4Runner vs Xterra

[buxwheat]

This may not be the proper forum to broach this subject, but I am in the market for a new car and have settled on either a 4Runner or an Xterra. I would like to hear from forum members that help me decide which one to buy. I have driven both and found likes and dislikes for both trucks. I ruled out an FJ after driving it (poor visibility front, rear, and sides) and the new Cherokees seem overly large an expensive. My new vehicle will primarily be for my daily ride, but I want it to be a 4X4 able to tackle moderately difficult off road trails (rating 6-7 max) w/o serious mods. I have read everything I can find on these two trucks, but would value the opinions of those who regulary drive them. Obviously on a 4Runner site folks will be somewhat prejudiced against the Nissan, but I figure you guys can rise above petty dislike of a marque and give me objective advise to help me with my purchase. My son is an avid off roader (2003 TJ, 5.5" Rubicon Express suspension lift, Old Man Emu shocks, 35" MT's), but his driving experience is limited to just Jeeps, so he isn't the best source to consult. I'm going to find an Xterra site and hope to engage those members in an open discussion, too. All info will be appreciated. Here is what I find favorable about the Xterra: the interior is rugged and easily cleaned, the rear seats fold completely flat (unlike FJ), Manual trans (6 speed) available w/ clutch interlock by-pass, great roof rack, fully boxed frame, priced much less than comparably equipped 4Runner (even with the Fosgate radio), great visibility all around, built in steps in rear bumper (both sides) for access to roof, super V-6 engine (think Z car). The weak points: brakes felt spongy and unresponsive, and face it: it is a Nissan and besides being owned by the French, they just don't make the quality products that Honda and Toyota do. What I find favorable about the 4Runner: First and foremost it is a Toyota, fit and finish very good, much better brakes than the Xterra, the auto trans was smoother than the Xterra w/ an auto, extremely quiet, great feeling ride (didn't take either off road since dealers don't appreciate customers placing their vehicles in potentially hazardous situations, but I found some railroad ties used as terracing material at a park and crawled on these w/ the 4Runner) and it was very sure footed, but these things are only about a foot and a half tall (not an overly challenging obstacle). Points off for the 4Runner: pricing, too "nice" of an interior (I would prefer Rhino lining over deep pile carpeting...much easier to get the mud, dirt, wood chips and leaves out of with a hose), manual trans unavailable. The Xterras I drove were Off Road 4X4's (auto and manual) and the 4Runner was a Sport 4X4 w/ V-8. I welcome your comments.

 

[xUSNavy]

I use to own a 2001 Xterra. Here are my thoughts:

-It's cheap, and it shows in the quality.
-I snapped 2 10mm bolts on the skid plate by just hand tightening it after an oil change.
-The day I drove it off the lot, the check engine light came on. turned out to be a bad emissions evap canister.
-Carpet started to fall apart in the drivers side
-Rear dif whined after 12k miles
-Started to overheat after 20k miles. Turned out to be a blocked radiator. Nissan refused to warranty it even though it was never serviced and it still had 10k miles before the coolant required changing.
-Offroad capability is decent, but I think the 4runner is just as capable or even better.

In my opinion, the 4runner is better quality period. Nissan used cheap parts in certain areas to cut cost. There was a consumer reports article about the pathfinder and the armada being the least reliable SUV. Pathfinders were reliable when they were built in Japan, but now that they are built here in the U.S., the reliability has gone down the drain.
I have always owned Toyotas and Hondas, the Xterra was my first and last Nissan. I will never buy a Nissan again.

 

[GregGimbert]

I too was in the same position b4 my purchase of 05 4r sport v8. What pushed me to 4r was how "cheap" the xterra felt comparibly (door close, interior quality, driving impression-power & brakes). It was however ALOT cheaper $ wise. In the end it was the V8, quality, styling. It just seemed a better long term investment and I have no regrets. Had $ been more of an issue the xtrera would have won hands down over the other midsized utes.

 

[drtdvl]

I own a 2006 4Runner Limited and a 2006 Nissan X-trail (sold in Canada only). Prior to purchasing the X-Trail, I also looked quite heavily at the XTerra. As you mentioned that you wanted something primarily for a daily driver with some off-road use, I found the ride quality a lot better in the 4Runner. Without pulling the brochures out, I believe the V6 4Runner will also give you better mileage over the XTerra.

 

[Expat]

Yeah I'd agree the 4Runner is a better DD with overall better fit and finish.

Offroad the XTerra is very capable from what I have seen and is a worthy competitor for the 4Runner.

 

[Thai]

Here are a few links for you to read:

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

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17727&highlight=Xterra

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9509&highlight=Xterra

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8627&highlight=Xterra

Here are two popular Xterra forums:

http://www.xterraownersclub.com/forums.html

http://thenewx.org/phpbb2/index.php?sid=d3478c79dc0bc575220ae10e15c80d62

 

[Thai]

The new Xterra really surprised me recently on our last off-roading trip: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=185753#post185753. It went places where a 4runner could not. I underestimated it's capability in the past. For me, the Xterra is like a FJC with 4runner's practicality. The Xterra has something that neither 4runner and FJ Cruiser has: the ability to lock the rear axle and still have ATRAC function on the front axle. If you're going to buy an Xterra, then i would get the OFF-ROAD edition because it has (among other things): stronger front IFS diff (= Dana 44), rear locker, bigger tires, and more rugged shocks. Of course, with the rugged shocks, you will get a firmer ride (so, make sure you testdrive it). If you're planning on doing a lot of off-roading, then get the OFF-ROAD Xterra.

However, from what i read above from your post, you would probably be better of with a 4runner. The 4runner is a better daily driver (by a long shot). It is also capable off-road...and provide a more comfy ride over all terrain. 4runner is simply a better all-around vehicle. It competes more with the Pathfinder than Xterra. In addition, if you get a 4wd 4runner (either V6 or V8), then you can drive 4wd on-road. With the Xterra, it's a part-time 4wd system...that is, you cannot drive 4wd on dry pavement...you can only use the 4wd system off-road. So, safety wise, the 4runner is better in this regard.

Reliability and durability favor 4runner. The overall quality favors 4runner.

Hope this helps.

 

[boston_kevin]

Some of the things you want may be in contradiction to each other...

You want (or like) the quiet cabin of the 4runner, but you want something that is easy to hose out and clean (meaning low pile carpet with no pad)..

You want a comfortable daily driver and a moderately competent off-road vehicle.

Not saying you can't have it all, but consider the options..

4Runner SE has the XREAS which is not an off-road system, but increases the handling characteristics of the 4Runner on the road.
4Runner SE V8 will not get as good gas mileage as the XTerra (V6), but the difference will be very slight.
XTerra has less passenger room and less cargo space to go on overnight off-roading trips, but because it is smaller has better approach and departure angles for off-roading.

I drove both in 2004...
I liked the XTerra for it's off-road abilities, but it felt a little squirmy on road, and with the harshness of the ride and seats, I could see my backside not liking those long trips to the trails, and with the noisy interior, the radio had to be loud to drown out the road noise (I'm not in my 20's any more, so this didn't appeal to me).
I loved the 4Runner because it is quiet, I can lift it if I decide to do so for relatively small amounts of money ($400 for a 3" lift is not bad) which makes it very tough to beat off-road. The safety systems on the 4Runner is what sold me... I can run in 4WD all the time (I have the V6) or 2WD which is great in rain/snow. I have several systems that can help to maintain control (tire slippage) and it has a proven safety record (and reliability) which makes it better for my wife to borrow if she needs to. I can haul everything I need in the back and I can tow 5000 lbs, so the boat is behind me for those weekend excursions. I can pull the weathertech mats and put in the 4Runner mats if I have to meet with customers or put in the weathertech mats to protect the carpet. To top it off, I am averaging 21 mpg (415 miles last fill up) doing 60% highway and 40% city driving.

Overall, I think the XTerra will compare better to the FJC, which at this time, I think the XTerra wins due to the visibility issues in the FJC.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

, I think the XTerra wins due to the visibility issues in the FJC.

Visibilty tips the scales? hehe

I think the FJ tips the scales with Toyota dependability but the Xterra is still a solid vehicle and with it's smaller size it is a bit more maneuverable in tight spots.

 

[buxwheat]

Thanks to everybody for your input. I will most likely opt for the 4Runner when I buy, mostly over concerns of Nissan quality (lack of). I am impressed by the quietness of the 4R, but not a necessity, since I still crank the stereo up to drown out road noise (or even when there is none). I'm in my 50's and still drive with the Dead playing at much higher volumes than I did in my 20's (since my hearing is not as good anymore). Removing carpets and laying down Weathertech when the destination is messy will have to do instead of the wipe clean Xterra interior. Is there a heavy duty cargo liner to go with the mats? The 4R I am looking at is the Sport edition which comes with XREAS...so is this not a heavy duty suspension package, or is it like the Taco X Runner which has the frame tightened up for boy racer cornering in a truck? How about engines... 8 or 6? I don't have a boat and no intention of buying one, so towing capacity is not an issue. If real world mileage is not much different between the two engines, I guess I would go with the two extra cylinders. Is the weight difference significant enough to affect handling? What about the 4 wheel drive system? Is it not different btwn the 6 and the 8? (Multimode vs Full time: what is the difference?) Is a rear locker an option? I'm sure I have more questions.

 

[toybox]

XREAS is a positive thing for on road handling but does not in any way diminish it's off-road capabilities compared to non xreas 4Runners. I love the XREAS. Unless you plan on lifting it then it is all positive.

Rear locker is an expensive aftermarket option available from ARB.

the 6 get the mutimode 4wd able to be driven in 2wd or 4wd (can be used on dry pavement too)

the 8 gets the full-time 4wd. Nothing to think about here, just point and drive and never worry about what conditions lay right ahaed of you. The 8 is super smooth and quiet. I love this V8, but then I'm used to underpowered Toyota trucks so this was the biggest upgrade from previous Toy's that I have had.

 

[Fourty-four]

Thanks to everybody for your input. I will most likely opt for the 4Runner when I buy, mostly over concerns of Nissan quality (lack of). I am impressed by the quietness of the 4R, but not a necessity, since I still crank the stereo up to drown out road noise (or even when there is none). I'm in my 50's and still drive with the Dead playing at much higher volumes than I did in my 20's (since my hearing is not as good anymore). Removing carpets and laying down Weathertech when the destination is messy will have to do instead of the wipe clean Xterra interior. Is there a heavy duty cargo liner to go with the mats? The 4R I am looking at is the Sport edition which comes with XREAS...so is this not a heavy duty suspension package, or is it like the Taco X Runner which has the frame tightened up for boy racer cornering in a truck? How about engines... 8 or 6? I don't have a boat and no intention of buying one, so towing capacity is not an issue. If real world mileage is not much different between the two engines, I guess I would go with the two extra cylinders. Is the weight difference significant enough to affect handling? What about the 4 wheel drive system? Is it not different btwn the 6 and the 8? (Multimode vs Full time: what is the difference?) Is a rear locker an option? I'm sure I have more questions.

Why remove the carpets? The Weathertech or Catch-All Extremes will totally cover the carpet in the footwell area, so there's really no need to remove the carpet.

XREAS is really nothing more than a hydraulic diagnol link between the shock absorbers. It is intended to help on-road handling, but I don't believe it hurts off-road ability.

Both the V6 and V8 are excellent engines. If you don't plan to tow, you might want to go with the better fuel economy and lower purchase price of the V6. The 4Runner is plenty powerful with the V6.

The V6 also has an advantage in the 4wd system. The V8 is only available with full-time 4wd. The V6 can do either full-time 4wd, or part time. The systems are identicle except for the fact that you can run with rear wheel drive with the V6.

No rear locker option on any 4th generation 4Runner. However, the ATRAC does an excellent job supplying power to whichever wheel actually has traction.

 

[toybox]

The V6 also has an advantage in the 4wd system.

That is subjective and I wouldn't call it an advantage. I don't see that "advantage" on many of the high end (and capable) trucks.

 

[Thai]

That is subjective and I wouldn't call it an advantage. I don't see that "advantage" on many of the high end (and capable) trucks.

It may not be an advantage, but it is a more flexible 4wd system.

 

[Fourty-four]

That is subjective and I wouldn't call it an advantage. I don't see that "advantage" on many of the high end (and capable) trucks.

What I meant by an advantage is that you can drive it on all the time (like the V8) or turn it off if you desire.

I consider that an advantage. If I want to have the full-time 4wd system of the V8 models, I simply turn the switch!

 

[toybox]

It may not be an advantage, but it is a more flexible 4wd system.

True, but I have had both and on more than one occasion I got caught in 2wd when I wished I was in 4wd with no time or ability to switch it. I don't know about other parts of the country but my experience here in the mid-atlantic is changing and variable conditions during the winter months. If things were fairly consistent I may feel different.

You can say that the 2wd can be left in 4wd but then where is the advantage really. And then I'm sure it brings the 6's mileage down to where the V8 is. Even in the rain starting out on a steep slope with cross traffic having the right of way and traveling 45mph I find it is worth it. (my last runner I was caught in the middle of this intersection spinning my tires with traffic bearing down, now I floor it and take-off.)

 

[toybox]

I consider that an advantage. If I want to have the full-time 4wd system of the V8 models, I simply turn the switch!

The problem I have had is that there have been situations when I didn't have the time to flip the switch.

They're both good, I just find the advantage in the full-time system.

 

[buxwheat]

So XREAS is not designed to improve off road performance, and would hamper lifting the truck? Might as well drop down to SR5 and save more. As for the locker, is ARB the only one available? What about OX? http://www.ox-usa.com/ My son has an OX rear locker and will get another on the front when he gets a larger axle. The OX is lever activated (mechanically): No air lines or anything electric. Just move the lever and you're locked. Comes with a bullet proof dif cover so you don't need to buy armor for you diffs.

Now if I can only jack my iPod into the standard radio (complete w/ Dead, Spread, and Phish)?

 

[Fourty-four]

You can say that the 2wd can be left in 4wd but then where is the advantage really.

The advantage is in the ability to turn it off. At least the V6 models give you the option.

I prefer driving my 4Runner in 2wd unless I need the 4wd. Believe it or not, you can feel a differece in the vehicle. And the steering feels better in 2wd.

 

[Fourty-four]

So XREAS is not designed to improve off road performance, and would hamper lifting the truck? Might as well drop down to SR5 and save more. As for the locker, is ARB the only one available? What about OX? http://www.ox-usa.com/ My son has an OX rear locker and will get another on the front when he gets a larger axle. The OX is lever activated (mechanically): No air lines or anything electric. Just move the lever and you're locked. Comes with a bullet proof dif cover so you don't need to buy armor for you diffs.

Now if I can only jack my iPod into the standard radio (complete w/ Dead, Spread, and Phish)?

Yeah, I think you're basically limited to spacer lifts with XREAS. If you want to lift more than 3 or 4 inches with the XREAS, you can simply disconnect the hydraulic lines and replace the shocks.

Are you planning on a serious off-road vehicle? If so, then skip the XREAS system.