Introduced way back in 2005, the Xterra is a sturdy, traditional SUV with few whistles and bells as compared to a lot of more contemporary offerings. That however is still a good thing, if you are an outdoors person looking for all-terrain capabilities. Starting with the fame and body, the Xterra makes no apologies for looking tough and brutish. Available in three trim levels, the top of line version for hitting the backcountry is the PRO-4X version.
Equipped with the PRO-4X package of accessories, the XTerra can handle the off road obstacles. Accessories include a beefy Bilstein shock/suspension system, heavy-duty off-road tires/wheels, hill-start assist, hill descent control, and thick fuel tank and transfer case skid plates. |
All models share the 4.0 liter V6 powerplant that kicks out 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. In addition, that's plenty of power/pick-up for day to day driving, and a real asset in the torque department when tackling the off-road and slow speed challenges. The Xterra is also towing capacity rated to 5,000 pounds. Compare that to many of the similarly-sized crossover (car like) vehicles with a wimpy rating of less than 3,500 pounds.
Interior appointments aren't overly fancy, but everything's well positioned and easily accessible. Driver and passenger seats are comfortable when traveling long highway distances or rock-climbing in the backcountry. |
Inside, the vehicle isn't real upscale, but the drivers controls are where they should be, are logically arranged for driver use, and are easy to access. It is however fancy enough to have nice interior upholstery, navigation system with backup camera, a great satellite/CD stereo system with USB ports, power windows/mirrors, and even heated front seats if you want them.
Cargo area on the Xterra must have been designed by a sportsmen. Nhard to clean carpeting, everything is rubber and plastic, easier to brush/wipe out after a long hunting, fishing or camping trip. There's also a moveable rack system on the floor with roof mounted tie down brackets to secure your gear. |
Up on top, the Xterra boasts a construction-grade aluminum roof rack that really is designed to be utilized for extra gear and has a capacity rating of 150 pounds. To make it easier to access the roof, the vehicle has bumper mounted step inserts, which is a nifty feature when tying stuff down on the topside!
Rumor has it that the Xterra, which has not changed very much over the years since its introduction, may be "put out to pasture," by the middle of 2014. No word from Nissan if they plan a replacement vehicle to carry the Xterra nameplate. Regardless, and until there is an official announcement, the Xterra remains a top choice for the sportsmen who demands a vehicle that is more GO than simply a pretty face.
--Andy Lightbody
Lightbdy has been an outdoor/automotive writer and broadcaster for over 45 years. He has been an automotive Editor for Consumer Guide and Consumer Digest publications, Senior Editor/Auto Editor for Petersen's Hunting Magazine, Editor for the Outdoor Book Division at Guns & Ammo, and currently runs Rocky Mountain Television/Productions out of Colorado. He also writes a monthly WHEELS AFIELD column for Sportsman's News Magazine (offical publication for the Sportsman's Warehouse stores).