is there a difference between the 2? Ive driven both 01 HOE and it seems the 2wd accels way faster allthough it could be in my head...

 

[Rollin Thunder]

i dont notice much difference, i have not been able to do an apples to apples comparison, i had a 99 with 2wd but it had the 5.7, my 06 with 4wd has the 5.3 but feels like it gets up and goes alot quicker. i think your noticing the added ~4-500 pounds with the 4wd.

 

[High4]

I've had a number of different 4wds but, as Thunder points out, never had the opportunity for a 2wd/4wd comparison. It should not be much diiference since there's just 3 to 4 hundred pounds of added weight. You can always look for a rearend with higher gears or add a catback, either of which will result in nominal acceleration gain.