Technical
The Xterra now comes equipped with the same engine as its bigger brother, the Pathfinder. It is a DOHC 4.0L V6 that develops 265 hp at 5 600 rpm and 284 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. The two transmission choices are a 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic. All
Xterras have a 4WD system with a 2-speed transfer case and active limited slip differentials. The Off Road model has optional hill descent control and hill start assist when the automatic transmission is selected. All have 4-wheel disc brakes, front independent and rear multi-leaf suspension. The Off Road gets Bilstein shock absorbers.
On the road
There is no doubt that when looking at the Xterra that it is more than capable of tackling the mud bogs, the rocks and the sand pits. It has all the necessary skid plates, the right tires and most importantly, no running boards.
The ride is typical of a body-on-frame truck designed for stump jumping. It is a little choppy and jittery over small ruts. Over bridge expansion joints, the truck will wave controllably.
The 4.0L V6 sounds like it enjoys being pushed. It delivers plenty of low-end torque and will bellow to near redline willingly. Average fuel consumption came in at just over 16L per 100 km. The 5-speed autobox is very cooperative and will always up or downshift at the right time. The brake pedal is stiff although stopping distances are long and confidence in the braking system is not immediate, principally when thinking about the truck's 1 976 kg weight. The Xterra's steering is surprisingly precise and nicely weighted.
Safety
The Nissan has standard dual front air bags, available side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the truck 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for a frontal impact and 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for all passengers in lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has not yet rated the Xterra.
Conclusion
On the road, the Xterra gives the driver the all-important (for some)
commanding and in-charge feeling and view. In a mall parking lot, I could spot it easily as it towers over Toyota 4Runners and GMC Envoys. Obviously, this means the Xterra has a strong tendency to roll when engaging corners but if you are shopping for a real-deal truck and a high cover charge does not bother you, then the Xterra is your truck.
Nissan quality and reliability has decreased over the last few years however the desirability factor has grown exponentially. Let us hope that power and performance will not be an obstacle for dependability in the long run.
Good stuff:
Real off road performance
4.0L V6
Not so good stuff:
Interior plastics
Fuel consumption
Competitors:
Kia Sorento
Jeep Liberty
Hummer H3 (depending on price)
The Xterra now comes equipped with the same engine as its bigger brother, the Pathfinder. It is a DOHC 4.0L V6 that develops 265 hp at 5 600 rpm and 284 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. The two transmission choices are a 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic. All
Xterras have a 4WD system with a 2-speed transfer case and active limited slip differentials. The Off Road model has optional hill descent control and hill start assist when the automatic transmission is selected. All have 4-wheel disc brakes, front independent and rear multi-leaf suspension. The Off Road gets Bilstein shock absorbers. On the road
There is no doubt that when looking at the Xterra that it is more than capable of tackling the mud bogs, the rocks and the sand pits. It has all the necessary skid plates, the right tires and most importantly, no running boards.
The ride is typical of a body-on-frame truck designed for stump jumping. It is a little choppy and jittery over small ruts. Over bridge expansion joints, the truck will wave controllably.
 |
Safety
The Nissan has standard dual front air bags, available side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the truck 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for a frontal impact and 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for all passengers in lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has not yet rated the Xterra.
Conclusion
On the road, the Xterra gives the driver the all-important (for some)
 |
Nissan quality and reliability has decreased over the last few years however the desirability factor has grown exponentially. Let us hope that power and performance will not be an obstacle for dependability in the long run.
Good stuff:
Real off road performance
4.0L V6
Not so good stuff:
Interior plastics
 |
Fuel consumption
Competitors:
Kia Sorento
Jeep Liberty
Hummer H3 (depending on price)
Article Gallery