Why is 4Runner?

[Cruiser_Air]

I'm a new member to this forum, and I have compared 4Runner(2011) with Ford Explorer(2010) and Nissan Pathfinder(2011). I compared on the weight and material thickness of these three vehicles. Basically the three vehicles are all have a similar weight. but I find Explorer have the most thicker frame and sheet matel everwhere, 4Runner have the most thiner frame and especially the thinner sheet matel everwhere. But both of the 4Runner and explorer still have the same 5 stars on frontal and side crash test. pathfinder is in between of them on material, but only get 4 stars on frontal and side crash test. I'm confused about that. Is any expert can help me to understand what is the reason or behind them?

Thanks a lot

 

[Maritimer]

I know nothing about frame or panel thinness, but if it is true I'd say it would better protect the occupants in a major collision because of crumple ability. You wouldn't want to be in a vehicle that was rock-solid, 100% unforgiving.

 

[Dous]

I'm a new member to this forum, and I have compared 4Runner(2011) with Ford Explorer(2010) and Nissan Pathfinder(2011). I compared on the weight and material thickness of these three vehicles. Basically the three vehicles are all have a similar weight. but I find Explorer have the most thicker frame and sheet matel everwhere, 4Runner have the most thiner frame and especially the thinner sheet matel everwhere. But both of the 4Runner and explorer still have the same 5 stars on frontal and side crash test. pathfinder is in between of them on material, but only get 4 stars on frontal and side crash test. I'm confused about that. Is any expert can help me to understand what is the reason or behind them?

Thanks a lot

Well in all fairness the Ford Explorer does not have a Frame, it's unibody, so naturally the sheet metal has to be thicker, that's the whole substance of the vehicle.

 

[reds10]

Well in all fairness the Ford Explorer does not have a Frame, it's unibody, so naturally the sheet metal has to be thicker, that's the whole substance of the vehicle.

he said 2010 explorer which did still have the frame i believe.

they changed for the 2011 model.



to the OP, it's all about the design.

 

[Cruiser_Air]

Yes, I'm saying the 2010 Frord Explorer. It still have a frame. The 2011 Ford Explorer changed to be unibody structure.

 

[Cruiser_Air]

The interesting thing is that when I compare the specification with each manufacture. the 2010 ford explorer and 4runner has the similar weight. I just wandering where the weight coming from 4runner with that thin sheet metal structure everywhere. When I changed oil today, the mechanics tald me that 4runner frame rusted earlier, pathfinder second, explorer hold longer with thicker metal. My understanding is that for mountain claimber the lighter vehicle is better, but getting instability easier at high speed on highway. the good thing is less gas consumption because of the light weight. I'm not fan for any vehicle, just fairly looking and researching on vehicle as an obserber.
Thanks