Nissan’s tall, tough Xterra is one of the best of a dying breed.
Body-on-frame sport-utility vehicles used to be the norm, but crossovers, with their carlike driving dynamics, improved fuel economy and less brash attitudes, have grabbed the lead and never looked back.
Within its diminished field, Xterra holds an enviable position. Not as crudely utilitarian as a Jeep Wrangler, but more accommodating than Toyota’s retro-esque FJ Cruiser, the Xterra appeals to folks who enjoy playing far off the beaten path in the great outdoors. Yet when it comes time to head back to civilization, the Xterra offers comfort and amenities that make the drive home as uneventful as possible.
| 2011 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X VEHICLE TYPE: Four-door, five-passenger SUV BASE PRICE: $30,300 PRICE AS TESTED: $32,725 (incl. delivery fees) POWERTRAIN: 4.0-liter, DOHC, V-6; 261 horsepower; 281 lb.-ft. torque, five-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive WHEELBASE/LENGTH: 106.3″/178.7″ CURB WEIGHT: 4,417 pounds EPA FUEL RATING: 15 mpg city/20 highway |
The Xterra’s exterior design defines the truck’s personality – blunt and muscular. The interior reinforces the impression with simple controls mounted in a hard, black-plastic dash with minimalist styling. A complete set of six white-faced gauges add a sporty touch to the otherwise somber surroundings.
Our top-of-the-line Pro-4X model did feature optional leather-upholstered seating whose red stitching adds a bit of flair. The front buckets feature decent support with substantial side bolsters for off-road shenanigans. The rear bench seat sits up high so passengers back there can better enjoy the view.
Powering the Xterra is a torque-rich, 4.0-liter twin-cam V-6, which moves the 4,400-pound SUV with real verve. Fuel economy is about what you’d expect: 15 mpg in the city and 20 on the open road.
For a tall, heavy truck the Xterra handles quite well, with sharp steering response guiding it confidently through corners. Brakes are powerful and progressive.
The Pro-4X package features Bilstein shocks, Hill Decent Control, an electronic locking rear differential and a full complement of protective skid plates.
With big, tubular roof racks sporting off-road lights, chunky off-road rubber on boldly styled alloys, and built-in footholds in the rear bumper, the Xterra makes its mission clear. Fortunately, it easily lives up to the image.
