I have a 05 Nismo 2wd. (Live in AZ and would never use a 4wd. Had several over the years.)
I really like the Nismo model. Basically it is all 4x4 specs minus the front axle.
I have been considering upgrading to a newer model and thought the Desert Runner was the 2wd version of the Pro-4x. Went and talk to the local sales guys and he says the Desert Runner is only an appearance package. :surprise:
He says the only option to match my current Nismo is to get a Pro-4x. Not exactly what I want.
I really like my sun roof, the upgraded stereo, painted in bed liner, Utili track and the towing package.
So is this true? Anyone here care to enlighten me on how the newer (no more Nismo) stuff works?
Yeah the Desert Runner is pretty much just an appearance package, I think Nissan screwed up with that one. You'd have to look at an SV with the value package to have the utilitrack, tow pkg and spray on liner. The Pro 4x has the liner, utilitrack and upgraded Rockford Fosgate system standard but it's only 4x4.
2011 was the last year for the 2WD Pro. The DR has the Pro wheels and tires, Bilsteins, 8 way seat and gauges but doesn't get other Pro stuff such as Utili track, security system, and more importantly no locker and no skid plates any longer.
I'd say that the DR is more than just an appearance package but there really isn't a direct replacement for the 2WD Nismo any longer.
Really need to see what features are must haves and pick a model from there and accessorize.
As both the 2wd and the 4wd share the same suspension/frame... Any difference can techniqally be called an appearance package. Jsut depends on what you want in your package.
Though I have been known to be wrong this is how I know it from a mechanical stand point. I nm to sure which had what bed linear or stereo:
-In the beginning there was the 4wd and the 2wd nismos. Almost the same minus the t-case, front diff, axle. the 2wd had the rear diff locker
-At some point they still called it a nismo (2wd) but it lost the diff lock
-name changed to pro4x instead of nismo. still 4 and 2wd.
-Recently the 2wd pro4x (not being a 4wd should have been called a pro2x) was changed to a desert runner.
As both the 2wd and the 4wd share the same suspension/frame... Any difference can techniqally be called an appearance package. Jsut depends on what you want in your package.
I can agree with this. I guess my point is that the DR package, although maybe offered as an "appearance" package, is considerably more than a couple of stickers slapped on the sides.
Or maybe I'm just a little defensive being one on the rare DR owners ::grin::
Are you looking for a new truck or used? If you're looking at new, you won't find it. Either you can buy a 4wd with or without the locker, or you can buy a 2wd without a locker. I'm not positive that the 2wd Pro-4x that used to be offered even had a locker. The 2wd Pro-4x was not common so you will probably have a very difficult time locating one at all, yet alone one that's for sale.
What you get has been discussed, what you don't get in a 2015 Desert Runner vs Pro-4X is of course
4WD
spray in bed liner
utili-track
heated seats
Navigation
back-up camera
rear locking diff
skid plates.
According to Nissan USAs website those are not included as standard nor are they optional equipment on the Desert Runner, but they are standard on the Pro-4X.
They have been known to make mistakes from time to time, so a trip to the dealer for some eyes on the product is necessary to confirm.
Have you talked with a dealer to see if you can order the options you want on a new truck? I would think the primary item would be to get the 226 with the locker if you can. If not, you could always put in one of the air lockers or the Locka diff. Add the 4600 bilsteins, have the bed liner sprayed in and maybe buy the utili-tracks. It,ll be more money but that way you can have what you want.
The heated seats were an upgraded option in 2013. I don't know what is available for 2015 but once again, you could talk to a dealer to see.
Good luck with it.
The original desert runner was a 2wd truck with the 4wd suspension and badging. They went back to that. The original 2wd Nismo had locking diff. The new DR's do not.
The 2015 Desert Runner does come with upgraded Bilstein shocks and bigger front brakes. Unfortunately that is all. I went for the SV 2X (I live in AZ too) with backup camera (handy for trailers), backup sensors, spray in bedliner and utilitrack. None of the Desert runners had those options. So I figured $400 for shocks, $1100 for ARB rear air locker diff and I'm sitting better than a DR. ::wink::
the desert runner to me makes no sense. would you really want to be running around in some sandwash with 2 wheel drive. not sure the shocks would even help you out of that. I didn't read the whole thread but think the DR model is for posers. look like an off roader while driving on the boulevard.
I just recently picked up a 16 DR. The biggest downfall IMO was no locking diff, but that can always be fixed with some money lol.
stock for stock, for what I wanted it suited me a lot better than what Toyota/chevy have. most people want a lot of fancy ****, but being a tech I hate complicating things lol. The sound system and media console are simple and sound great, the seats are cool and the suspensions is good. so far it is a lot of fun
Its not the most ideal rig for mudding but the truck is still pretty capable. I haven't had the chance to rip up a field yet, but a friend runs a rally school out in Austin so im sure ill get to put ina some laps for fun.
I needed something to haul the dirtbikes and for weekend adventures with the ole lady, and it does that just fine. I think its a good option for the market, especially in comparison to its rivals. Its definitely more than a sticker kit!
Thought I'd resurrect an old thread. I love my Desert Runner!!! I don't have a need to go 4 wheeling so I didn't need the extra drive train components and their maintenance, but I do love the upgraded tires, wheels and suspension. Rides like a dream on the highway and I've already put 4000+ miles on it in a month. What really got me in it were the seats. The DR has height controls with a smooth cloth. I had an SV for a few days while my radio was being replaced (volume was going up and down with no regards to passenger wants) and I really didn't like the seat cloth and especially the lack of adjustments.
And by the way, we have some sand here in SC too ::wink::
I love my Desert Runner!!! ... What really got me in it were the seats. The DR has height controls with a smooth cloth. I had an SV for a few days while my radio was being replaced (volume was going up and down with no regards to passenger wants) and I really didn't like the seat cloth and especially the lack of adjustments.