Does it work? - Nissan X-trail 4wd Auto mode - Practical 4wding

Does it work? - Nissan X-trail 4wd Auto mode - Practical 4wding
I went out to test the X-trail's 4wd Auto mode to see how quick the vehicle sends power to the back wheels as soon as the front wheels looses traction. To say the least, I was pretty impressed by the results!
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Welcome to our channel where you will find practical 4wding and camping videos.
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[@Syulang-nt4kj]

The X Trail T30/T31 classes really are the best possible compromise between an affordable, practical, reliable daily driver that retains real ability when the tarmac stops. They really should have stuck with the formula and kept on churning them out like Toyota do with the 70-series. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! The new model really doesn't deserve the name of this venerable queen, imho.

[@hispano6054]

Great review - great car. I drove mine through rocky raods, mud, desert, ice & snow. It's now 20y. old and it's still going! 😊

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers. They are great cars 💪

[@alexl8141]

What’s your experience been like with reliability? Any big issues for the t30? Looking at picking one up pretty soon. Cheers!

[@ruggedlife]

No regrets. Bought mine when it had around 133k kms and now over 240k kms and still going strong. Never had major repairs just normal wear and tear.

[@theuninspiredlife657]

Wow that is good durability...

[@thichevallier]

Yes T30 have good reputation, it's very confortable on the road, and go pretty well off-road event if it's not equiped with low speed gear and differential lock. But I had to replace the clutch yesterday and it's more tricky the usual cars ! Better lift the car with all heavy tools.

[@Jacko911]

Didn't think an X-Trail was that capable. Good work 👍

[@realmedia2212]

The xtrail is a very capable and reliable vehicle , i love them

[@budget-adventure]

Lots of right foot

[@garrybrock6781]

Took my T30 out on the weekend for its first run (recently purchased) through the forestry in Glasshouse and Beerwah. I was surprised just how good it felt on the Gravel roads in the Auto Mode, you could feel it doing its job. And totally agree, only use the "LOCK" mode when you really need it. Looking forward to many more adventures, love the video's. Cheers

[@andrewbyrne281]

Ey mines a t30 to get yourself some good a/t tyres will help alott

[@simranjeetsingh144]

What’s location actually. I want to try it too.

[@istimamrian5300]

I recently got a t31

[@weriesblack1375]

Have you ever tried the hand brake trick to try send power to the wheel on the ground or left foot brake trick apparently its like a locker when in a pinch

[@MohammadKhan-nb5xl]

I love my t30.. incredibly capable vehicle., 20800 k and still going strong . beach , wet road, gravel road auto mode amazing. People got no idea haw far this old t30 can take them. Nice video though

[@khaliphilemoyo607]

I've got 300k on mine still cruising your going to have a great time

[@qcengr]

I just bought mine today because of this video!

[@ruggedlife]

Awesome!

[@thichevallier]

Thanks for the check ! It's good to now how reliable this function is. And I wanted a vehicule with the fewest possible electronics, but this traction control is very great, so we get maximum efficiency in hard conditions ! I'm very glad you make those videos, we don't find that much about the T30, it's an old car now, but very nice to drive you almost anywhere with good confort in all sits !

[@jonfklein]

I rented an X-Trail back in 2014 in Azerbaijan. One day I took it up a steep rocky road to visit a small village at the top. While going up the road I noticed that the engine did not respond when I changed the position of the gas pedal. I even floored it at one point, but the engine just kept turning at same steady speed, and the car just slowly crawled up the road. I thought something was wrong. It turns out the traction control system had basically taken over control of the accelerator. It would only allow the car to crawl very slowly up the hill, about 5 mph, while maintaining continuous traction. It was a bit disconcerting but the car never lost traction and moved in a very controlled and safe manner. I had a local guide with me who drove that road regularly. He was very impressed with how the car made it up the hill so easily.

[@zackzarak]

You need to switch off the traction control and it works like a dream and goes a lot faster than 5mph.

[@scottkelly1607]

im really suprised by just how capable the Xtrail is. 👍

[@woolengrappler]

Another great video. Subaru uses a few different types of AWD. Some are 50:50 split all the time, whereas the majority are actually 60:40 front: rear all the time. When a split is detected it sends 50:50 power. The performance models like the STI are closer to 45:55. It’s important to know your vehicle and you clearly do!

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate. Subarus are great. I used to own a Forester turbo.

[@istimamrian5300]

We recently got a t31 xtrail, which in my opinion looks fantastic. And the driving, well, thats in the video!

[@kmuinde]

One of best x-trail ever made especially the manual one

[@nikods]

Good video thanks man! All the best from Serbia

[@krstonosac]

It is better in LOCK on rock, gravel, steep hills ( my tests shows that). But I think it is better on icy roads and snow in AUTO, because "center diff" is controlled by the electromagnet, and it can be automatically set to 0, 25, 50, 75 or 100% front to rear, and if front tyres are loosing grip in front wheels, rear can be in 25% and get you out of ice.

[@ruggedlife]

Correct

[@masupalami33]

My dad bought a hail damaged t30 and left it in my care. I gave him my bmw z4 as trade. I LOVE this trick Nissan 4x4 system. Nissan knowhow (reverse engineered porche design aside)

[@raymondsvensson9773]

I had no problem with my t31 in auto mode on old Grandchester rd. I love it

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

Hi, just bought myself a awesome T.30 xsy... Last weekend. So far this week I have done a CB install exactly like your set up. Had 697 Bridgestone AT's installed, put a roof basket on. I also install a 22 in light bar along with a Kings awning. Phew, yep have been busy setting her up for Christmas , going camping on Tewah beach over the hols... Love your channel keep up the great eork, very inspirational. Cheers Steve

[@ruggedlife]

Awesome mate. Good job. You'll love her. Capable and practical vehicle. Good luck with your build 👍

[@Softroader]

Interesting video. This kind of the AWD system can have very different settings from one vehicle to another, from one brand to another. It seems here, for Nissan, that even in Auto mode, there is always a minimum of torque on the rear axle, especially in these conditions, at low speed. Another interesting thing to do is downhill with a rear wheel in the air. Sometimes, we then see that this wheel no longer rotates as on FWD car. The multi-plate clutch is then fully open and there is no longer any real connection between front and rear axle. In other cases, the multi-plate clutch is partially engaged and the wheel in the air turns at the same speed as the others. We can see this a little at about 5 min 46 and a few seconds later (with the slight reverse). Hope this is understandable English is not a bad native language

[@ikel018]

Thinking about purchasing one of these and to tell you the truth...I never even realized they actually performed so well. I'm super excited now.

[@ruggedlife]

Yes they are quite under rated.

[@gcmr87]

You're a good man. This is quality content.

[@ruggedlife]

Thanks mate. Appreciate the feedback 👍

[@DREAMS_OF_SUCCESS]

Very practical. What a little monster in the X Trail 👏

[@johnjackson1820]

I live in Jamaica and had have my x trail from 07 it's still as reliable as before on off road conditions grant it I hv changed the engine bcse the other one got busted. Overall good vehicle

[@smabeinghuman9236]

Excellent video.. I'm planning to buy one and needed a proper video on 4wd and here iam. Thank you 😊

[@1622_SCALE_DIVISION]

Great clip, I recently got an 04 plate so it's good to see it in action

[@matthewdufty606]

Great content 👌 Just what I needed to see before purchasing one of these

[@dequadin18]

Thanks for the video. Now i can drive even more confidently using the Auto Mode on Off-roads and slippery roads

[@Westaussiewalker]

Great video, we have an xtrail and this was very helpful 👍

[@Tellgio]

Great vid, Marvin. Very well done and informative!

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate 👍 X-trail continues to impress.

[@armarra]

I noticed there's instrument panel lights to indicate diff lock or 4wd(auto). It would have been good to have a little beep when 4wd engages in auto and when it reverts back to 2wd as your eyes aren't always on the instruments. Glad to see auto responds fast. I guess with abs detecting wheel lock quickly, then perhaps wheel spin is equally quick..in theory. Won't be going; FF road but it's reassuring auto works so well. I wonder how quickly it actually reverts to 2wd.

[@ruggedlife]

Good idea about the beep when it reverts to 2wd.

[@samsonphiri6874]

Good content, you have a new subscriber here. I have a Forester and I like to watch such videos they inspire me.

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate. I used to own a 2002 forester xt. Jdm spec. Loved it. IMO Foresters and Xtrails are the most capable softroaders.

[@Mylifelovingit]

Great video. I wish i had seen this year's ago, then I would have bought an X-Trail sooner.

[@andrewbyrne281]

Just went through Mapleton forestry , followed two old hiluxis a patrol and a troopy up some pretty steep and rugged terrain.

[@ReyesUrizar]

Nice video. I just bought one, the X-Trail Classic 2014. The last I’ve got was a Suzuki Grand Vitara 4X4. I used that on off roads and was a very good 4X4. I hope the X-Trail doesn’t disappoint me

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers. It doesn't have low range like the Vitara but it is very capable as you can see in my videos.

[@tyndni]

Thanks for the video. Straight to the point. :)

[@musondabodymindhealth4204]

Lovely! Thinking of taking a 2007 model to Zambia this summer. I feel confident after watching this . Cheers

[@_mrlift]

Just bought a 2007 model . Great car so far .

[@yudhihk1387]

Nice video! my T30 "wolfie" is 4x2, with AT tyres it runs well in the rocky road of mountain, but I hope oneday my wolfie could be changed to 4x4 . Warm greeting from Indonesia.

[@jorgeloo3412]

Buen video amigo, saludos desde Perú

[@DerekFletcher1]

really good video. You put that thing through the paces quite well. I'm looking at buying an 06 later today and am really looking forward to it.

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate. Good luck you'll love it 👍

[@tf-lv4zu]

great demo thanks

[@beezwaks]

So just got 2004 Ti. Just got it as a family car. We live in ski town in NZ where the road to the resort gets crazy icy. So we need it for that. But also just got it for a bigger more family friendly vehicle. Looks like it has some genuine offroad capabilities.

[@ruggedlife]

It sure does mate. I lived in NZ for almost 10yrs and had a subaru forester xt there. We used to take it to whakapapa.

[@beezwaks]

@@ruggedlife oh true. Yeah we live on the Turoa side which is another level of icy again compared to the Bruce road. Been looking at new rims and tyres- Any suggestions? Along with any other crucial tips for maximizing the performance within reasonable price?

[@ruggedlife]

Nice. If on a budget, I would just retain stock rims and just get AT tyres. Strut spacers are the cheapest way to gain clearance which is needed if you want to take it offroad. Bash plate would be good but might struggle to find one in NZ. Otherwise, just get one made up. Have a look at my MODs playlist.

[@lweleven3423]

Very helpful video and interested a few mentions in the comments about Subaru as that’s how I came to look at these it looks like slightly better ground clearance on the x trail than a forester , and for some reason foresters seems to have more miles on the clock more trails with lower miles and from what I can see careful, owners. Looking at what you tackled I think it will do what I need , so it’s on the top of my lift after watching this 👍

[@jaimesailor3153]

Just recently bought the same model Looking forward to some great 4x4ing Thanks for sharing this 👍 Gives me loads of confidence

[@Blipstream]

hey bro, i've got a 2008 LE diesel x-trail. i can only recommend you think about lifing with a koni suspension/spring set + chuck a set of baja k02 BF muddies on there. It's done wonders for my nissy! I'll come back here when i've got a showreal/video :D Good O'le NISSY!

[@fernando7755]

Nuevo suscriptor desde Argentina 🇦🇷.. tengo una t31, gran vehículo!!

[@tofty21]

What a great review

[@panama-canada]

Good test.

[@adampoll4977]

EXCELLENT video. Thanks!

[@jmau3824]

Once you applied 4Wauto you don't need to accelerate too much otherwise will spoiled the tires.

[@franknyanda4164]

I'm just curious what could be the reasons behind the underrating of the T30 X-Trail. I have had one here in Africa for six years now and as far as ocassional off-roading is concerned, it hasn't failed me yet. It however craves for "proper maintenance" more than an equivalent Toyota would but it is much more comfortable

[@khaliphilemoyo607]

You can say that again i snapped my cv when a hit a pothole but it had been replaced by the previous owner

[@gamerdiydad]

Looks pretty capable.

[@ruggedlife]

Yup they are very under rated

[@AADCOA]

Subscribed, love your work :)

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate 👌

[@MadeInSriLanka]

good content helpfull

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers 👍

[@jasminkimin6820]

Nice..I like it.

[@andresfelipe9487]

Grande. Gracias voy a comprar un auto de esos

[@Jimsimi]

Would you consider an auto x-trail? I'm planning to buy a diesel x-trail for camping trips and plan to get a manual 4wd with low range in the next few years when the second hand 4wd market returns to normal and I can hopefully afford one and move the x-trail to daily driver duties and share with family who don't drive manual, but auto is also preferable to me for mindless traffic driving. I know this is off topic, but I have watched a few of your videos and you seem to take a very rational and practical view of things, so I'd like to hear your opinion. I've never driven an auto off road, but if it's really a big difference I think I'll get the manual as I can easily see myself falling in love with the x-trail and potentially sticking with it for longer.

[@ruggedlife]

Thanks for your feedback. My Xtrail is actually an auto and there is a good reason for that. Have a look at my Practical 4wding playlist. One of my recent videos in there is about why an auto is better if your vehicle doesn't have low range gearing. Have a watch of that and you'll see my point 😉

[@AlejandroMartinez-qu9yv]

Buen. Video😎

[@Magina1989]

I dont understand this AUTO mode. Why if the left tire is in the air it spins and the right tire stands still? if it send power to the rear axe dont they have to roll both rear tires at the same power? Thanks for the vid!

[@ruggedlife]

That is because it is an open differential. It is by design of a differential. I suggest you search for videos in youtube on how 4wd systems work as it will explain how differentials work as well.

[@countryside_guy]

I don't think it has a dif lock that's why.

[@68404]

The left tyre starts to turn, signalling to the computer to divert more drive to the right tyre (that has traction). If the tyre wasn't allowed to spin the computer wouldn't know traction had been lost.

[@joseconejo5277]

Good evening from Spain, I have a T30 2.2 CDI 4x4 136hp, I bought it two years ago with 36,000km and now it has 83,000km, I am very happy but I have problems with the shock absorbers, could you tell me if KYB is recommended for the car, shock absorbers and cups with bearings. Thank you very much in advance and great video, but I feel sorry for mistreating mine so much.

[@ruggedlife]

KYB is a decent brand 👍

[@amethysturanus6351]

Brilliant Testing of T30. I own 2007, have done 68000 only. I could not understand when you engage diff lock from AUTO. DOES DIFF LOCK ON COMBINE ALSO 4 X 4 AUTO FUNCTION since both are different options on rotating switch.⁉️

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers. I created a video titled 'X-trail 4wd modes' explaining how the different modes work. It is under my 'Practical 4wding' playlist.

[@mignonnekaraka]

Thanks!

[@mephistoc9286]

Hello (im french sorry) I have a problem with my 2006 2.5 i xtrail The clutch is out Clutch price 200€ But fly price 1000€ Work price for it 500€ Guuuuup Is that good??? Obligations to change the flyweel???

[@broadsword6650]

I’ve never seen a proper explanation from Nissan about how to use the three drive modes. Is there any advantage to using 2-wheel over Auto on paved roads? Is four-wheel-drive ever engaged in 2-wheel setting, or is Auto like 2-wheel except that 4WD cuts in sooner? How loose does the surface have to be to use Lock? A video properly comparing the three modes would be useful. Thanks!

[@ruggedlife]

Hey mate 4wd auto is always better than 2wd on any road. I have a video in my channel about the 3 modes. Look under the Practical 4wd playlist in my channel. There is a video there about the xtrail 4wd modes

[@broadsword6650]

Rugged Life I’ve wondered if 2WD mode gives better fuel economy, or something. If not, why have it? I’ve seen the advice to simply leave it in Auto unless you need to engage Lock mode off-road, but for paved roads leave it in Auto. Nissan are not clear about it. I believe that even the 2WD mode will engage 4WD if traction is lost, like Auto but maybe less aggressively. It seems a very woolly area, and no-one ever seemed to do any research into which best to use it and in what conditions. Off-road is pretty obvious, it’s on road that’s the puzzle.

[@ruggedlife]

@@broadsword6650 there is no difference in fuel economy. Yes, Nissan says that some sort of power goes to the rear in situations like heavy accelaration.

[@HeavySig]

@@ruggedlife I may look at your channel, but to me the 2WD mode most practical use would be so it could be towed normally without having to be put on a trailer.

[@68404]

I had my one dyno'd. 2WD allows it to go on the rolling road.

[@DREAMS_OF_SUCCESS]

How is the T31. Kindly advise, need to make a decision soon. Thanks

[@AlejandroMartinez-qu9yv]

👍saludos🇩🇴

[@mikebenz2448]

Nice video. This car is very reliable. In my country where mountain and rough roads and temp reaching 50 c This car very good.

[@marcelabustamante2005]

This may be a silly question, but what's the difference between leaving it on Auto or Lock? Does it use more gas?

[@ruggedlife]

Not a silly question mate. I have a video about the different modes and also about the auto mode in my Practical 4wd playlist.

[@Kpostma100]

I think the auto mode is always in 4w when you drive away, it only goes to 2w drive when constantly driving. That way it may seem it tesponds fast when in reality it did not respond at al, it was just already in 4x4. So when pulling away it is on 4x4, and when roling it wil go back to 2w

[@ruggedlife]

The manual for the T30 model says the rear engages when the front looses traction in auto mode.

[@Kpostma100]

@@ruggedlife that is funny, doesnt feel like that but if the manual says so then who am i to argue :)

[@ruggedlife]

Yup I know what you mean. It engages pretty much instantly.

[@Kpostma100]

@@ruggedlife also when on a regular road when i pull up in 2wd it slips, when i pull up when in 4wd it just instantly launches the entire vehicle forward without hesitation. if there is no slip then how does he register when to put it in 4wd?

[@ruggedlife]

Yea not sure about that. When I did my tests I found it to be pretty instant too. I have a video in my Practical 4wd playlist about the auto function and youll see it there.

[@ralfschmauder7436]

great review indeed , but what i am missing is the option to keep VDC (nissans kind of ESP) on or turn it off , i believe that it makes a reasonable difference concerned Traction and Engine power , specially if having an auto tranny ? , true or false ?

[@ruggedlife]

T30s don't have that. It will help but cannot compare it to proper 4wd driving aids like the ones in 4wds. Don't use it in sand as it will cut off power when you need it.

[@gimbohouse]

Friends i find to buy the X trail 2002 petrol and i am worried for the fuel consumption.Can you adviced me pls if is expensive consumption pls???

[@ruggedlife]

Depending on the condition of the engine, how you drive and also if you fit bigger tyres. The 2.5L petrol range between 9-10L/100kms on average.

[@Ahto42]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnjdlnR4qsxkjZY 7 years back I tested the Auto mode with a Amp meter. As we can see, et system does not wait to the wheel to slip. That was i trying to say. Different story when the applyed current is not enough for a split second. It is written somewhere, Even in the Australian X-trail forum that the T30 has like 53/47 front to back with the trasferbox gearing. In Auto, i have experiences burn smell, Is it frm the 4wd clutchback or from the brakes that simulate the diff lock. Shame that in the Australia T30's did not come with the ESP and Brake assisted LSD.

[@budget-adventure]

Soooooo? I can understand if you drive on snow, but 9 times out of 10 you know you might loose traction so you just put it in 4wd anyway

[@christinaemerald]

I just bought 2006 Colombia, live in London, not much use for off road but want to know the best setting for UK roads, especially when it's icey. What is the best mode generally in town? It's automatic/petrol.

[@ruggedlife]

Leave it in Auto mode. I'm in Australia and have left mine in auto mode for around a year now. It's nothing different to an awd car. Better and safer that way.

[@Consul99]

This might be a stupid question but would the car take off faster on road in AUTO mode? Has anyone compared take offs in 2WD, AUTO and 4WD? (I know you're not really supposed to use 4WD mode on road but I'm curious)

[@ruggedlife]

If there is poor traction like gravel, snow or wet then auto mode will pull better

[@slowburnburnslow]

Got a 2008 xtrail T31, all standard mods it comes with. Would this be fine to put a rooftop tent on and boot full of gear and still do well on the beach and average off road tracks?

[@ruggedlife]

Should be OK but be as light as you can be.

[@Marcelas888]

This car is fucking nuts. My dad has one. Drives anywhere

[@djolic94]

Hi, first thanks for great content! Besides lock mode is locking central diff and sending power to both rear and from wheels, does lock mode supports fully locking all 4 wheels, so for example both wheels on front axle are locked mutually and the same for rear? Thanks

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers. No, Lock mode doesn't act as a diff lock.

[@djolic94]

@@ruggedlife Thanks! Btw, can you explain a little bit between diff lock and axle lock? I see many members of community confused about it and it seems your explanations are very clear.

[@ruggedlife]

Diff lock locks the front or rear differential which ever has it. For example, when the front diff lock is enggaged, both front wheels turn at the same speed. Same applies to the rear. Center diff lock locks the center differential. This is behind the transmission where the front and rear drive shafts connect to. When this is locked, both front and rear drive shafts turn at the same speed. Hopefully makes sense. I might male a video one day so it's clearer.

[@djolic94]

@@ruggedlife Yes, it is clear! Are there vehicles that have all that integrated, both front and rear diffs and central, so as result all 4 wheels are turn at the same speed?

[@ruggedlife]

Yes there are vehicles that have them all just don't remember on top of my head which ones. Most common ones are the ones that have center and rear but not front. Only a few have the front too.

[@alejandrojorgeraush4372]

Hola, exelente video! Tengo la misma camioneta (2006) y me pareció de lo más versatil para ser de este segmento (no 4X4...) Consulto: tu camioneta tiene motor 2,5 nafta o 2,2 diesel? La mía es Diesel y tiene un toque formidable, Gracias! Desde Colón E.R. (Argentina)

[@ruggedlife]

Mine is the 2.5l petrol.

[@alejandrojorgeraush4372]

Si, ése motor es de 170hp y equipa a la Nissan Pathfinder. Acá no entró con esa motorización. La mía es de 2,200cc y 132Hp

[@shane1498]

Hey mate me again haha! I've done my lift with spacers, new 205 80 tyres on Thursday.. How about the beach... did you use auto over at Fraser?

[@ruggedlife]

Cool 👍 Yes Auto mode all the way. You'll be driving over 40kph on the beach most times so you have to be in Auto anyway otherwise Lock mode will put you back to 2wd and you'll bog down.

[@Rabsallawah]

@0:50 you Said it sends power to the back once it detects slip. This is incorrect, the rear wheels are engaged by a viscous coupling once 4WD is selected. It is not an on-demand system.

[@thomasfx3190]

Actually yes it is. On my 2019 it’s completely automated

[@68404]

This X trail doesn't have a viscous coupling. It has electronically controlled coupling mounted just before the rear differential.

[@adtatatumtemporis7111]

@RuggedLife awesome video. What tyre profile do you have? Any lift?

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers. 235 70 16. 35mm lift. I have videos of all my mods in my MODs playlist.

[@Craigknz]

Hi Rugged Life - does your Xtrail have a suspension lift kit at all or is it stock height in this video? Cheers

[@ruggedlife]

It has a lift kit. I have videos of all my mods in my MODs playlist.

[@antonishannas3608]

Thanks for the video. Do you have the ESP off in this video? How about in general off road? Is it good to have ESP off?

[@ruggedlife]

I don't have ESP. Yes turn off ESP.

[@anthonyekpo6774]

Hello! Please how can I make the nav sat functional? I’m in West Africa

[@SkywalkerPaul]

Use a smartphone instead

[@shirtz69r]

Just bought one of these. Any recommendations for tyres and wheels sizes for standard height 50/50 on and off road? Mine ce with crappy 17s. I'd like to go 15s

[@ruggedlife]

225 75 15

[@gustavoneira1006]

Estas rompiendo el Nissan t ok nto

[@ruggedlife]

I have put on over 100,000kms on and offroad driving. I have never broken anything. All I've done to date is maintenance and normal wear and tear. It's how you drive it which is what I'm trying to show in my channel.

[@wilmotsvilcsi403]

Hi, did you use an A/T tires here? I cant see..

[@ruggedlife]

Yes I'm using A/T tyres on all those footages.

[@cameronabbott4900]

Did you have a lift done on this X-Trail? Or is this stock ground clearance? Thanks

[@ruggedlife]

Yes. All mods are in my MODs playlist

[@Rr-ri4oi]

"Accidentally" found this vid as I was looking for instruction for something else (how to open rear hatch from inside - yes it has closed on me when doing stuff in the back more than once!) Anyways - WOW! I bought mine for moderately rough back roads to remote places but wouldn't have DARED tackle some of these! And I won't now, but newfound respect for my trusty steed ...

[@highanddryful]

Fantastic series of X Trail videos. I’ve recently sold my small suzuki Jimny because of space limitations and fuel tank size. An X Trail is what I need now for touring dirt roads . Can you advise what model series X trail do I get which offers 4x4 in auto? I’m after a second hand vehicle say 2019 onwards... thanks

[@ruggedlife]

Im assuming you mean 2009 not 2019? The 'rugged' Xtrails are the T30 and T31 models. Both still have a few aftermarket mods and both are suitable for dirt road overlanding.

[@highanddryful]

@@ruggedlife Hi, I am referring to the newer models 2.5L in particular the Auto 4WD ST 2021. Unfortunately I cannot find a good condition older series like T30/31

[@ruggedlife]

Not too familiar with the new models to be honest. I heard they still have good 4wd systems though. In terms of reliability on rough terrain I guess they are OK for the occassional dirt roads. The good thing about the older models is that you can get heavy duty suspension, under body protection and more tyre options because they have smaller rims. Less electronics so less things to go wrong when the going gets tough.

[@MrSystem88]

Have t31, but after trying to go in reverse on icy road saw that just one wheel is spinning. Tried both Auto and Diff Lock. Is that normal or?

[@ruggedlife]

Not normal unless the transmission is overheated then it reverts to 2wd.

[@MrSystem88]

@@ruggedlife thanks. i will try to test it somehow, but maybe it's just overheating.

[@ruggedlife]

Yup maybe.

[@pierrejeanes]

I see you have a towing device installed, have you towed a caravan on snow uphill road?

[@ruggedlife]

I have towed a small trailer and also an empty car trailer in the past. On normal roads.

[@azz_96]

Hi mate. Been looking at the x trail videos. Thinking of getting a 2020 model but little confused between Subaru Foresters AWD functionality vs x trails 4x4 mode. What do you think about Subaru foresters X-mode competitively?

[@ruggedlife]

Hey mate. Im not up to speed with the latest 4wd systems on both cars but tbh if your getting a new model. Id be leaning towards the subaru for better 4wd system. At the end of the day, you wont take your new car to places I take my xtrail to so the 'offroad' capability wont be taken into consideration. However, the safety aspect of the 4wd system is what you want and in my opinion, subaru has the better system.

[@azz_96]

@@ruggedlife thanks for your reply mate. I’m thinking of taking it off road, not as much as you. My only concern was Subaru was a AWD system and not a 4x4, what do you think about that in terms of medium off road capability?

[@ruggedlife]

No worries. The term 4x4 on a softroader is pretty misleading. The ability to send power to both front and rear axles on a softroader is sometimes not achievable however, I know both the xtrail and forester have the ability to do this up to a certain extent. I would put my money on the forester knowing how good their systems are and how good their traction control system is.

[@peterbuttge7434]

Great informative video. I find that in my 2007 T30 auto serves me well. As soon as I Hit gravel I switch it on. Having used lock for any length of time the clutch starts to smell so auto does me. Been a super reliable car but at 137000ks parts are now going to fail. Still going to keep it due to many accessories fitted.

[@ruggedlife]

I would only use the lock function on short bursts on really hard obstacles. Harder than the ones in my video (assuming someone is crazier than me 🤣). They are excellent all around vehicles. 137k on the clock is so low kms for that vehicle 👍

[@martynf65uk]

@@ruggedlife Try using lock to control down hill speed when driving offroad. It forces all four wheels to engage in the drive train thus forcing engine braking to act on all 4 wheels not two wheels as front wheel drive would do, or in auto mode which when coasting down hill would supply very small drive to the rear wheels. Lock forces greater engine braking and therefore controls downhill speed a bit better.

[@CPsPCs]

@@ruggedlife In reply to 137K is low for that vehicle....... I'm in Western Australia. I had an X-Trail T30 ST 2002. In 2016, at 185K I had to get rid of it, the head gasket started leaking. When I took it to my mechanic for repair, he had two other T30's in for exactly the same issue and they were at around the same K's as mine. He told me he was getting at least one T30 in his workshop per month that had a head gasket issue, and all were just approaching 200K. So I got mine patched and traded it for a 2015 Demo T32 with only 7K on the clock. Note : For the last 10 years I have towed an unbraked 700Kg 8x5 trailer weekly for about 50km. Luv my Xyyyy.

[@ruggedlife]

@@CPsPCs interesting. Mine is a 2007 t30 and around 174k. We'll see how we go.

[@PHILCHUDS]

I believe the Lock function only works whilst doing under 19mph. AFAIK.

[@Jelcy46]

What year is this nissan been looking at 2008 not sure to get one or not but they look really good on offroads

[@ruggedlife]

2007. Last of the T30 series. 2008 will be T31. Both are good offroad. Just dont get the CVT transmission.

[@Jelcy46]

Ok thank you so much for the information and replying back

[@merqury5]

Im curious why you havent put something like a BF Goodrich kto2 AT tyres on yours? I have them on mine and it really bites into whatever I do during summer.

[@martynf65uk]

driving on that kind of surface in the vids, he has airred down to make the tyres wrap around the rocks and boulders to find traction. KO2's (I run them 6 months of the year) wouldn't give much of a benefit other than its a tougher tyre less prone to puncture, its possible... the extra bite of the KO2 might put extra strain on the running gear as it suddenly bites, transferrring the shock to cv's etc . Road tyres on these types of rocky boulders aired down are the best compromise. KO2's would be tougher and you could run them longer aired down.

[@ruggedlife]

Yea I have cheap ATs. KO2s are too pricey 😀

[@merqury5]

@@ruggedlife Thats fair. I see them regularely for 3-400$ a set 2nd hand here on rims. There are alot of xtrails in norway.

[@mocky1220]

Great video! You really gave that t30 a workout. I didn't know that my t30 can do that. May I ask what brand and size are the tires? Mine came in stock 215/65-16.

[@ruggedlife]

Yup theyre capable. 235 70 16. I have a video about it in my MODs playlist.

[@pinpon853]

Whats the pressure of the tyres? I just bought a Nissan X trail 2.5L 2004...

[@ruggedlife]

I set it to around 20psi front and 18psi rear in those sorts of terrain.

[@pinpon853]

@@ruggedlife 20psi and 18psi? The door of my X trail says 28psi.... And i thought it's not too much. I found a web page that says should be 36psi and 34psi...

[@ruggedlife]

That's for offroading on that sort of terrain in that video. For road use, yes 34/36psi is right

[@pinpon853]

@@ruggedlife thank you my friend!

[@Mike-me3sp]

How the hell are you not caving in that rear muffler? Mine scrapes if I even look at it funny. Is yours higher than standard? Also can I ask how many k's at the time of this video?

[@ruggedlife]

Yup 35mm lift plus 1inch from larger tyre. I have all my mods on my MODs playlist

[@TheAppledog]

what size wheels an tyre? any mod to lift to fit?

[@ruggedlife]

235 70 16. I have all my mods in my MODs playlist.

[@daveneef]

Again a great video, always watching your content. Can you please advise a mud tire, I have a Nissan X-trail 2005 2.5 l 170 break horsepower. Greetings from the Netherlands. Have a great weekend.

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate. I would go for bfgoodrich km3

[@daveneef]

@@ruggedlife thanks man have a great day. Cheers