Pathfinder vs. QX4

[Jesda]

Well, I've been here in Creve Coeur, MO for about a week now, a wealthy suburb saturated with Infinitis, Lexuses, Jaguars, and Cadillacs. The eye candy is great!

But one thing that confused me was the insane volume of Infiniti QX4s on the road here. I see many of them daily, driving around in a variety of colors, mostly by younger men and women. I've seen plenty of G35s, G20s, first-gen Q45s, M45s, J30s, an M30, but for some odd reason there's a ton of QX4s here. I have not seen one FX35/FX45.

I thought the QX4 was a sales flop? Anyone know the price diff between the QX4 and Pathfinder LE? And are there any differences between the two other than price and badge? Winter's around the corner and I wouldnt mind an SUV... I wish the minivan wasnt so terrible in the snow.

-Jesda

[rydwhite]

I have noticed the same thing here in Indy. Tons of QX4's. It may be the most prevalent SUV besides the Ford Explorer.

[docsmile71]

The main appeal of the QX4 is the superior 4WD system. It is an electronically controlled system that is based off the system used in the Nissan Skyline GTR. It has automatically locking differential and the computer transfers power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip.

The Pathfinder on the other hand is a RWD vehicle until you switch it to 4WD mode. It doesn't have automatically locking differential meaning that after you engage the AWD, you have to drive a little bit to lock the hubs. You are also limited as to the speed you can be travelling while you switch from 2wd to 4wd.

You're right, there are not enough differences between the Pathfinder and QX4 to justify the price difference...but if you really want a foolproof SUV, the QX4 is a much better option.

For example, my brother who doesn't know much about cars tried to back a Pathfinder out of our driveway last year during a snowstorm. The car wouldn't budge. He ended up shoveling the whole driveway to get the car out. I laughed at him.

[BadQ45t]

Let's not forgot the interior is much nicer and the warranty is far better on the infiniti than the Nissan, 3 years 36,000 versus 4 year bumper to bumper and 7 year 70k for the powertrain. Since it is a 4x4 that could come in very handy.

[Jeff Williams]

Has anyone seen what the used car market is on the QX4? It is probably the only SUV I would ever buy, unless I got a smokin deal on the FX35.

[Jesda]

Still have not seen even ONE Pathfinder! Just QX4s

[I30T]

thats great, for a car that Car and Driver says is "dead", in this month's issue.