Offroad test: Honda Passport vs. Xterra vs. MDX (follow up to Why I chose a Honda Passport Video)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ต.ค. 2019
- ***First of all***, this is a follow up video to "Why I chose a Honda Passport, Why you Should or Shouldn't". Please watch that video before this one. Here's the Link:
• Why I purchased a Hond...
A few days after the release of my last video, I just happened to meet up with @offroad_acura_mdx & @oc_adventure_trails up at the Maple Springs trail in Orange County, California. This was a spontaneous meet up, I actually was trying to diagnose a minor sound coming from the drivers right side of my 2019 Honda passport. I thought it might have been the skid plate, so I removed it to do some testing (turns out its not the skid plate and may be from the lift kit instead or from the way the Honda Dealership aligned my wheels. It's a minor sound, and I will only hear it when driving over rough corrugations. If it turns out to be anything serious, I will let you know ASAP, so follow me on Instagram for my latest updates. my IG handle is @jondz_adventuring.
This video will show the differences between 3 vehicles with stout V6 engines. The MDX has a regular transmission (14:1 crawl), my Passport has a simulated low range (20:1 crawl), and the Xterra has a proper low gear transfer case (32:1 crawl - it's a Manual, keep that in mind! Very impressed).
I'll admit, I WAS SURPRISED BY THE RESULTS. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
![Off-road comparison: [Uni-body vs. Body on frame] on a lvl 4 Jeep trail (Joshua Tree NP)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vV5q51uAjA8/mqdefault.jpg)
th-cam.com/video/Hlg41C-W9r4/w-d-xo.html
***Attention and Reminder*** This video was made to supplement my "Why I chose a 2019 Honda Passport and Why you Should or Shouldn't" video. This is a video about the choice between an offroad oriented crossover and a dedicated body on frame off-roader. I believe the choice is between "On-road handling and efficiency vs. Off-road capibility". The link is above, please watch before this video so this video has more meaning.
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I have a 2012 Xterra, unstoppable :)
Awesome. I also have the 2014 Xterra pro 4X. Awesome Beast !!!
Same here. Stock and has taken me everywhere without a sweat.
I love seeing how successful your Passport is offroad. Keep it up!
Rob Glick thanks man! 🙏 I thought I was done, but it turns out I may have bigger plans. There’s a 3.5” lift on the horizon with highlift rear control arms. How can I resist??????? The lift should allow for 33’s. I think I might have to do it!!!!!!!
Awesome, these comparisons are always interesting! Nice supplement to the other video!
softroadingthewest thanks 🙏 Donald! The edit on this was so pleasant. Where the main video took me a very very long 16 hours or so. This one took me about 30 minutes 😃.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Last time I was able to edit a video in 30 minutes was...um, let's see...oh yeah, never. 16 hours is probably my average, with some taking waaaay longer than that. I need to figure out how to be more efficient because video editing is pretty much all I do anymore when I'm not working or sleeping. (and I often have dreams about video editing so even sleep is no escape, LOL)
"You couldn't explore the top of that hill."
Sick burn, bro. Keep em coming.
bruceyyyyy 😃
Nissan needs to bring back the X-terra!
I love my 2014 Xterra Pro 4X.. 👍
Yes it does 💯
thanks for showing the capabilities of the Passport!!!
You’re welcome! For what it is, it’s pretty darn capable.
My man, you wheel with a great variety of people and rigs! It seems like any group I watch for offroading all includes built up Jeeps and Toyotas. I would love to wheel with a bunch of Subarus and crossovers (sure, I have a Frontier now, but I'm still more comfortable with the kinds of softroading trails that would accept crossovers).
Nice Video! THX! Regards from Germany!
Standheizungen Rehbein thank you 🙏 🙏 🙏!!
Nice to see these tests being performed on my local trails! To the owner of that MDX: it's all about momentum. Pick a line that is least likely to bottom out the vehicle and then go at it with as much speed as you can stomach. Open differentials and fully independent suspension (without a suitably advanced traction control system) means that your only option is to send it!
William Sharpe the owner of the MDX has damaged his struts before using momentum so he didn’t want to send it. He eventually got up pretty safely.
Nice comparison of the different rigs taking the ruts head on. Definitely having lockers, a lift, and a good crawl ratio all help in getting through the ruts. For those who don't have a good crawl ratio, lift or lockers, just pick a good line. I was able to get over this obstacle in a stock 2002 outback in all seasons. If i hadn't taken the line the MDX took, my subie would have been stuck in the ruts lol. I was surprised the outback even made it up the obstacle.
the.rooted. progress thanks! Good to know the Booch wagon got up there 🤙
Good off road (grippy) tires also make a huge difference in any car's ability to conquer an obstacle. I am not discounting the crawl ratio, ground clearance and articulation.
Good point D. Alex Oprea! The MDX and Xterra have Falken Wildpeak AT3's, I think they have me beat :( I run Cooper Discovery AT3 AS but I plan on going to with the Wild Peaks when it's time to change out my tires. Quite possibly in 265/75R18 if I get this Passport lifted another 1.5 inches with the 3.5 inch lift kit that should be released soon. I have 20K miles on the Passport now and these Coopers seem to be wearing pretty fast.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Wow, a higher lift kit? Will that be consistent of new shocks and springs or the same as before, top of the spring lift block?
D. Alex Oprea I don’t know all the details about it, but it will be more than just spacers. There will be high lift rear control arms. I’m not sure about all the rest.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring It sounds like a proper kit then. At that height all the geometry will be screwed up if nothing else is used. And again wow. Things are moving really fast for this new model in terms of aftermarket support. Still very tempting to me, but you've inserted the bug with a different model (Stinger).
D. Alex Oprea if you like speed, a tuned Kia stinger GT AWD may be what you’re looking for!
th-cam.com/video/KdxLXhtNFvw/w-d-xo.html
I feel like the crossovers are getting more and more capable with things like simulated low range, torque vectoring and braking wheels to redistribute power. I’m interested if they will continue to try to make truck based suvs more efficient as they are more capable off road. I’m looking forward to seeing what Toyota does with the 4Runner update. Maybe some companies could take a page out of VW’s book with a Diesel engine. The transmissions sure have come a long way with their number of speeds. Hopefully with that we can outlaw the CVT. Great videos as always!
Steve Priest the rumor is that Toyota’s revised truck and suv line will have performance hybrid options. I also hear the rumor of the 300 series Landcruiser (or new Lexus LX here in the USA) will have front and back independent suspension. I know this rumor will scare land cruiser enthusiasts, but I figure Toyota knows what they are doing. The Ram Rebel and possibly future versions of the Raptor will have the same. Maybe off-road type vehicles and off-road type crossovers will just be the same vehicle. Theres also Rivian’s that should be on the streets as soon as the end of next year!!! The near future is going to be very interesting.
So... it turns out that a 3.5 inch lift kit will be available for the Honda Passport/Pilot/Ridgelines. If I go with this lift kit, I would also add 33 inch tires. This will give me Truck like ground clearance. I’m so grateful that these Honda’s have the aftermarket support that they have.
JonDZ Adventuring Yeah I’m looking forward to it. I think you made a good choice with the passport it seems to do really well. Having been a Honda owner in the past I can vouch for their durability as well. My CVT XT has me nervous but 33k miles and so far so good. I like the capability of the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk but I’ve heard the reliability is not so good. I guess we’ll just have to see what the future holds for adventure mobiles.
Don't hold your breath on a Diesel Toyota in the states. Enthusiasts have been banging that drum for YEARS to a deaf audience.
I need to get in on some of these tests. Also need to do some comparisons before and after I do more mods to the drivetrain.
Gabriel Ulloa heck yeah!!! Let’s document the changes! Gorman might be a good place? We need a controlled environment, where you massive skill can’t come into play! 🤣🤣🤣. Thanks for leaving a comment Brother! It means a lot.
You cannot lock the rear axle on an Xterra in 2WD. You would have to bypass the electronic safety. It can only be locked in 4 L
I love how simple nissan has kept things over the years. It’s a shame to see the Xterra gone and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they don’t run the frontier with the new model. That truck is perfect in my opinion.
confettihunterminus1 the frontier is really good value and I also hope they don’t shrink it down to the point where it’s a 2-seater (cough, cough Tacoma). I’m heard a rumor that a diesel 3rd gen Xterra was on the horizon, but Nissan is ditching diesels for 2020!!!!! How good would a diesel powered body on frame SUV sound? I guess The closest option will be the Jeep JL wrangler eco diesels that will be released next year.
Nissan makes shit
Fun fact: Acura has never made an off road vehicle.
The biggest contributor to off roading is the Tire selection. I've seen a Rav 4 with some AT/4s conquer some stupid stuff, and a Jeep wrangler with Corsairs get whooped on small ruts like the ones filmed here.
Even with the Acura 6 SPD, with some good tires and a small amount of inertia it would make a lot of trails look silly.
The benefit of have a low range transfer case, is simple. Low end power, slower approach to save vehicle integrity and more confidence from smaller to even difficult obstacles.
If you want to be an off road king, a vehicle with good off road tires and a proper low range TC is the way to go. However, if you already have a vehicle with AWD, part time 4x4 and just want to do some mild overloading or offroad play, then plan to use inertia, make sure you have a good suspension to handle to extra dampening needed and a good set of rubber to keep you moving!
Well said Mountain Man Jim. Tires are really important and that’s something I believe I forgot to mention in this video. Both the Acura and Xterra have Falken wild peak AT3 all terrain tires and my Passport has Cooper discovery 3 AT3 4S all terrain tires.
When the passport came out, it reminded me of the Gen 2 MDX. Looking at specs, they are the exact same width and length, but passport is a couple inches taller. Is this because they raised the passport for more clearance or is the body just taller? (Ie- does it have 2” more ground clearance?)
They actually both have 8 inches of ground clearance stock, but the suspension systems are different. And you’re right about the dimensions, the Passport and MDX look very similar. From what I am told, the MDX can’t be lifted as high without putting the axles at a severe angle. I have a few MDX friends that have their lifted, and the lift is under 2”
A lot of talk about the crawl ratio, but those numbers are not the same with larger than stock tire diameters. The MDX comes stock with 29" tires. Those 275/65/18s are a 32" height. That's a large difference in gearing, with nearly a 10% loss of gear reduction. 14.277 is really only 12.938:1 with those tires. That's the final drive ratio in 1st gear.
I feel the same way about sending it or taking offshoots, it's my only car and my daily, so i get ya :)
Rob, we better be ready for the trip to Mount Shasta!! I feel safe knowing Mike has the Jeep.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring haha yea, we're the only 2 who owns a CUV, while everyone has either a Jeep or a Toyota Tacoma/Tundra/4Runner.
@@Rob81818 Well, It's comforting to know we will be in good hands :)
I've been in a lot of different conditions in numerous Hondas over the past 10-15 years. Have you ever tried messing with the intelligent traction management button? Sand and mud settings pretty much lock all 4 wheels and will allow you to traverse most obstacles with ease.
Kool Keith Yes, Ive been using the different modes since I purchased this Passport. Mud mode is my go to. It’s the best default off-road mode since it lets me modulate the throttle nice and easy. Torque gets locked 40front/60rear. A simulated lock is applied to the rear diff. In sand mode, the throttle gets very very jumpy, torque goes 30/70 and there’s a more aggressive lock on the rear differential. I only use sand mode when mud mode doesn’t cut it.
The MDX driver doesn’t know how to even drive.
JonDZ, Love the off-road adventures man! You KNOW your stuff on awd systems (I’ve learned lot from watching your vids). Also, speaking of “crawl ratios” -any idea what a 2019 Subaru crosstrek (manual trans) would be? Thanks!
Matthew Johnson off the top of my head I believe the crosstrek has a 16.8:1. I give lots of respect to people that off-road I’m stick shift 👍, it takes some skill eh?
Thanks JonDZ for info! Yeah...it’s does take skill “feathering” the clutch in crawling situations -without stalling. Manual is probably not the ideal choice if you off-road in mountainous areas like you (I live in Wisconsin). That said...I does actually make the crosstrek a fun car to drive on forest roads, gravel roads -with the cvt -probably not as much...
@@matthewjohnson1211 I hear ya! I use to drive a 2010 WRX (the one with the VF48 big turbo). They only came in a 5 speed manual and that was a hoot to drive!!!! It's what I started offroading with (it had 6.5 inches of ground clearance). The crawl ratio was 10:1 tho... :( . I bet the crosstrek manual most be fun to rally around with!
I saw you mention off-roading in a wrx in your video and I was like: “hell yeah!”🤘🏻 I’ve researched aftermarket turbo add-ons for crosstreks and they’re pretty expensive -like 3,500$ well...I have 3 yrs to decide! (When my warranty expires -lol)
MDX are great road vehicles but the X is an incredible off road vehicle and nice road vehicle. I have an 11 Xterra and its my favorite car/truck Ive ever owned.
Thanks for the video! Do you remember your crawl ratio for your former sj fxt? I'm only able to find 6.xx-1 and that seems really low
I had an 05 fxt and If memory serves is something around 16:1. That was for the manual with the 4.44 finals though.
zccolby it’s 14.4:1. From my experiences, that crawl ratio is only applicable after the transmission stall is overcome. So, it’s important to use a little bit of momentum to get it moving first. The reverse crawl ratio is 9.6:1.
The intriguing thing is that, if I recalled correctly, the 2nd Gen 2010 Acura MDX no longer had a locking differential. On the other hand, the 1st and 2nd Gen Honda Pilot still always came standard with Locking Differentials on 4WD models.
Dreamy the 2010 Acura MDX definitely doesn't have a any locking differentials, but it still has a twin clutch rear differential (which isn't totally open). The 1st and 2nd Gen Honda Pilots and 1st gen Ridgeline have a center differential lock button, which to my understanding is not a true locker and has a limit. I actually have footage of a 2nd gen pilot on the cleghorn trail, I did not think to include it. Another thing I didn't mention is that on TFL's Honda Ridgeline video where it goes up gold mine hill, it has the same 6 speed transmission as this 2010 Acura MDX, but it makes it up with no Fuss (on their second try, after they pick a better line). So... maybe it wasn't even the gearing in the passport that got me up these ruts.
Getting up Gold mine hill, no matter the line was a pretty big accomplishment for a vehicle. Here's the link:
th-cam.com/video/gcqATDtSRi0/w-d-xo.html
I have a 1st gen mdx and never really offroad it like that but would like to see what it could ultimately do and cant do to see its limitations so far I just put it in 2D press vtm-4 and drift it in the mud or snow with VSA off
I'm curious to test out and compare my 2011 LC200 to the passport. Mine being full awd with a trac and center locked with low range.
Probably a similar result to the Xterra with rear e-difflocker. It wouldn't be much of a comparison when the going gets rough (like at the cleghorn trail). Without articulation, I'd just thrash my side body panels.
Interesting video for a number of reasons. One is your here in OC like me. Two is the upload date 10/23/19, when did you run this, because it is hotter than hell in OC right now (100 degrees f). Three I have never been up Maple Springs Trail. Four my previous vehicle was a 2004 Nissan Xterra 4x4, my current vehicle is a 2014 Honda Ridgeline. A couple of differences I noticed about the two vehicles is, restarting a run while on a hill. My Nissan, Even in 4 Lo, would spin the wheels hunting for traction, often I would have to back up a couple of feet to build up momentum. While the Ridgeline with traction control would spin the tires and then you could feel it grabbing traction from one wheel to the next. Another thing I noticed running up Mule Canyon and Tin Can Alley backside of Calico was how my Nissan would seem to dive down lower going into a wash, while my Ridgeline "even though both have independent front suspension" doesn't feel like it is doing this. It actually feels like it has a solid front axle. Not a big deal until you remember all the tenders for both vehicles are right there. I can't wait to try the new Cooper AT tires out the stock Michellins lasted 60k but lacked bite and a stronger sidewall.
Paul Ayala thanks for sharing. The Xterra you see here is stick shift with a factory read diff E-locker. He climbed up the hill in 4 low unlocked. I’m glad you mentioned your 2014 Ridgeline (which is very similar to the MDX in this video). So, what RPM’s is your traction control active? In my 2019 Honda Passport, it’s sweet spot is from 1200-1600 RPM’s and if I go higher I think it disables itself and lets the power based torque vectoring do its thing. I was told the Acura’s traction control doesn’t activate until 2000+ RPM’s. Is that what you experience?
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Your talking about the VTM locker for the rear correct? Yeah I was reading somewhere that you can only engage it if it is in first or second and it is only active below a speed of 16 mph not sure the rpm's but 2000 is probably about right at 16 mph in first. The full time traction control is pretty damn good though. Not the desert but, there is a intersection on my way to work that you have to stop then make a right turn up a steep little hill. it doesn't help that the through traffic is moving very fast. When it's dry it is fine but when it is wet it is slippery and many a vehicle has spun out at this little intersection. For kicks, I slammed on the gas and turned the corner and could feel the traction control slip them grab, then slip and grab some more before it found the right amount of traction to make it around the corner without the back end swapping around. The other time I noticed it was in the mountains in the snow. I had made a wrong turn down this street with hard pack snow/ice. I came around the corner and started to slide towards some parked cars, instinctively I hit the brakes "wrong move", now I was only sliding faster. Remembering the old off-road adage "when in doubt punch it", I stepped back on the gas and again could feel my truck grabbing/hunting for traction and pull me away from smacking into the parked cars.
you did everything right. pressing the gas pedal. The basic principle of overcoming off-road is pressing the gas pedal. if you hit a wall. press the gas pedal all the way down.
Wow. So maybe this is a obvious question, but is the MDX purposely trying to take lines what show off the lack of articulation, lack of traction and lack of ability to climb. This was incredibly frustrating to watch unless he was trying to get stuck. Needed to try and be more parallel and not perpendicular. Lack of clearance, small tires (width and diameter) poor tread, slippery surface, no lockers, fast crawl mode and he is doing it all wrong (was he also running 45lbs of air pressure too?). That is unless he is trying to get stuck. 🤦🏼♂️. I happen to own a Gen 2 MDX and a TRD OF. The TRD is obviously the better tool for this, but driver does play a big roll as well!
I’m not sure of what he was doing, but I also tried to take a similar line and the 20.4:1 crawl ratio in the passport shot me straight up. I did not expect that to happen. I was so surprised that I scraped my passenger pinch weld. This was before I learned how to left foot brake. The Passport is a bit different now. More clearance and disconnected rear sway bars.
What trails were you guys on? I just got a 2019 Jeep Cherokee and would love to take it out there and see what it can do...
j Fernandez this is the maple springs trail in Orange County. I have a more recent video out in Gorman / hungry valley. I think that would be a perfect place to test out your ride. It has something for everyone.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring sweet I'll be checking that out in the near future. Thanks for the feedback.
Well, I have often wondered if my style of off-roading had a name. I have no interest in finding obstacles to overcome, but just getting to where I want to explore. So guess I am an Overlander. I now know how to describe myself. I have a low mileage 2007 Trail Rated Jeep Liberty. I was thinking of buying a new Jeep Wrangler but the more I investigate, I think the logical thing would be to do some upgrades for Off-roading and keep Jeep going. Anybody have thoughts about that?? What upgrades would be consider? Locking differentials, at least in rear and a tire upgrade and maybe a modest lift. I have read that it expensive and difficult to put lockers on the front because of independent from suspension.
Hiker SanDiego, I meet so many people that purchase a super capable off-road rig, only to admit that they have no interest in offroading, they just want to get outdoors and go primitive camping.
I’ve done a little research on the Jeep Liberty and it sounds like it’s a really capable vehicle. It has everything a true off-roader should have (solid rear axle/4-low). I think if you put in a rear locker, you’d be all set!
Awesome videos!! I had to subscribe, please keep them coming! Question? I plan on buying a Passport Elite next year. I would like to do a level lift w/ 285/50r20 Cooper Zeons LTZ's. Do you think they'll fit w/o rubbing? Thnx!
Ree B thanks for the support! Those tires would absolutely rub, even with a leveling kit. Those pretty wide 285mm tires and are 31.2” tall.
I have 265/65R18 on mine. They are 31.6” tall and required me to cut some metal out of the wheel well. You might be able to fit that tire size after the cut.
There’s a 3.5” lift kit that might be released (pending more testing). This lift kit should get above the wheel hubs enough to clear taller tires. But until it’s officially announced, I wouldn’t totally count on it.
Thnx for all the info, much appreciated! I'll keep my eye out for that lift kit, thnx again!
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Is the new lift from Jsport?
@@Purpleyamz the 3.5 inch lift kit will be from Traxda.
The xterra can not lock it's rear differential unless it's in 4wd and in low range, it will not engage in any other manner. You also must be at a stop and place the truck in neutral
Nick Kaumans good info! There a comment thread below about this. Someone is saying that there’s a way to re-wire things to allow for the rear locker while in 2wd.
I went off roading recently and I turned the four-wheel drive all the on and I had the LOCKERS on ! I went back to to wheel drive, and the locker was still engage in 2wheel drive .Have to hit the locker switch to disengage!
That my XTERRA in the video.
I feel bad for the trans in that MDX lol
Bern on Cars it took some abuse for sure! 😫
Was the MDX a SH-AWD?
Yes. It was a 2nd gen
This is the Nissan Xterra guy,
Video turned out well! Yes it was dark out. This was a half hour notice spontaneous trip.
great info hello Gabe 👋
Hey John!
Gabe's Brother here; have a 2016 pilot and looking at options. Hopefully he gets his zx2 setup.
Hey get the lift now! Sliders also!
Get me a 2 wheel drive zx2 stick shift !think I can get it up. It might use a little momentum!
Articulation is nice, BUT... if you can find a way to get LOCKERS into those things, you'd find that raising a wheel would have less of such a dire effect.
High RPM's with sporadic (from no traction, to FULL traction)=broken/worn drivetrain parts. Crawl Ratio helps prevent high wheel speed, and allows for more torque.
Lastly, I dunno if any of you and your friends are trying it, but some offroading tricks are either dabbing on the brakes, or using the parking/E brake for applying equal torque across the rear wheels. You may wanna play with that option, and see if it helps you.
Good luck, and keep up the good travels!
The nice thing about the Nissan Xterras is their Off-Road and Pro-4x trims is they have a selectable fully locking rear diff.
Throw in an ARB air locker up front and you're good.
Here's my Xterra, it has a titan suspension in it- live.staticflickr.com/65535/49674610243_30cccacc97_h.jpg
Unless you make some electrical modifications or install an aftermarket air-locker, the Xterra will not lock the rear differential unless you're in 4LO
True. The Nissan Xterra was mine. Lockers can be achieved, after four wheel drive low only. That being said. I can disengage the 4 wheel drive, and still remain with the lockers on. That's the trick. But you have to go through that process.
@@adventuretrails1atohow you do that?
Do what? @@Jaylakhaili
I dont think he used the VTM-4 Locked which would easily get the MDX out of trouble.
Gen 2 MDX is SH-AWD
At 3:28, you say that traction control is optimized at 1200-1600 rpm. That seems kind of low to me - nowhere near the power band of the engine - it's like a fast idle! How do you even go up a small hill at those low rpms?
I’ll answer with a question. Do you need power or torque to get over obstacles? How would you get through a rock garden at high RPMs?
@@JonDZ_Adventuring I understand the need for low speed, but I *thought* (I know that I am ignorant, just starting to learn about this stuff!) you would want high RPM through gears to low speed so you would have lots of power to get through a rock garden. I cannot imagine that at 1200 RPM, there is going to be a lot of power behind it. I'm just surprised that the traction control is geared and optimized at such low RPM.
BTW, I really appreciate your channel - glad to have learned about the CVT issues from an honest owner's experience. Anxious to go check out a Passport to replace my aging Element!
@@scottmb99 torque peaks at around 2500-3500 rpms, but that’s also when Horsepower starts to really ramp up. At those RPMs you’re spinning tires. The passport has an aggressive single speed transmission. It has a 20.4:1 crawl ratio. Your Honda Element should be around 11:1. The Passport has 200 tq at idle. I use to drive Subarus which are momentum off-roaders. Driving a passport should be more like driving a 4runner. FYI, Toyota’s A-trac also only operates at low RPMs. Watch this video of me taking the passport through a rock garden, listen for engines revs.
th-cam.com/video/RfKtynqGTzQ/w-d-xo.html
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Thanks for the video tip - well, you can't argue with success! It was great watching you crawl over those rocks - nice and slow. I'm here to learn and you learned me!
@3:58 "Driv up"?
With respect to Aaron Aaron, there are one or two single speed off-roaders out there. The VW Amarok V6 is single speed and no reviewer seems to mind it off-road, the trick is a good ratio spread and gobs of torque. On the other side of the coin, I wouldn't consider the KL cherokee with active Drive/lock II as a dedicated off-roader. on the whole though I think he's right.
Patrick Rich I always appreciate it when you comment on my channel. I’ve never heard of a VW amarok, I’ll need to look that up! Ah, about the KL, I guess you’re right since it lacks articulation. For a unibody crossover, I’ve seen it do some pretty impressive stuff.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring They are very capable indeed. I was actually invited out by hearst publishing to take part in a launch event and video series (commercials basically) when the KL came out in Jackson hole. I was very impressed and we actually did some light off-roading with it. I got a lot of time with one of their lead engineers and we did a lot of deep dives on the powertrain. It's a neat system but its not quite the same as a traditional transfer case. Articulation is only really a part of it. The main thing is that its just not built for any kind of real abuse, and I think thats an important part of being on off-road vehicle.
The Amarok isn't available here, but in Australia they are very impressed with the single speed version I hear. That being said, everyone still just buys the Hilux.
I would love to see how one of the new Kia Telluride with the rear locker would compare with the Passport.
Rick Funk the Kia telluride has a rear locker??? I know it has a simulated center lock (not a true lock). But If this is new for 2020, I wouldn’t be surprised. KIA isn’t afraid to make enthusiasts cars, and that’s what I love about them. I wouldn’t mind owning their Stinger AWD.
Sorry, let me get back in track, time to google info on the 2020 Telluride! 🤣🤣
Rick Funk so I looked into it. The AWD system in the telluride should be pretty similar to Subaru’s, maybe just a smidgen below. The center diff lock would be like Xmode, but without all the cool single wheel breaking. Like Subaru’s, the front and rear differentials are open. BUT, what makes the Telluride special is the 8 speed automatic transmission with an above average crawl ratio of 17:1 and a tremendous amount of tech and luxury! The telluride was made for the masses while still having above average off-road capabilities for a crossover. Looks good to (in my opinion). (Edit**)The TH-cam channel “Primal Outdoors” had a telluride and used it to overland, that’s one of the reasons why I consider it an off-road oriented crossover and I’d love to see one in person!! If anyone had one, please hit me up, let’s ride!!
@@JonDZ_Adventuring I've seen several of the "Primal Outdoors" video's and even though the Telluride has a nicer interior, I would still choose the Passport. I'm getting real close to buying one since my 2011 Pilot has 185,000 miles on it.
@@rfunk727 That's why I chose the Passport (my first ever Honda), It has more offroad capability with it's twin clutch rear differential, capable transmission, and power based torque vectoring awd. All the bling is on the underside of the vehicle. But, I totally understand why one would choose a Telluride over a Passport. That decision is Luxury/tech vs. Capability.
I have a 2011 XTerra Pro4X and can only lock the rear diff in 4X4 LOW and under 4MPH. I wish Nissan would have allowed it in RWD and MAYBE with a little bit more speed. That's probably why the XTerra in the video couldn't lock in RWD.
Ben Adkins thanks for sharing. That explains a lot. I thought because he drove stick shift, he could do special things. Most 4wd auto’s typically can’t go into low unless they’re in 4wd. Do you know if he could do 2wd low? I only asked him what mode he was in when he climbed the ruts head on.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring I think in factory form (at least on mine) I can only engage the locker in 4LOW. I'm sure there is some workaround to be done by pulling fuses or something lol. Its just there for crawling and when you are really stuck i guess!! Mine is a 6 speed manual as well BTW!
Ben Adkins I give so much respect ✊ to people that off-road stick.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring That dude in your video is pretty darn good!! He made it look much easier than it is going up that rutted hill with a stick, especially with those stops he had to make!!
I have ‘12 Xterra Pro4x. That is the only model I believe has the option to lock rear diff.
The rear locks only in 4 lo.
There is a way to bypass factory settings to allow rear lock in 2 or 4 hi.
I would have loved if we could have seen this video in the day time instead of filming at night....the day time video didn't show the Honda nor the Acura......how can you compare when you barely see what it does in the dark??
maintainer747 it surely wasn’t ideal. This was actually my first time I had a video that was mainly night footage. This was an unplanned spontaneous trip. It was a rare moment and was a good example of my last video that compares crossovers vs. dedicated off-roaders.
The Passport and the MDX would get very similar results if the MDX were SH-AWD. Passport has a little more ground clearance.
2016+ MDXs have the same AWD system, it’s just tuned to be more rear wheel drive biased and it’s VDC is more loose.
You should track down a first get Pilot I want to see how I wold do :)
ColoradoDashCam I know a guy with a 2nd gen. I think they have the same engine and AWD system?
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Somewhat, but not that close. First gens come with a rear locker and a bit different 4WD system
ColoradoDashCam they differently don’t come with a rear locker, but you are able to do a simulated center lock.
It was not good comparison. Should ave used newer MDX.
I'm wondering why you went off road in 2wd just seems stupid to me
It was for a challenge that's why.
The freemont in your video was pretty high, but you measured the crossing at the worst possible place where its deepest (the easier crossing is further down the trail and is pretty broad and shallow). Still, you would have dropped into at least 30 inch deep water right at that drop there. You can see what that crossing looks like with a little less flow in my video here th-cam.com/video/jUI2a0gy5bU/w-d-xo.html For reference we all have 33 inch tires. You can see the actual crossing faintly in the background.
Patrick Rich thanks for sharing! What a difference the time of the year makes!!! I’m riding on 32’s, but my inner door opening measures at 21 inches from the floor. I’ve never been in super deep water, but do you know if 30 inches of water would leak in if I was moving along through a river crossing? I’ve seen a video of the current Honda Ridgeline in water up to its door handles. They don’t mention if they took on water.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring water crossings are safe well beyond the door seam to ground line. The main issue you have to concern yourself with is breather tubes. The transmission and differentials have one way valves on them that allow for the varied pressures that ocurre. i.e. hot gear oil will create an over-presure that will force oil through the seals, a hot diff dunked in cold water creates a strong vacuum that will pull water IN through the seals and mix with fluids which leads to failure. The breather tubes correct for this. In most cases the fording limit of vehicles is dictated by these breather tube heights. In the case of the Tacoma, the manual says "no higher than the hubs" but thats because the rear diff breather is on the rear axle with no extension. Raise the breathers, raise the fording depth (within reason - computers, air intakes and alternators still don't like being dunked).
In the case of the Passport/pilot/ridgeline, I can't say how Honda does their breather system but I can say that water ingress in the doors is a small concern. The goal in a crossing is to keep moving and build a bow wave, that will create a trough of water behind the wheels that will be lower than the static depth of the water. i.e. if you are doing it right and you are driving in 24 inches of water, the water at your doorline will probably be well below 20 inches. even then water crossings should be short enough and seals good enough that any way that comes in through the seals will be trivial...so long as you don't stop or get stuck midway.
So long as you've accounted for breather tubes, your water fording depth should be safe right up to where you feel is a safe margin of error above the intake and alternator heights.
We did breather mods to my buddies tacoma and it came in handy on this same trip
th-cam.com/video/KDvzK6fKm1I/w-d-xo.html
Patrick Rich thanks for the info! I’m sure people that read this comment will find it super useful! So I believe you have access to this information, my next question is can you find out about the Honda’s? I searched for Honda differential breathers a while back and saw them as a replacement part for the Ridgeline. I wanted to confirm they are also on the Passport as well and if so, how high? Haha. I’ll try to look more into it, I searched back before I made the purchase. I’ve successfully used the bow wave technique a few times with the Subaru, but I don’t believe it works in flowing water? Does it?
@@JonDZ_Adventuring its less effective, but again, its really only for keeping water out of your engine bay and so any side effects of water near the doors is a bonus. I'll check on the breather situation. What I've used is just fuel line and inline fuel filters up in the engine bay. you can get fancier and there are even some neat bellows models that never vent to atmosphere...but gasline works fine for me.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring I would guess your passport is similar to the ridgeline...which looks like it actually has very good breathers for the transmission and RDM
www.ridgelineownersclub.com/threads/should-these-be-plugged-in.63914/
This is the diagram for the breather line in a 2016 pilot
parts.breakawayhonda.com/oem-parts/honda-tube-rear-differential-breather-419375nd000
So it looks like they have them. Should be pretty easy to locate. Just find out where they terminate and thats your water fording depth (more or less).
Looks like the electric oil pump also has a breather tube coming off the rdm. So there should be at LEAST 3 breathres on yours.
Why did this Test at night ?????? We hardly See anything....... Don't see what is happening
It was out of my control, but lesson learned, it’s probably not a good idea to even bother making a video with night footage.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring It's fine, you can easily tell what is happening. Not optimal, but I'd still rather see night footage than no footage.
Not apple's to apple's. Try that vs. Toyota 4runner TRD. Both have lockers and 4Lo
SAY ARTICULATION ONE MORE TIME...
Open diffs will set u back.
Evol M3 the Xterra got up without too much fuss with unlocked differentials. As far as the Acura MDX, it’s rear differential has twin clutch packs that simulate a rear limited slip differential and has the ability to transfer 60% all available torque to one of the rear wheels. The 6 speed automatic transmission was having a rough time.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring might be hitting up azusa ohv this saturday opening hours for a little bit, more than welcome to join!
Evol M3 hey, so I’m going to meet up at Gorman (hungry valley tomorrow). Should be there starting at 8am. I tested with a 100 series Lexcruiser there months ago, but his 1999 model did not have A-Trac, so I’d be super interested to see the differences A-Trac makes. If your Azusa plans fall through, you should come out.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring ahh I wont be able to make it as I gotta stay local for prior commitments. But definitely need to get together. Is there another form of social media youre on to keep in touch?
#crawlratio
Christopher Sanchez is it getting old yet? 🤣🤣🤣
@@JonDZ_Adventuring nah man. Start the hashtag!
Not even air down😂
Koanui Wong we were
JonDZ Adventuring rajah dat
We all aired down! 😂😂😂😂
How would you know.???😂😂😂
We are gone a make a test drive in the dark to make sure you are not goung to see nothing ...bravo
And I made a video when the sun was at its highest point, the following week.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring shut up just tell us what f****** vehicle was the one that won don't waste our time with your stupid ass video dumbass
7 dollar gas in California!! Cutting down on my off roading this year. Let's go Brandon!!
I just got back from a trip to Bridgeport. Pain at the pump for sure!!