Nissan Xterra SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
In a world of crossover SUVs, the Nissan Xterra SUV remains a holdover from the truck-like vehicles with a body-on-frame construction that provides great off-road capabilities for those still interested in the great outdoors. Off-roading is a serious feature of the Nissan Xterra SUV with a powerful V6 engine, four-wheel drive that provides low-range gearing and a tall ground clearance. Additional options such as hill descent control and a locking rear differential make this a vehicle that is as comfortable on heavy duty terrains as it is on concrete and asphalt.
The Nissan Xterra SUV is available in three trim levels, all accommodating five passengers. The base level X trim has keyless entry, cruise control, 16-inch steel wheels, power locks and mirrors, air-conditioning, privacy glass, a steering wheel that tilts, and an audio system with six speakers and a CD player. The next level S trim adds off-road tires, an organization system for cargo, 16-inch alloy wheels, a driver seat that is height adjustable with lumbar control and a roof rack and crossbars when four-wheel drive is added. The top of the line Pro-4X trim level of the Nissan Xterra SUV is available only with all-wheel drive and has hill-descent control and hill start assist, upgraded off-road tires and different 16-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, cloth upholstery, a passenger seat that folds flat, and an upgraded audio system with a nine speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system, a six-disc CD changer, satellite radio and audio controls on the steering wheel.
The engine in the Nissan Xterra SUV is a 4.0 liter V6 that is capable of producing 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 4x2 models of the X and S trim levels while there is a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and the automatic on the S and Pro-4X 4x4 models. The S and X trim levels have rear-wheel drive as standard while the Pro-4X comes with four-wheel drive with a low range gearing and a multi-mode transfer case. Fuel economy for the Nissan Xterra SUV with rear-wheel drive is 15 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg combined. Four-wheel drive lowers the fuel ratings on the highway to 20 mpg. With an automatic transmission, the vehicle can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8 seconds.
The interior of the Nissan Xterra SUV is more designed for utility than appearance. The cabin is less well-appointed than other off-road vehicles in its class with a somewhat dull scheme and an overuse of hard plastics. Yet the cargo space is the great selling point of this vehicle with a cargo area that is easy to clean and sturdy utility hooks that are mounted on the sides and the ceiling. Built into the floor is a specially designed channel system that can hold bike racks and gear and there are additional spaces for a one-gallon jug of water and a first aid kit. With the rear seats up, the cargo capacity is 35 cubic feet and increases to 66 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down.
The V6 engine of the Nissan Xterra SUV makes it a vehicle that is powerful and performs well both on the road and in off-road conditions. Off-roading capabilities are further enhanced by a high ground clearance and a tight suspension. Maneuvering corners and winding roads is facilitated by precise steering that creates minimal body roll and an overall smooth ride.
The Nissan Xterra SUV is available in three trim levels, all accommodating five passengers. The base level X trim has keyless entry, cruise control, 16-inch steel wheels, power locks and mirrors, air-conditioning, privacy glass, a steering wheel that tilts, and an audio system with six speakers and a CD player. The next level S trim adds off-road tires, an organization system for cargo, 16-inch alloy wheels, a driver seat that is height adjustable with lumbar control and a roof rack and crossbars when four-wheel drive is added. The top of the line Pro-4X trim level of the Nissan Xterra SUV is available only with all-wheel drive and has hill-descent control and hill start assist, upgraded off-road tires and different 16-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, cloth upholstery, a passenger seat that folds flat, and an upgraded audio system with a nine speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system, a six-disc CD changer, satellite radio and audio controls on the steering wheel.
The engine in the Nissan Xterra SUV is a 4.0 liter V6 that is capable of producing 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 4x2 models of the X and S trim levels while there is a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and the automatic on the S and Pro-4X 4x4 models. The S and X trim levels have rear-wheel drive as standard while the Pro-4X comes with four-wheel drive with a low range gearing and a multi-mode transfer case. Fuel economy for the Nissan Xterra SUV with rear-wheel drive is 15 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg combined. Four-wheel drive lowers the fuel ratings on the highway to 20 mpg. With an automatic transmission, the vehicle can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8 seconds.
The interior of the Nissan Xterra SUV is more designed for utility than appearance. The cabin is less well-appointed than other off-road vehicles in its class with a somewhat dull scheme and an overuse of hard plastics. Yet the cargo space is the great selling point of this vehicle with a cargo area that is easy to clean and sturdy utility hooks that are mounted on the sides and the ceiling. Built into the floor is a specially designed channel system that can hold bike racks and gear and there are additional spaces for a one-gallon jug of water and a first aid kit. With the rear seats up, the cargo capacity is 35 cubic feet and increases to 66 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down.
The V6 engine of the Nissan Xterra SUV makes it a vehicle that is powerful and performs well both on the road and in off-road conditions. Off-roading capabilities are further enhanced by a high ground clearance and a tight suspension. Maneuvering corners and winding roads is facilitated by precise steering that creates minimal body roll and an overall smooth ride.
I have a 2008 Nissan Xterra off road SUV. It is awesome in everyway except fuel economy and the active brake limited slip differential. Fuel economy is not good, but if you want fuel economy then buy a small care instead of an SUV. Also, the active brake limit slip differential is a piece of garbage. It works like s..t.