[dakna]

> I have to wonder what the difference is between a Tacoma sport and an AWD vehicle, I think it’s 2WD mode and maybe clearance

As a long-time AWD driver who entertains the idea of getting an offroad vehicle at one point, this is my current understanding:

AWD: If one wheel slips and starts spinning, all other wheels stop turning. You are stuck. Clever electronics applying the brakes on the spinning wheel can help to redistribute the torque to other wheels, you might get unstuck.

4WD: If one wheel starts spinning, only the other wheel on the same axle stops turning. The transfer case is locked, and the other axle still receives torque. If both axles have one spinning wheel, you are stuck.

4WD with one locker: If one wheel on the axle with a locker starts spinning, the other wheel on the same axle still receives torque. If both axles each have one spinning wheel, you can still move the vehicle with one wheel still receiving torque.

4WD with locker on both axles: If you manage to get stuck with all 4 wheels spinning you should reflect on how the heck you ended up in that situation.

[Dork1234]

The problem with reducing AWD to all open Diffs. Subuaru, Mitishbishi, Honda (Acura), Toyato have all sold AWD system with various levels of limited slip and/or locking diffs which are much more complicated than just applying brakes.