Durability: unibody vs. full frame??

[hashem72]

hi,

I own a '01 QX4 in showroom condition and I love it, I have some serious safety and durability queries about the newer QX4's and Pathfinders ie. Unibody is not as durable and tough as a full frame, any PRo insight on this issue is highly appreciated. thanks

[docsmile71]

Newer QX4's and Pathfinders are not going to be serious off-road vehicles anymore. I think Nissan/Infiniti is following the trend with these crossover vehicles where car chassis is being combined with awd and increased ride height (like the RX330, X5, Highlander, MDX) to appeal to the current US market. I would say that 99% of SUV owners think that "off-roading" is driving in some unplowed snow. Because unibody has more structural rigidity, the vehicle feels tighter and develops less squeaks in the long run. It basically drives more like a car than a truck and that is what Americans want.