kara Thrace
New member
can anyone tell me the difference between the 4 wheel drive systems on the 5th gen 4runner trail, Lexus gx 470, the nisaan xterra and pathfinder?
4 wheel drive systems
- Thread starter kara Thrace
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5th gen trail is a part-time 4WD system that can not be used on dry pavement. It has no center differential (just a simple 2-speed transfer case).
The Lexus GX470 has full-time 4WD with a lockable center differential and a 2-speed transfer case. It can be run in 4WD on dry pavement (and, in fact, is always in 4WD). When offroad, the center differential can be locked, at which time it is effectively the same as a part-time 4WD system.
I believe the xterra and pathfinder both have part-time 4WD systems with a simple two-speed transfer case.
The 5th gen trail edition also has a manually lockable rear differential. The 5th gen trail edition has an option for KDSS, which relaxes the sway bars when offroad, increasing articulation. I think the GX470 comes with KDSS as well, but I'm not sure.
Thai
Elite Member
It does, but as a hard to find option.
The xterra also has a rear locker when you buy the OFFROAD edition.
Xterra-s have part-time with low range as well as Pathfinder SE-s.
However pathfinder LE-s have All-mode 4wd that has 2wd,Auto,4H,4L options.
Same as Mitsubishi Montero Super-Select.
4th gen v6 4runner has the BEST configuration.
2h,4h unlocked,4h locked,4l unlocked,4l locked.
5th gen is a step backwards and I hope they will return 4th gen all-mode 4wd, otherwise they'll lose many existing and new customers.
However pathfinder LE-s have All-mode 4wd that has 2wd,Auto,4H,4L options.
Same as Mitsubishi Montero Super-Select.
4th gen v6 4runner has the BEST configuration.
2h,4h unlocked,4h locked,4l unlocked,4l locked.
5th gen is a step backwards and I hope they will return 4th gen all-mode 4wd, otherwise they'll lose many existing and new customers.
Thanks for the correction. What do the Pathfinder LE-s and Montero Super-Select use as their center differential? Torsen?
I agree completely.
super-select uses viscous coupling unit.
Don't know about pathfinder despite the fact that I own one, but it's part-time with lever, just like 5th gen.
Hate to drive on highway with partial snow and tarmac, because have to switch all the time from 2h to 4h, in order not to damage transmission.Considering that all Canadian 5th gens have the same system as the Limited, then it wouldn't be a stretch to expect the US to get it in the future too. I only wish it was like the 4th gen where you can choose to be in 2WD if you want to.
Actually it is a stretch in my mind.
That Canada has a different version means they thought about it and came up with a justification (probably weather) for Canada getting a different version. Unless the sales numbers doesn't support their conclusion then they probably will not change. Also note that the Limited has the fulltime 4wd so if they push people to spend more money then why would they change their minds......
A change would mean that they have SR5's and TE editions out there with two different systems. That will confuse the average consumer.
I am not saying I agree with their decision, just that I really wonder if they will change their minds.
J.A.
Senior Member
Just like when in 2001 the added multi-mode to the SR5's when only the Limiteds had it in 1999 and 2000.
harper7
Senior Member
Or like they waited all the way to the last year of 4th Gen with the Trail Ed. to unleash the Torsen locking center differential with factory rear locker.......and they still could'nt sell them as MOST people just think 4 wheel drive is 4 wheel drive.
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They couldn't sell them because no one could sell body-on-frame, mid-size SUVs when people still remembered $4/gal for gas.
harper7
Senior Member
Maybe, But the 2009 Trail Ed's only came with the V6 and got over 20mpg .
18 mpg versus 20 mpg. Still not any good with $4/gallon gas.
