Nissan Xterra Review

2009 Nissan Xterra Off-Road SUV Shown

The Nissan Xterra SUV is aimed at younger or more active consumers who need a midsize SUV with enhanced off-road capability. Built with stout body-on-frame construction and functional four-wheel drive, the Xterra continues to be a steady seller among those who use their SUV for outdoor recreation as well as those who want to give off that impression.

Compared to its car-based SUV competition, the Nissan Xterra's on-pavement performance is not as comfy or refined, but if serious off-roading is part of your routine then we'd recommend it as one of the better new or used sport-utilities on the market. The Xterra features solid build quality and a reliable nature, which translates into confidence-inspiring peace of mind as you head off into the wilderness of the urban -- or more distant -- jungle.

Current Nissan Xterra

The latest Nissan Xterra is powered by a 4.0-liter 265-horsepower V6 paired with either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual. There are four trim levels: X, S, SE and Off-Road. The first three are offered in both rear- and four-wheel-drive versions, while the Off-Road is offered in 4WD only. The entry-level X receives basic standard equipment, while the S adds alloy wheels, step rails, a multi-adjustable driver seat and an easy-to-clean cargo area with enhanced tie-down points.. The SE piles on more premium touches, while the Off-Road model isn't quite as luxurious but boasts extra equipment that improves off-road performance.

In reviews, our editors have found that the current Xterra's strengths include its powerful V6 engine and above-average off-road capability. It still doesn't deliver the sharp handling that a crossover SUV would, however. If you never plan on leaving the street, there are certainly better compact or midsize SUVs on the market. But if trail-busting (or looking like the trail-busting type) is your thing, you can't do much better than the Xterra at this price point.

Consumers looking for a used current-generation Xterra can't really go wrong, as there have been no significant mechanical changes, but they should be aware that the X model did not receive basic convenience items like power accessories until '08.

Past Nissan Xterra Models

Nissan unveiled the rugged and functional Xterra compact SUV in 2000 against a competitive set comprised mostly of more fragile and less capable car-based competitors. While it sold well initially, early Nissan Xterras did have a few rough edges: The bare interior was constructed of hard plastic panels, the ride was harsh and the modest four-cylinder and 170-hp V6 engines barely had enough oomph to propel the truck-based SUV around town.

Detail upgrades carried through to 2002, when Nissan attempted to fix these flaws in a midcycle freshening by adding a supercharged V6 to boost performance, modifying front-end styling -- including a hood bulge on blown models -- and refining controls, cabin trim and audio systems to help bring it up to date. The supercharger added useful low-speed power, although it petered out before extra-legal velocities were reached.

In 2003, both the regular and supercharged V6 engines received slight power boosts, and the Xterra was treated to trim and styling tweaks. Nissan's VDC stability control system and head curtain airbags also became available.

To avoid the teething problems in 2000-'01 vehicles, shoppers may want to focus on these revised 2002-'04 models, particularly the supercharged versions, when searching for used first-generation Xterras.

In 2005, the Nissan Xterra was significantly reworked for the first time, sharing not a single part with its predecessor, yet looking vaguely familiar. The second-generation vehicle's overall length was unchanged, but the wheelbase was stretched by 2 inches. This not only resulted in a sleeker and more integrated look, but also improved ramp angles for increased off-road clearance. Perhaps most importantly, the Xterra then clambered up slopes (or suburban driveways) like a mountain goat on amphetamines, thanks to a powerful new 4.0-liter V6 that addressed the power shortage of first-generation models.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.