Do I really need Traction Control on a AWD Nissan X-Trail?

[Voodoo Doctor]

I live in Toronto, after a lot of test drive and research, I finally narrow down my choices 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 model LE w/VDC is $34598. The VDC is only available on the Top of the line 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?

[Pritch]

Get yourself some snow tires.

While VDC can be helpful, I dont really ever find myself wishing for it when it isnt there.

For 4100+, I can lift my foot off the throttle myself, thank you.


Worried about loosing grip and skidding out? Youll be safer with snow tires and no VDC than no snow tires with it. I review cars for auto123, and spend a lot of time trying to determine if such systems are really worth it, the answer is generally no. On snow and ice that comes up out of nowhere, its not going to help you. Snow tires on, drive accordingly, money in your pocket.



My 2 cents.

[XTrail1]

I agree 100%, down the road these doodads will break and little lights will come on in the dash, this regardless of the brand. The best traction control system is between the ears :wink:

[jww]

I have been perplexed at how Nissan has packaged the X-Trail. The leather isn't all that good a quality, and as already noted earlier, 4 grand is alot to pay for side-mounted air bags and then you have to fork out close to another grand for the VDC. I have ESC on my new Sonata, and have to admit that it only kicked in a couple of times in the heavy wet snow we had in Ottawa on Saturday. I bet if Nissan had made VDC available on the SE that people would opt for it though.

If you can, opt for the manual transmission and you may find it behaves even better in the snow.

jww

[XTrail1]

Well you kind of don't have a choice, no. The XE does not have a sunroof or chrome grill and whatever else, so the SE would be the choice.

[Blue Raven]

The X-Trail has an AWD and a 4WD system. You can choose to drive in FWD, Auto or Lock mode. The Auto mode drive in 4WD mode for the first 10 km/hr then reverts to FWD. If the front wheel detects slippage in goes into AWD (all 4 wheels turn) until it detects no more slipping. The Lock mode lets you drive in 4WD for the first 40 km/hr then reverts to FWD but still checks for slippage 10 times a second as it would in the Auto mode (just in case you accidently turn the knob from auto to lock). As far as the traction control system that is offered in the LE model it will help you in a skid in case you over or understeer your vehicle. I have researched just about every SUV on the market and the AWD system is a better choice because it can activate at any speed while the 4WD systems will stop working after 40-60 km/hr when you need it the most. There are few AWD vehicles out there so do your research because as i have found salespersonnel don't know everything. I hope this will help you make your decision.

[era174]

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[jww]

Why did Subaru Forester turn you off?

It has the BEST AWD and BEST SAFETY ratings from IIHS.

Why not?
Maybe because you feel like you are in a can of sardines when driving it? We looked at a couple of Subaru vehicles and while they lead in many areas, interior space is certainly not one of them - unfortunately.

jww