I just upgraded from my trusty 2007 Tacoma access cab to a 2024 TRD Pro 4Runner. I live in the northeast, and while I do some trail riding, dealing with snow is my main concern for driving.
My Tacoma had a 2-inch lift and 265/75R16 Discovery AT3 tires. It also had an ARB front bumper (worth mentioning for the weight). That truck never let me down, no matter how bad the snow or ice got, and sometimes it didn’t even need 4-wheel drive.
Now, my 4Runner is stock with 265/70R17 Nitto Grapplers. On my driveway (a steep, winding 1/4 mile), the Tacoma could handle 1/2 to 1 inch of snow without needing 4-wheel drive. But the 4Runner has been sliding around like crazy with just 1/4 inch of snow, and even in 4-wheel drive, it doesn’t feel as steady as I’d like.
My friends with older 4Runners think the tires are to blame. Has anyone else experienced something like this? Would upgrading to KO2s or something similar in 265/70/17 make a noticeable difference, or am I already heading down the road to lift kits and more mods?
Zorion said:
Snow grip always comes down to tires. Nothing else makes as much difference.
Totally agree! I did a lot of research and got Michelin X Ice tires for my 2014 4Runner. I’m on my second set now, and they handle snow perfectly. Definitely worth looking into highly rated snow tires.
The 4Runner’s shorter wheelbase might make it less stable, but tires matter way more. I’m running Wildpeak AT/4Ws here in Kentucky, and they’ve been awesome in snow. If you get heavy snow every year, you might want a dedicated set of snow tires. In a snowstorm, I’d trust a front-wheel-drive car with snow tires over a truck with all-seasons. Lowering the tire pressure can also help in snowy conditions.
The stock tires on the TRD Pro aren’t great for snow. I live in Vermont, so I’m just dealing with them for now and planning to switch to something like Falken Wildpeaks next fall.
It’s definitely the tires. I’m using General Grabber ATX in the same size, and they’ve been amazing. If things get really bad, lowering the pressure to around 25-27 PSI makes a big difference.
I’ve tried Wildpeaks, BFGs, and Generals—they all do great in snow. Just stick with C-load tires or lighter. Honestly, my Tacoma has the best snow tires I’ve ever used: SL-rated Wildpeak AT3s. Hard to get that thing stuck!
I have a 2022, and the stock Nittos are similar. They look good but don’t have the snowflake symbol for winter performance. This means the rubber isn’t as good in cold weather. Check if your Tacoma’s tires had that rating—it might explain the difference.
On the stock tires, I’ve had moments where I’d stop on a slight incline, and the 4Runner would just slide sideways if the road was icy. Switched to KO2s, and now it’s unstoppable. I also added a 2-inch lift, and the heavier rear end seems to help too.
The Ridge Grapplers are just bad in snow. I’ve even had mud tires that did better. Played around in the snow today, and these tires are still awful. Can’t wait to switch them out.