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Christopher Jackson | 9/6/2007 | Nissan
As the SUV market has broadened to encompass more carlike vehicles, conventional wisdom has always held that serious off-road ability rested primarily with three nameplates: Jeep, Land Rover and Hummer. If you want to go out and get dirty, everything else is just a lesser alternative.
This generally-held belief isn't exactly true, however. Nissan's second-generation Xterra debuted for 2005 with its X-Games sensibilities enhanced by a beefier frame and more powerful engine--just the stuff an eager adventurer needed. With expanded capabilities, the Xterra is prepared to go just about anywhere that a Jeep Grand Cherokee will, and a growing cadre of Xterra enthusiasts are glad to prove it.
With the recent redesign, it's a bit hard to tell the Xterra from the Pathfinder at first glance, though they've got different missions in life. Look closer though; the Xterra is chunkier, more muscular. It's the athlete of the family and looks it, with chiseled flanks and a more purposeful silhouette. The basic design, with its raised rear roof, remains unchanged. The Xterra is tall and narrow, with short overhangs and fat flared fenders. No chrome trim for this sport-ute; the décor is all scuff-resistant plastic. The unique tubular roof rails and cargo basket are enhanced by a built-in step in the rear bumper that eases access.
The interior is Spartan, with dull plastic surfaces that don't look particularly inviting but are probably easy to clean. The seating position is high, and visibility is good, the better for crawling over obstacles. We liked the seat cloth, which is stain-resistant and looks as durable as denim. Small gear can be stowed in the two-tiered glovebox or on slip-resistant pads in the console. The passenger seat folds flat for carrying long cargo and the cargo area is ready to carry large, dirty stuff, with protective mats and a Utilitrack adjustable tiedown system similar to that found in the bed of the Titan pickup. What you won't find in the Xterra are a lot of extra luxury items; this SUV is a workhorse, not a limousine. The one exception is a kickin' stereo, of course. Satellite radio is available in either XM or Sirius format.
Power is definitely not lacking. Nissan's 4.0 liter V6 makes 265 horsepower in the Xterra. It's related to the smaller V6 found in the 350Z and Maxima, and does not lack for grunt. Electronic throttle control does its best to smooth the power but the Xterra can still be somewhat abrupt on the road thanks to a sensitive gas pedal. Contiuously variable valve timing improves fuel efficiency somewhat. Reliability is the name of the game, and the Xterra's engine is built to last with a timing chain (instead of a belt that wears out faster), 100,000-mile spark plugs and Teflon-coated pistons. Five-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions are offered. Four-wheel drive is available, of course, and it's an off-road friendly dual-range system.
The ride is borderline rough, and Nissan's eager V6 can make fine throttle control dicey. This is one of the few trucks out there that's happier off-road, where the big fender flares and 17" wheels can do their work. Like the rest of Nissan's trucks and SUVs, the Xterra rides a version of the full-size Titan's fully boxed frame. A healthy measure of ground clearance--up to 9.5 inches in the Off-Road model--ensures safety from obstacles beneath. That's not to say that the Xterra is no good on pavement, either. The double wishbone front suspension transmits road impacts to the cabin, but the long wheelbase keeps the ride relatively smooth. A Lexus it ain't, but it doesn't feel like it's about to become a rollover statistic, either. Steering is direct and sharp. The Xterra is a tall truck, but reasonably nimble and forgiving in traffic.
In the end, the Xterra is a capable but slightly rough-edged off-roader, lacking a bit of the suspension finesse of a Jeep or Land Rover but able to go anywhere that those trucks will. Pricing starts at $19,950 for the two-wheel drive model and $21,950 for four-wheel drive. Our tester was a 4x4 with the Off-Road option package, XM radio and a delightfully loud Rockford-Fosgate sound system, and stickered for $28,905.
Specifications:
All specs are for the 2006 Nissan Xterra 4x4 Off-Road
Length: 178.7 in.
Width:72.8 in.
Height:74.9 in.
Wheelbase:106.3 in.
Curb weight:4347 lb.
Cargo space:65.7 cu.ft. (all seats folded)
Base price:$19,950
Price as tested: $28,905
Engine: 4.0 liter DOHC V6
Drivetrain: five-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Horsepower: 265 @ 5600
Torque: 284 @ 4000
Fuel capacity:21.1 gal.
Est. mileage:16/21
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