Increased Engine Vibration and Noise when in 4x4

[Taco Number Two]

Anyone else get this? The engine vibration is more and noise is definitely louder when accelerating (lightly or moderately, not necessarily hard accel) in 4x4 than in 2-wheel drive. I’m ok with it if it’s a normal condition, but just curious.
My previous ‘22 V6 6-spd Tacoma was definitely smoother in 4x4, maybe because it was a V6?

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[Gfenza89]

Mines the same way, definitely an increase in vibration through the floor board, gas pedal and steering wheel when in 4x4. My 3 rd gen’s were the same way but I feel like my 4th gen is worse

 

[StreeTaco]

I notice this also, feels like crap. My previous 3 tundras were smooth as glass in 4x4 at speed

 

[Sandeep1994]

Had same experience . I did post about this issue like 3-4 months ago . Went to dealership and they told its normal . I only get vibrations when driving above 70 km per hour below that its normal .

 

[VermontTaco]

I can definitely tell the difference in steering wheel 'feel' in 4x4. Slight but noticeable light vibration. I actually don't mind it and sort of think it's fitting. Makes the truck feel rugged I guess.

 

[Don Hoe]

I noticed the same thing on my 2025 Tacoma TRD Off Road? Thought it would be a good time to run the truck in 4hi as it was raining pretty hard on Aug 6 2025. When I would accelerate I felt an odd vibration in the truck and steering wheel. The engine felt and sounded like it was growling like it was under huge load? Maybe it was as it's only a 4 cylinder and there could have been a little binding going on as the wet road wasn't slippery enough? This happened when truck had 1000 km.. Truck was purchased the beginning of May.

 

[izzy]

Whenever I've used 4x4 the terrain I was driving on was so bumpy I wouldn't notice additional NVH

If the road is so smooth you notice NVH from 4x4, you should probably be in 2WD

 

[Don Hoe]

Yes, that is true but only drove it for about 5 km. Owners manual wants you to use 4x4 once a month for about 10 km. Wet road especially when it hasn't rained for a long time should be fine. My 82 Toyota 4x4 was never a problem neither was my 99 Dakota 4x4 with manual transmission, always smooth as silk.

Whenever I've used 4x4 the terrain I was driving on was so bumpy I wouldn't notice additional NVH

If the road is so smooth you notice NVH from 4x4, you should probably be in 2WD

 

[izzy]

Owners manual wants you to use 4x4 once a month for about 10 km.

Thousands of Tacomas and Hilux go years probably without 4x4 actuation and they're fine. Id say if you leave near dirt, why not? But for a lot of people the nearest truck trail can be 2hr+ away, so its hard to find an opportunity to throw it in 4x4 aside from a random dirt lot.

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