Hi @Christopher Assal
different vehicle models of the same brand might have differences even in their set up , usually modern cars are more electronically sophisticated while older ones are “simple” but not “simpler” !
Regarding disabling the side airbags it’s highly recommended as the drive difficulties gets higher as you climb the off road ladder , and in some vehicles like JGC is highly sensitive and the only way to disable it is to pull the fuse. For the front one as @Fredericmentioned it’s for the driver protection in case of hard frontal impact.
ABS in Xterra for example kicks very soon and I felt it on my first Fewbie drive so I had it installed before I put a foot on brake for the second fewbie
Power cut down ( especially on longe sidys ) can be dangerous, hence comes the importance of kill switch ( ABS+Traction control )
As You see it’s a learning curve we climb with our vehicles and along you will discover what is necessary and what is not safely .
cheers