4Runner v.s Xterra

[Solice]

Ok, has anyone done an offroad comparison between the '05 Xterra and an '05 4Runner V6? The V8 4Runner I believe would win hands down, but what about the V6? My main reason for going with the 4Runner was it's proven off-road record. I was also looking at the Xterra though. I know the Xterra is decent off-road as well but which do you think is better or "more capable" from the factory? I don't care about the interior options and all that crap (obviously the 4Runner wins there), but what about just pure, all out, grunt off-road work. I often think about the Xterra and wonder if I could have got the same performance, minus about 4-6 thousand dollars (or more) after taxes? Would the Xterra be able to pull my atv and trailer up over the rocky, rutted, muddy, nasty snow covered mountainous trails that my 4Runner has already done countless times and as easily? What do you guys think?

 

[Thai]

In terms of pulling something up a nasty road, the capabilities between Xterra and 4runner are similar. They both use a similar 4-wheel traction control system. The Xterra does have an optional rear locker...but i am not sure if traction control comes with it or you have to delete it when you get it.

The main drawback to the Xterra is that it has rear leaf springs instead of coils (as in 4runners). Leaf springs are tough and cheap to make. However, they are not known for wheel articulation/travel (important in off-roading) and ride comfort is not as good. Nissan used leaf springs because the Xterra shares mechanicals with Nissan Frontier.

The other thing is it's transfer case. I haven't had the chance to stop by a dealership. Different reviews say different things. Some say that it only comes with a part-time 4wd system (aka can't drive in 4wd on dry road)...and others say that it comes with "Multi-mode 4wd" which does allow for 4wd on dry land. Even so, Nissan's multi-mode 4wd system is not very good. From what i have read about it on Nissan Pathfinder, it is NOT recommended to use "Auto" settings at highway speed (above 50 mph)...apparently, it wears out the clutch packs or something like that.

In the end, Nissan does not have a good competitor to 4runner. The Pathfinder is more on-road now, despite what you read. Xterra is too crude. 4runner provides a good combination of true off-road capability, comfort, and practicality without compromising on anything.

 

[Thai]

BTW, if you have not seen it already, but here is more info on the '05 Xterra:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3368&perpage=15&pagenumber=1

 

[Solice]

Thanks Thai! Yeah I read the review of the '05 Xterra. That was what reminded me of it. So I guess I made the right choice then (in my mind). My fiance liked the 4runner a lot more because of the obvious creature comforts. I wanted the best of both worlds . Thanks again Thai!