Topic: Do I really need Traction Control on the Nissan X-Trail AWD?

[The Dude]

I live in Toronto, after a lot of test drive and research, I finally narrow down my choice between the X-Trail AWD SE and the LE with/VDC (Traction Control & Break Limited Slip). Both AUTO.

M.S.R.P for mid model SE AUTO is $30998, for top-of-the-line LE w/VDC is $34598. The VDC is only available on the Top LE model. 

Considering the price difference between them is $3600+15%, IMHO that’s A LOT to pay for Leather auto seats (which I don’t really need), Climate Control (I don’t find it THAT useful in my brother’s 05 Maxmia anyways), Spoiler (pay more for gas), and 17” wheels( it’s a SUV and more $ for snow tires?). The only 2 things that concern me are the Side-Impact airbags and VDC.

My question is do I really need VDC with the 4WD system. If I just set the system to AUTO would it engage the rear wheels if it detects slippage? So even if one wheel is slipping I would still have power in 3 other wheels rite? As for VDC cutting throttle, I know when the wheels are slipping it’s time to easy off the gas. But then I am also getting information that the AWD system is useless beyond 30km, and on really icy roads when there’s no grip on all 4 wheels it really helps.

So what should I do here, should I spend the extra $4140 for VDC and Side-impact airbags or I am better off getting a really good set of snow tires and save some money? I’ve never own a 4WD vehicle before, and I’ve never drive anything without Traction control, so any advice would really help. Thank you.

BTW, what do you guys think is the best color for X-Trail? I am think about red, blue and maybe white?

[X-Traction]

We almost bought an X-Trail, and only did not because we really do use the low range which the '06 Grand Vitara has.  I too disliked the fact you have to buy the most expensive X-Trail to get the VDC/TC and side airbags.  Just as I dislike the similar situation with the GV's low range and the least useful stuff for off-roading that's bundled with it.  (automatic, 17" wheels)  The triumph of the marketing departments over common sense.

To add to your considerations is that research is showing that VDC is reducing single-car rollovers and the resulting deaths by about 50%.  In combination with the extra airbags, it makes it easier to put up with the leather seats and higher price.

The X-Trail's lockable AWD system is one of the best.  The problem is that when it's locked, it's not much different from an old-fashioned on-demand 4x4.  If you lose traction with two diagonally opposite wheels, such as when traversing a diagonal ditch, or both wheels on one side, such as when pulled over on a snowy shoulder, the two wheels with the least traction will spin, and you'll be dead in the water.  (I've also heard you can overheat the X-Trail's center differential, causing it to revert to 2wd.  I don't know if that happens when it's locked.)

If you had a limited slip rear differential, it would prevent this wheelspin scenario up to the point where the stress differences would make the rear differential slip.  But it's far better than being without it, and reduces the need for traction control.  Unfortunately you can't get a limited slip rear differential for the X-Trail.

So, it depends on your needs.  I wouldn't have bought an X-Trail without shelling out for the model with VDC/TC.  We were replacing an older Pathfinder with a well-scraped bottom and regular use of the low range.  Australians are using the X-Trail for some impressive stuff, and one of them finished this year's Paris Dakar torture rally in 20th place overall.

Instead, for thousands less than the X-Trail LE, we got the Grand Vitara, with all the gizmos of the X-Trail LE plus the low range.  If you don't rack up a lot of miles, you might keep the price down by buying a used LE. Might be hard to find one, however.

As for color, I think the X-Trail looks great except for the dark blue and black.

[ovr50]

I have an '05 Highlander which has the VSC, Traction Control and a bunch of other related stuff. If it were me, I'd spring for the extra money to get the X-Trail VDC, it is an effective tool to help you keep control in dicey situations. It only has to help you avoid an accident one time to pay for itself. Besides you get leather, heated seats, bigger alloys, incluled for the extra $3600. Not such a bad deal IMO.

[mdxtasy]

Yup.  Got an 04 MDX with the fancy doodads too.  While you don't normally use it, the stability control does kick in and help you when you need it.  It's not necessary by any means, it's an extra.  4WD gets you going in a straight line....VDC keeps the line straight when the stuff hits the fan.

[smainville]

For starters technology is not a substitute for snow tires, you need snow tires regardless of the vehicle you buy AWD or not.  I have the SE AWD, it came with the Bridgestones which are more rugged than the Dunlops you can also get, the first winter was good but they wore out quite fast over the summer and I installed 4 snows this year.  The X-Trail AWD system is one of the best out there, in AUTO mode it will take off in 4WD and will revert to 2WD only when traction is sufficient, some other brands will take off with 100% of thel power to the front and switch on if slippage is detected.  With the X-Trail if slippage happens while driving it will direct power to the rear in 1/10th of a second(at any speed), this combined with good snow tires is a great combo.  This year I tried a few things(in parking lots) and let me tell you this is one stable vehicle without VDC/TCS, also I can tell you that I avoided what could have been a serious accident just before Christmas.  As for the system overheating in lock mode, yes that is possible but only if you use this mode when you should not, that is driving in dry conditions below 30km/h.  The only time I ever used the lock mode was on a slight incline and pure ice, it got me going then I switched to auto.  Whatever model you choose in the end you won't regret it, I truly enjoy this vehicle.

[Craig]

We take our XE up skiing every weekend.  Spend $1000 on snow tires even if you buy the LE, but I don't feel the VDC is absulutely necessary.  Ours drives very solid on snow, but that's mostly the tires.

No way would I drive the OEM Dunlops in the winter - they look like slicks.  The other OEM Bridgestones have a better tread pattern, but have a rediculously low treadwear rating (as xtrail1 found out), so you'll be buying summer or all-season tires very quickly.

It's a great little truck, with very good fuel economy and a surprising amount of room inside with the seats down.  My wife doesn't like moonroofs (!), thus the XE base model.