Pros and Cons*
Pros
As a genuine off-roader, the Xterra’s reign rules supreme. It’s a well-designed vehicle for both practical use and sometimes excessive abuse. For example, there’s much to admire about the trunk’s ingenious, multi-purpose stowage system, the good ground clearance and easy-clean interior surfaces.
Cons
On the other hand, it’s starting to show its age, particularly as far as the truck-like cabin is concerned. Despite its excellent off-road capabilities, when the Xterra finally returns to civilization, just about everything is a strike against it. Iffy handling, underwhelming suspension and weak fuel economy don’t help its cause.
Price
The base S model is available at an entry price of $33,998. Standard features for this trim include off-road-oriented 4x4 setup, with high and low ranges, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, 8-way adjustment driver seat, tubular step rails and the Utili-track rail system.
For nature lovers and off-road purists, the PRO-4X at $36,578, will be better adapted to your needs. Bilstein shocks, additional skid plates, electronic locking rear differential, foglights, hands-free Bluetooth phone system, auxiliary audio jack…and let’s not forget the 8-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with subwoofer.
Options that can be added to the PRO-4X package include automatic transmission, gearbox cooler, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and satellite radio, all this for an extra $1,420.
Top of the line is the SE with an asking price of $37,878.
As well as the 5-speed automatic transmission, standard features include 17-inch wheels, chrome gauges and fold-flat front passenger’s seat.
Fuel Economy
With manual transmission, it’s 13.7 L/100 km for city driving and 10.5 L/100 km on the highway driving. For automatic models, ratings are 14.5 L/100 km in town and 10.1 L/100 km for highway driving.
Exterior Styling
No doubt about it, the Xterra has the look of an adventurer. Oversize tubular roof rack and stepped roofline, above-the-windscreen foglights, grille and front bumper mainly made of plastic – all give it a unique air. At the back, the asymmetric windows get noticed as much as the bulging left-hand side door.
Powertrain
This real utility is provided by 261-hp, 4.0-litre V-6 engine producing a potent 281 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic come standard with the S and Pro-4X versions.
Cargo Capacity
The trunk can accommodate 991 litres of storage space. With seats folded down this increases to 1,869 litres available for your gear.
Safety
Six airbags are installed on the 2013 Xterra. Also: stability control, antilock disc brakes, active headrests and an antitheft system are installed on all the models.
Comparable Models
Jeep Wrangler, Toyota FJ Cruiser
*Références
Crépault Michel, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.500
Desjardins Guy, Le guide de l’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l’Homme, 2012, p.516
www.nissan.ca
Pros
As a genuine off-roader, the Xterra’s reign rules supreme. It’s a well-designed vehicle for both practical use and sometimes excessive abuse. For example, there’s much to admire about the trunk’s ingenious, multi-purpose stowage system, the good ground clearance and easy-clean interior surfaces.
Cons
On the other hand, it’s starting to show its age, particularly as far as the truck-like cabin is concerned. Despite its excellent off-road capabilities, when the Xterra finally returns to civilization, just about everything is a strike against it. Iffy handling, underwhelming suspension and weak fuel economy don’t help its cause.
 |
| Photo: Nissan |
Price
The base S model is available at an entry price of $33,998. Standard features for this trim include off-road-oriented 4x4 setup, with high and low ranges, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, 8-way adjustment driver seat, tubular step rails and the Utili-track rail system.
For nature lovers and off-road purists, the PRO-4X at $36,578, will be better adapted to your needs. Bilstein shocks, additional skid plates, electronic locking rear differential, foglights, hands-free Bluetooth phone system, auxiliary audio jack…and let’s not forget the 8-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with subwoofer.
Options that can be added to the PRO-4X package include automatic transmission, gearbox cooler, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and satellite radio, all this for an extra $1,420.
Top of the line is the SE with an asking price of $37,878.
As well as the 5-speed automatic transmission, standard features include 17-inch wheels, chrome gauges and fold-flat front passenger’s seat.
Fuel Economy
With manual transmission, it’s 13.7 L/100 km for city driving and 10.5 L/100 km on the highway driving. For automatic models, ratings are 14.5 L/100 km in town and 10.1 L/100 km for highway driving.
Exterior Styling
No doubt about it, the Xterra has the look of an adventurer. Oversize tubular roof rack and stepped roofline, above-the-windscreen foglights, grille and front bumper mainly made of plastic – all give it a unique air. At the back, the asymmetric windows get noticed as much as the bulging left-hand side door.
Powertrain
This real utility is provided by 261-hp, 4.0-litre V-6 engine producing a potent 281 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic come standard with the S and Pro-4X versions.
Cargo Capacity
The trunk can accommodate 991 litres of storage space. With seats folded down this increases to 1,869 litres available for your gear.
Safety
Six airbags are installed on the 2013 Xterra. Also: stability control, antilock disc brakes, active headrests and an antitheft system are installed on all the models.
Comparable Models
Jeep Wrangler, Toyota FJ Cruiser
 |
| Photo: Nissan |
*Références
Crépault Michel, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.500
Desjardins Guy, Le guide de l’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l’Homme, 2012, p.516
www.nissan.ca