"The changes in the new Xterra are evolutionary, though with a capital E," added McNabb. "For 2005, we've made key improvements in the areas customers want most - power, driveability, smoother on-road dynamics, more interior space and cargo versatility and, of course, greater off-road performance."
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| From the rear the 2005 Xterra continues the rough and tumble appearance package, highlighted with an asymmetrical rear window and tailgate. (Photo: Nissan Canada) |
Now that I've had a chance to digest what I've seen, the new Xterra carries over many of the styling cues that still make the outgoing version so popular. While the bold grille and masculine front fascia feature all the toughness of its larger siblings, its general shape is much like its predecessor. The utilitarian two-box design's rugged styling is accentuated even further with substantially sized wheel arches front and back. From the rear it continues the rough and tumble appearance package, highlighted with an asymmetrical rear window and tailgate. Altogether the new model incorporates elements of the larger Armada design language, but does a pretty good job of infusing them with current Xterra traits to give it just enough of its own impudent personality.
That tubular roof rack remains as a key design element on the new Xterra, but now includes a slim "basket" complete with a hinged lid and handle. Not only is it more useful, especially in inclement weather, but it's shaped to push air overtop itself and the roof rack, improving aerodynamics. To access the roof rack Nissan has added handy foot indentations at each rear corner, complete with rubber grips to keep the toes in place while climbing.
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| The familiar tubular roof rack remains as a key design element on the new Xterra. (Photo: Nissan Canada) |
I took a moment after the crowds had dispersed to clamber around the vehicle, spending most of my time in the driver's seat. It's definitely roomier, as expected, with the associated improvements in utility that go along with increased size. It's also laid out better inside, with higher quality materials and a more modern design. I particularly like the round cutouts for the chromed interior door handles, the slim bending armrest fixed to the front door panels, and industrial-like center stack with integrated audio and HVAC interfaces. The four little divots embossed into the arcing instrument shroud add a little flavor to what would otherwise be a slab of plastic, something I haven't seen attempted quite this way before. Nissan has also included its trademark 3-spoke aluminum steering wheel, a sporty touch for this class of SUV. Last but hardly least, the seats not only look terrific, they're quite supportive from what I could gather during my limited research.