Nissan vs. Toyota - Which is better?

[@LivinfreeinTennessee]

I've got a 01 xterra with close to 300,000 miles on it and just bought a 2012 pro 4x with 80,000 miles. These trucks are highly underrated as they are very well built and dependable vehicles. I actually sold my 4runner to buy the pro 4x.

[@manae37]

👏👏👏👏

[@Nigriff]

I have a 2002 Tacoma but going Xterra next. Tacoma rusted out

[@darthtyranus7683]

Can't go wrong with either but Toyotas got hilux DNA globally proven reliability

[@gammaboxer9765]

As a Toyota guy all I can say is, great video. I don't agree with everything but I do with most. I drive an FJ Cruiser and getting in tight spots isn't always fun, lol. I learned a lot about Nissan in your video, It's always great to see another platform getting the love it deserves. Cheers.

[@Nigriff]

I have an 02 Tacoma and 2020 Tundra and was considering an FJ Cruiser, but the blind spot and price are stopping me... gonna go Xterra

[@gammaboxer9765]

@@Nigriff you won't be disappointed. The FJ is great but it certainly has its drawbacks, blind spots are a big one. Whatever gets you out adventuring is worth it. Good luck on your build. Cheers

[@beardumaw24]

Toyota guys never do ! lol i was one. But came to the light side, Xterra!

[@RubenRodriguez_]

This is Most informative video about the Xterra. Thanks, keep up the great content.

[@scott8238]

Great review! I traded my 05 tacoma for a 14 Xterra pro4x and couldn't be happier. I some what disagree about aftermarket support. I have not had a problem finding aftermarket support the little companies are there for parts you just have to know where to look but they offer high quality products vs amazon. Also the Nissan platform is much cheaper to mod than a Toyota...

[@albertb5455]

Agreed, Now with ADO we have decent support even with PRG going radio silent. We don't have a fraction of what toyota and jeep guys do but we have what we need. Like I mentioned in the video the Titan Swap really makes the nissan platform worth it.

[@scott8238]

@@albertb5455 Thats okay I would rather have quality over quantity! Z1 motorsports is really stepping up in support as well!

[@ryanm2084]

I have a '12 Xterra Pro-4x 6-speed manual....bought it with 36,500 miles. It has about 63k miles now...i just recently did the full OME suspension kit so now it has about a 2" lift. I don't plan on doing much more than that besides better tires

[@DeepOwl1073]

Unicorn!

[@Vegadoesmedia]

I recently got a 2013 xterrra. It has 4hi and 4low but no locking rear diff. I really need to put a lift on it. I struggled to get over some bunny hills cause I was scraping the bottom cause I didn't have enough clearance. But vertical climbs were a breeze.

[@themouas]

The ABLS is pretty active but you have to be in 4X4 low. What's nice about Nissan's ABLS is if my wife drives my truck in the winter I don't have to worry about her not knowing how to use the 4X4 system because the truck does everything for her already.

[@timhardman4764]

On page 5-34 of my 2015 Pro4X manual it says: in 2WD, if slippage on a wheel, system will brake that wheel and transfer power to the other side wheel on the "same drive axle". In 4WD ABLS works in Hi and Low and on both axles simultaneously.

[@themouas]

@@timhardman4764, but on the 4X4 Lo the ABLS is more active.

[@matty_o]

Great video. Very informative for those that may doubt this Nissan

[@1satisfiedmind]

Very nice, I recently started looking at the Xterra, and this is a very inspired build.

[@beardumaw24]

Sold my Toyota to buy an Xterra ! lol No Regrets !

[@ravholly]

Beautiful truck I am looking at getting one coming from my last two Land Rover Discoveries.

[@Nigriff]

The Pro 4x is like a reliable Discovery

[@ravholly]

@@Nigriff I ended up getting a 2008 Off-Road edition, was stock when I got it and it's sitting on 35's now

[@wrmartinez]

I have a 09 x s 4x4 where could I get all that I have a 2 1/2 in front leveling kit Tyger rock sliders

[@maqx379]

Thanks for the information now I really regret selling my 08 frontier sv 4x4. I was looking at yotas but now that I see more info on xterra, frontiers and titans I am going w/ a Nissan.

[@HardEnduro8]

Awesome review bud. I have Fronty that is Titan swap. The savings are huge over Taco or Runner. I’m in Cali... let me know if u wanna hit some trails.

[@albertb5455]

I've seen your videos man you got an awesome truck, I'd totally be down to run sometime. I don't have any trips planned so let me know when your going!

[@HardEnduro8]

@@albertb5455 cool. Will do, I’ll keep u posted.

[@HardEnduro8]

@@albertb5455 Yo…u ready to hit some trails? Kinda want get a good Nissan group going.

[@albertb5455]

@@HardEnduro8 I'm totally down, do you have instagram?

[@nicholasshort3309]

Socal xterra trail day let's do it

[@nomebear]

Our 2011 Xterra has been a solid performer. Not any problems with it, but it does like the gasoline.

[@Nigriff]

Sí, le gustan la gasolina ⛽️

[@DeepOwl1073]

My 02 Xterra was totalled in 19. I replaced it with a 13 Frontier Pro-4x that burned to the ground (forest fire I was fighting) 8 months after I put the Nisstec Gonemoab lift. I replace that with a Chevy Colorado ZR2 diesel, which I've had for 13 months. The Chevy has been awesome. 24 mpg with 33s on it, comfortable, looks cool... derated on me coming back from vacation on Labor Day. We are now approaching Halloween. 6 weeks in the shop and they keep throwing parts at it. Trying to get an ECM from GM now. Sooooo frustrating on an almost $50k truck. So, while the ZR2 sits in the shop, I'm looking for an Xterra Pro-4x 6sp manual.

[@DeepOwl1073]

@@timhardman4764 that's about 700 miles away. Thanks for the heads up!

[@timhardman4764]

@@DeepOwl1073 I'm in Phoenix, I thought I could find my Pro4X here but after many months the "perfect" X came up for sale 1,300 miles away in Vancouver, WA (right next to Portland, OR). The seller was an awesome Dude, he dropped it off at the Portland Nissan Dealer for a pre-sale inspection that I paid for...about $200. The dealer sent me the report and everything looked good enough for me to book a one way ticket on SouthWest to Portland. I picked it up and drove it home. Best move I ever made. Happy Ending. Good luck with your search.

[@Waveydaveyfr]

my 4runner does it all and more but the xterra isnt a bad choice.

[@DIY_AUTO_PHOTO]

Great looking beast !! nice updates ! Im bet you happy the way it came out )) and thats something I hope and plan to do down the line with my Xterra ))

[@codyschmid6807]

Another major, major benefit of the Xterra vs FJ is if you get them with the 6 speed manual. FJs with a 6 speed manual only have 4hi and 4low, they do not have 2hi. Xterras have 2hi, 4hi and 4low with the 6 speed manual. Much better on the highway to have the 2hi option.

[@vinceruland9236]

I think that the argument over what is better or not is futile. I think that you get what you like, and make it how you want it.

[@Nigriff]

But making a case for one over the other provides great info

[@Nigriff]

Also, XTerra was fully designed and manufactured in The USA 🇺🇸

[@dennisfossey4312]

Cool rig! I put in new bilstein coilover 6112 in front and 5100 for the rear on my 2012 Xterra S.

[@elizabethmiller7918]

There is no comparison, the 2nd gen Xterra is so superior to anything Toyota made in those years. And thats not even counting the significant price advantage both new and used.

[@Nigriff]

Agreed... and it still outperforms

[@Pitbullshorts23]

You sound like a sports commentator. Nice ride👍

[@elvinpaule5034]

Lol, I bought the Xterra at the end of this video. She’s been real good to me!!!

[@timhardman4764]

Me too. I was looking for a 5th Gen TRD Off Road for a reasonable price for over a year and could not find anything. I stumbled on this Video and I had never even considered the Xterra until seeing this. This video prompted me to start researching the 2015 Pro4X...what a pleasant surprise to find an equivalent vehicle for $15K less than a 4runner with the same upgrades, miles, model year and condition. I love Pro4X, I love the 4runner and I love having an extra $15k in my pocket to do years of over-landing and 4-wheelin.

[@Nigriff]

@@timhardman4764 after owning a Tacoma and a Tundra, I'm now getting a Pro 4x

[@brendanmarquardt2229]

Pretty good filming.

[@unknown-rg6ci]

Are the pathfinder cv's oem? On r180?

[@M0N0T0N0US]

Toyota only came out with the TRDs to compete with the nissan Pro4xs my opinion is the Xterra is intended for off-road and the 4 runner Is Moms suv that dad can drive and be happy.

[@Nigriff]

So true... sadly Jeeps and 4Runners are now just expensive mall-crawlers

[@77magnuss]

What gears does it have? You’re comparing dimensions to fifth gen T4R? Did only 1st gens have the torsion bar suspension?

[@ravholly]

I ended up getting this exact Xterra in a 2008 offroad. You can literally run 35’s which is what I’m running now and I haven’t even Titan swapped.

[@rahulrane1658]

beautiful truck and good review

[@jvogler_art4708]

Yeah I knew you had good travel when you said it gets 12” of travel that is really good. I did find a 3rd gen 4runner long travel kit that gives 15” but I’m personally not a fan of how that looks or will I ever use it to that extreme. I’m reading a bunch of people getting around 10.5” of travel with extended shocks and aftermarket upper control arms for around 2k as well. A little less than your rig. But I wonder how that’ll stress the CVs on the 4runner. What did you say was different about the CVs on the titan as well? I really wanna maximize down travel on my 4runner without going too crazy for suspension mods. And you are so right about the aftermarket world. I can find so many parts for the 4runner. I think as people find out how capable and reliable the xterra can be they might go up in value and the aftermarket world will expand. Truthfully though I just use my rig to tow bikes into camp or to go fishing or explore a few light trails. I don’t do too extreme of wheeling but I do agree there’s better values than the 4runner. The 4runner with the 3.4 is old and weak compared to modern engines but insanely reliable. I LOVE my 3rd gen. For what I need it for but I will admit there’s better deals if you wanna go wheeling. Wheeling will never be cheap no matter what you drive just more cost effective as you stated. But my Toyota does have a fully boxed frame and it is insanely reliable. I love it still.

[@albertb5455]

It would stress the cvs a lot on a toyota. The cvs are shorter on 4runners/tacomas which is why people blow them up more often. Im not sure how much angle theyre designed to handle compared to the nissan. I mentioned that the titan cvs bolt to a flange on the front diff, and the xterra/frontier cvs have splines and insert into the front diff with an axle seal. As for maximizing down travel theres only so many things you can do with ifs. Lowering ride height is one way to do it, and sometimes you can add a spacer so you arent getting as much lift from the coilovers but you still maintain down travel. Theres only so much you can do with ifs due to the limiting factors of the inherent design. The best thing you can do is get a rear locker if you dont already have one, its way better value than long travel on open diffs and doesnt affect appearance at all.

[@ryanm2084]

Great video. The Rockford Fosgate system is great but it's definitely not one of the best factory systems

[@timhardman4764]

Agreed. It's an above average sound system...more than one would expect in this vehicle. It's actually a money-saver in the sense I won't ever feel a need to upgrade it due to the sound and the display screen for the backup camera and navigation are also adequate for me to stick with system.

[@Nigriff]

Probably one of the best systems back in the day for a non-luxury car

[@claudiodiez55]

I have a 05 Xterra bought new ,It has 124000 miles ,I was thinking of selling it I just spent $1900 on service, I think I'll keep it.

[@koarivera9151]

Can I do these modz with the 2012 S model

[@albertb5455]

Yes it can be done on any 2005+ Xterra or Frontier

[@cotomaznaczyc]

#1 advantage over the 4Runner is the option for a manual transmission.

[@TheWorst-]

Why would you want to burn up clutches prematurely on extreme inclines and obstacles? Especially when the majority of these do not have incline assist. The more difficult the terrain the mor manuals become a liability on trail. Even full exo buggies dont use manual.

[@cardboardkiller6883]

Thanks for the video. It validates that I am on the right track! You have exactly what I am planning on doing to my X. Are you gonna do the M205 diff?

[@albertb5455]

I'm going to swap the m205 as soon as I can find one close by

[@fabioleal3442]

What bumpers are that ? Very nice

[@renooverlanding9549]

Great video but have to disagree about one thing.. Aftermarket support is actually good for Nissan:) here is a small list off the tope of my head. Nisstec, prgproducts, z1 off-road,alldogs co-op,cjdracing,shawdowwolf,shrockworks, white knuckle, garvin off-road, desert off-road,dirtking, hardcore off-road,roughcountry, gobi, expetion one, and many more:)

[@albertb5455]

Thats still a fraction of what toyota and jeep guys have, and most of those companies are very small and and do not produce products on the scale that the big toyota and jeep companies do. Our support is decent and the fact we can titan swap makes up for it.

[@xterra4hire]

Xterra just need the support Toyota has

[@michaelduarte4041]

You can also titan swap the engine theres a company in Ohio I think that sells the computer harness to make it work

[@scott8238]

driven desire

[@unknown-rg6ci]

Are the pathfinder cv's oem? On a r180?

[@jgregg7100]

You need to find the v8 pathfinder CV I believe

[@pnwpathfinder399]

For titan swap with r180 diff you use qx56 with r180 cv axles p/n ni8433. The V6 pathfinder cv axles are the same as an xterras cv axle. V8 pathfinder cv axles are used when swapping to the m205 front diff without titan swapping.

[@marc-andrebenoit5776]

Had both brand of 4x4. I stuck to toyotas because Nissan fell short on the reliability under stress. It wasn't bad, just not as good as my 4runner. But overall, I believe both brand had it going as far as 4x4 goes. Nissan kinda loss that edge now but those year were good

[@Bruno-my9uf]

Cool video . yes nissan rules sice the datsun king cab they are the more sporty hard driver choice !! Made to race . !!!! Thank you .👆 !!

[@donricardo9322]

I saw your tackle warehouse sticker. Do you tow a boat with this Xterra?

[@albertb5455]

Nope I've never towed with it, but plenty of people tow with xterras with no issues.

[@tangledline]

Owning Toyotas historically-The 4runners had to be really modified to move. The more weight you add..the slower it was. It wasn't until 2003 that the V8 kinda gave it hope...only to have a timing belt (Something about timing belts/V8s and offroad that concerns me) It has been after those years, they got better however people are just dumb ridiculous with their prices. old 4th gen, 300k miles and they want 10k with no maintenance history. Toyota 4runners have become the Jeep wrangler. Everyone has one, everyone lifts it (even the 2WD ones..lol, slaps some TRD stickers (throws the yellow amber lights on grill) and only a few drive it off road. I got rid of my Toyota Land Cruiser as the mileage went up (280k). I had the 2nd/3rd gen 4 runners..just didn't do it for me. I picked up an 07 Off Road Xterra with a 4.0/6 speed. lifted a couple inches, 285s and its really a sweet spot. Not slow, very responsive and in my opinion can do what newer 4 runners can do without the expensive price tag. It can hit 100 mph easily with stability (something my TJ cant do in a stable manner) it is definitely an overlooked vehicle but at the end of the day? Its how well you take care of your rig. I seen Toyotas eat oil at 140k..person didnt change oil..etc etc.

[@TrayJayRecords]

the audio system part was satire right

[@SkilletsUSMC]

That’s a cool Xterra. I like them, but some of the info given about toyota isn’t quite right. The front diff on my FJ handles 35s just fine. The FJ also needs no lift or trimming to run your 33s. All in all, a cool video and a cool truck. I’d wheel with ya!

[@Mall_Crawling_X]

yoo nice video! titan swap ftw!

[@AldermanFredCDavis]

I've driven the 2019 Toyota Sequoia, but never a 4Runner or FJ Cruiser. For MY tastes, the Sequoia is THE best vehicle I have ever driven. That being typed, I have driven a 2015 Xterra Pro 4-x and I own a 2012 Pathfinder. Just based off numerous KZbin videos and watching 4Runners on the highway, Toyota's 6 cylinder truck engines seem to loaf and struggle at highway speeds. If I'm not mistaken, the Xterra and Pathfinder share the same engine, and I agree with this guy, they have plenty of torque and plenty of "get up and go". Nissan made a mistake with their early CVT's and Nissan's trucks don't have all of the off-road (crawl control, terrain select, etc.) goodies of Toyota', however, I think they're a much better value than Fiat and Toyota, for those who aren't into hard-core off-roading. I've owned several Nissan vehicles in my life and never, ever had a problem. I am a HUGE fan of Nissan's VQ series engines. It's sad that Nissan is down to two body on frame SUV/trucks in the U.S. market. I am surprised that Nissan would concede the off-road and off-road wannabe market (albeit relatively small) to Toyota and Fiat.

[@albertb5455]

I feel like crawl control and terrain selects are just a way to make people pay more money while saving the production cost and reliability issues of a front locker. I'd rather have the ABLS that works just as well, and you don't even have to push a button for it. ABLS gets the job done, it spins the wheel thats not spinning, nothing complicated. It's very underrated and I find it annoying when people worship Subaru's and Land Rover's traction control systems. If you want to do serious low speed off roading get a front locker whether its automatic or selectable, period.

[@MrWd2528]

Only thing good about owning a toyota is the after market support and resale value. That's it. Capability and dependability wise they're the same. Considering the ease and affordability to modify the nissan over the toyota, especially the ability to titan swap makes the Exterra/Frontier the clear winner. Nissan is wayy underrated in that regard.

[@albertb5455]

I think the older toyotas (and nissans) deserve the reputation they have, but currently they are very overrated. In the past year or so the nissans have been gaining a following since people are realizing how good of a deal they are compared to used toyotas. The froniter is a better truck in many ways than a current tacoma. Better frame, motor, trans, axles, basically everything I mentioned in this video.

[@MrWd2528]

@@albertb5455 yes. The old toyotas and Nissans' reputations are well deserved. The current ones are as stated above.

[@Nigriff]

The frame rust on old Toyotas was a real problem. Beware

[@christhomason430]

Nice set up man, I plan to titan swap mine but I’m curious exactly what year model of pathfinder those cv axles came out of?

[@albertb5455]

Not sure, I just know the part number is NI8433 on rock auto

[@watchingyt8396]

@@albertb5455 why leaf spring bro?

[@txtoyota4]

As an FJ owner, i nearly bought a Pro4x xterra, and i knew the differences when buying. Here are some things i’d like to add: Your analysis on the suspension regarding cost upgrades and possible long travel costs for a Yota is extremely valid, and imo is nissans biggest advantage when talking compatibility at a low cost. However, i believe the FJ has the uniqueness of the history behind it, as well as more room inside the truck. The atrac in the toyotas is imo more useful, but this is just personal opinion bc i’ve wheeled my FJ a ton. Something you did miss was that the Fj DOES have a box frame, something the tacomas and 4runners lack and that is unique to the FJ and land cruiser prado. Also, i would like to say that the FJ is way more of a valid competitor to the pro4x xterra than any 4runner due to the simply unmatched offroad technology that most FJs were equipped with rather than cashing out for options on the 4runner platform.

[@mohammeds5458]

I believe the Fj cruiser has the uniqueness of the history behind. Of what? I'm the owner of Fj cruiser 2008 and land cruiser 70 2021 (which Americans don't know) and the land cruiser 70 better by far in off-road What is the benefit of the history while there is a better car

[@txtoyota4]

@@mohammeds5458 Clearly a Land Cruiser 70 will have a better offroad status because of simply the price you pay compared to an FJ Cruiser, it’s not a comparison

[@mohammeds5458]

@@txtoyota4 What do you mean the price I've paid My fj since 2008 and it's old while my land cruiser 70 since last year If I'll compare the price of 2021 land cruiser 70 and 2008 fj cruiser when it was brand new the land cruiser 70 is more expensive ( my land cruiser short wheel base v6 manual transmission) But if I'll compare brand new 2022 land cruiser 70 with brand fj cruiser the fj cruiser is a bit more expensive

[@jgregg7100]

I shopped both but xterra won on price, I got 05 se 4x4 xterra 116k miles for $6k cash 5 years back. At the time cheapest fj was 14k and 220k miles. Happy with my purchase overall, been offroad hand full of time and did amazing

[@mohammeds5458]

@@jgregg7100 Actually comparing Fj and xterra I agree with you My brother has xterra I feel better response, more power and a little bit smaller The small thing that I did not like is no cruise control because it is a base model

[@BimmerDude]

This was a great informational video.Thanks!

[@temperedsand093]

Great video

[@terryreyes1125]

I have a nissan bit i would never dare say its better than a toyota because there is no such thing 🙄 love my r50 nissan but would prefer my 4runner

[@Nigriff]

I have a 2002 Tacoma and a 2020 Tundra, but I'm getting a Pro 4x now. The Tacoma has horrible rust and the new Toyotas are Waaaaay overpriced. Even older 4Runners are very overpriced because too many soccer moms and dads think they're cool looking and don't mind paying a ton of money for an offroad package they will never actually need

[@Elbribon1]

I bought an xterra because the others are so expense.oh man I wont change my xterra for the others now.

[@Nigriff]

Same. After 2 Toyota trucks, I'm now going back to Nissan bc Toyotas have become too trendy and expensive

[@stevey500]

It's a sweet build and you said a lot of it exactly how it is. I agree that the ABLS traction system on the Nissans even all the way back to 2005 outshines Toyotas, it's less intrusive and abrupt while doing a very good job. I must argue the audio system though lol, 5:13 the Rockford Audio system is very okay, nothing very premium about it. Other "premium" audio systems in other vehicles far outshine this one. Have you taken a look at the dash tweeters? They are 3" cardboard, the cardboard paper is almost transparent and flakes away after some years. They're absolutely horrifying and provide almost no high-end at all. The few dollar rear door tweeters are the only source of high end of the frequency spectrum. Swapping the dash tweeters to real legitimate tweeters and replacing the factory amplifier with a cheap 6 channel brings that system to LIFE. I dropped a kicker subwoofer in the factory subwoofer housing and that also made quite a change. At 9:12 you can swap the spindles to titan spindles, hubs, brakes and change the whole rig to 6x5.5 with adapters in the rear.

[@scott8238]

My buddy has a new tacoma with the JBL system and he was jealous of the rockford in my Xterra lol

[@milesb4231]

Dude - sliders are a no brainer --- shrockworks bolt-on and you can hi-lift from them

[@albertb5455]

I got these done in two days for a fraction of the price of shrockworks at a shop 5 minutes away. The shrockworks are better but I didnt feel like waiting for months and paying $200 for shipping

[@onthemoon412]

“Best sound system ever put in a car from factory” laughs in Lexus’ 17 speaker Mark Levinson system…

[@Nigriff]

Best sound system for a non-luxury SUV at the time perhaps

[@darthtyranus7683]

Disagree the Tacoma diffs are literally hilux dna Dana diffs are fine but if you flush even at every 5years youll always get more reliability from FJ Taco 4r diffs

[@taylormccallum]

Id be sold on xterras buuuut i have rear coilovers on my 99 4runner

[@Alex-xi8ye]

i like apple juice

[@daltonsband]

good man, nissan forever! well until they stop making them on us, damn you nissan!

[@H.A..]

Nice video bud! Although I personally believe the real test comes when manufacturers go head to head under similar conditions (same track, same rubber, same tech. enabled, etc.) I'd hate to post a link under someone else's video and am not advocating for any truck over another but for the sake of education and decision making here's a clip of a Pathfinder, 4Runner, Cherokee, and Pajero being test driven under similar conditions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKrWnXV_eNqjjrc

[@AK-ky3ou]

Nissan is the shiznet

[@SkilletsUSMC]

Edit: it’s a bird. Disregard. Ha!

[@crimildoernestongove9020]

I do not want to watch the video but, I can Say Toyota is better

[@Nigriff]

After having a 90s Pathfinder, an 02 Tacoma, and a 2020 Tundra, and now a 2011 XTerra Pro 4x... I can say that they perform about even, but for the money, Nissan is superior

[@TheWorst-]

No way in hell im taking a VQ40 overlanding. Hell no. The most unreliable nissan engine made in the last 20 years

[@albertb5455]

Never even heard of one breaking, guess I'm lucky

[@spf4x4]

Go the Nissan Pathfinders @spf4x4

[@Nigriff]

Great video