The Nissan Xterra SUV is a five passenger family SUV that comes with three different trims. Buyers can chose from the basic X, midrange S or top range Pro-X. The basic X comes with a 4.0 liter 261 hp V6 engine and a five speed automatic transmission. Rear wheel drive is standard, but four wheel drive is an option. The X also has 16 inch steel wheels, privacy glass in the rear, roof rack side rails, a keyless entry system, air conditioning, standard cloth upholstery, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power locks, cruise control, tilt steering and a six speaker stereo system with CD player.
The S Trim on the Nissan Xterra SUV comes with the same V6 engine as the X trim. The S offers a choice of rear wheel drive or four wheel drive. The four wheel drive version has a choice between the five speed automatic transmission and a six speed manual transmission. Along with that, the S trim boasts special off-road tires and 16 inch allow wheels. There is also a first aid kit, a driver seat with adjustable height and lumbar support and a cargo organization system. The four wheel drive option adds a roof rack with cross bars and a gear basket.
The Pro-4X trim adds plenty of features geared towards the off-road adventures. It shares the same engine and transmission choices as the S trim. Along with that buyers will get an electronic locking rear differential, hill start assist, hill descent control, skid plates, 16 in alloy wheels, a set of off-road tires, foglights, roof mounted off-road driving lights, cloth upholstery, front passenger seat that folds flat, leather wrapped steering wheel, white face gauges, automatic dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, nine speaker Rockford Fosgate system with a six CD changer, satellite radio. An optional Pro-X leather package includes leather upholstery, passenger seatback map and eliminates the folding front passenger seat.
The Nissan Xterra SUV also comes standard with adequate safety features. All trims will include antilock disc brakes. They will also have stability control as a standard feature. Front seat side airbag and side curtain airbags are also on every trim. The Pro-X comes with hill descent control and hill start assist as well.
For those that are active and like to get off the beaten path, the Nissan Xterra SUV makes a great way to do that. Since it is also quite practical, it works for daily commuting with the family as well. This eliminates the need for two vehicles. However, it is geared towards the off-road crowd and that is where it works best. Daily driving will showcase the flaws that may not be evident in the competition. Those who want a little adventure will enjoy the Xterra, but those that simply want a family vehicle for driving around town might not find it as pleasing.