Of course its 4wd. If not, we'd have to park over the winter with the numerous steep streets we have. Here, within the lake snow region, we don't see pavement for more than a month at a time. I can't say its 4wd is 10% better than all the other 4wd vehicle we've ever owned over the years. I will say we struggled to get the Tacoma in and out of low range.... lots! The ford shifting goes fine.