2015 Nissan Xterra

If you're looking for an affordable off-road sport-utility vehicle with genuine capability, a spacious cabin, and plenty of day-to-day practicality, then the Nissan Xterra is a fitting choice. A robust 4.0-liter V6 engine powers the 2WD or 4WD systems of all three 2015 models. With 261 horsepower on tap, performance from the Xterra is utilitarian and steadfast and fuel economy is still relatively frugal. Either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearbox does duty depending on the driver's selection and the trim level. Unfortunately, the Xterra SUV does face some stiff competition and a couple of drawbacks. With the esteemed Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet Equinox, and Ford Escape playing the field as well, will the Xterra's overly firm ride quality, horrid safety standards, and middling inside hamper its appeal in the US market?

Though plain, the Xterra's exterior still clearly exclaims its mission, conjuring images of rugged adventuring. At the prow, all three utes feature a Hyper Silver Aluminum/Black bumper flanked by wrap-around body side moldings. Halogen headlights are stock-fitted with automated on/off functionality coming in only on the PRO-4X. Tubular roof racks are also standard across the board, along with hind bumper assist steps. 4x4 versions of the S and PRO-4X get a front tow hook and a roof-mounted gearbox. The PRO-4X exclusively features roof-rack-mounted spot lights. All variants are perched atop 16-inch six-spoke wheels varying in material and design.

The Xterra sport-utility vehicle's dimensions place it appropriately into the small classification. It spans an overall length of 178.7-inches with 106.3-inches assigned to the wheelbase. It stands at 74.9-inches in height and squats at 72.8-inches in width. Approach, departure, and breakover angles vary with each iteration but ground clearance measures in at 8.2-inches for 4x2 forms and from 9.1 to 9.5-inches for 4x4 versions. Curb weights range between 4,140 and 4,429 pounds.

Every Xterra ships with a single powertrain spec: a 4.0-liter V6 with outputs of 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. The V6 can be paired to either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic depending on the drivetrain configuration, which is either 4x2 or 4x4. Acceleration and motor output delivery are adequate regardless of the setup chosen. It'll clear the initial 0 to 60 mph dash at a relatively slow-going pace, nothing too explicit, and moving up to top speeds for merging and overtaking is simply plain sailing. To make the most of the Xterra in terms of off-roading and towing, the stick shift and 4WD drivetrain are the constituents to go for. Towing capacity is rated at a mediocre 5,000 lbs across the range.

The Xterra has pretty terrible handling characteristics considering the class that it slots into. Its steering responses are slow, it exhibits noticeable levels of body roll around bends, and its suspension is firmer than warranted from a mainstream automobile. These flaws are, however, the result of the Xterra's body-on-frame construction, which makes it a lot more apt at tackling the unbeaten path and a lot more hard-wearing than its crossover opponents. It's not the ideal SUV for taking the kids to school everyday, but these flaws aren't as apparent when tackling the uneven terrain of the outdoors, when speed is the enemy. Everyday undulations and speed bumps knock through to the inside and are sure to keep the occupants awake, but this is something that comes in handy when traversing rocky terrain where feel aids precision.

Fuel economy is no strong suit for any gasoline-fed SUV, so don't expect much out of the Xterra in this regard. 2WD variants with the five-speed are the most frugal, returning EPA-derived mileage estimates of 16/22/18 mpg city/highway/combined. 4WD variants with the stick-shift return 16/20/17 mpg while the auto drops the city figure to 15 mpg. These figures considered, the Xterra's 21.1-gallon gas tank should supply it with enough fuel for around 380 miles of mixed driving when full.

The interior of the Xterra is very straight-forward and functional, fitting for its outdoorsy purpose. Hard-touch plastics score the cockpit along with basic cloth upholstery, with the PRO-4X getting some signature embroidery. Heated and embroidered leather seating is optional for the PRO-4X within the extra-cost Leather Package. The Xterra's cabin is spacious throughout but by no means comfortable. The seats are problematic, too. The pilots position feels too low and the lack of steering wheel adjustment can make finding an optimal position difficult. As for the rest of the seats, while the support they offer is great, they can feel a little too harsh on the booty, especially over extended trips. There's 36.3 cubic feet of cargo room in the trunk, which expands to 65.7 cubes with the 60/40-split rear bench folded down - impressive for a compact!

Every Nissan Xterra model is outfitted with a regular stereo with MP3 and WMA CD playback functionality. Six speakers are inclusive in the X and S with the PRO-4X amassing nine high-performance units from Rockford Fosgate. As for features, there's remote keyless entry, electronic accessories, cruise control, air conditioning, and an eight-way positionable driver's seat. The PRO-4X gains leather accoutrements, gauges with white faces, and front heating. In the way of passenger protection, every trim receives six airbags and the essentials such as ABS, vehicle dynamics and traction control, and a TPMS. The PRO-4X is equipped with a power locking rear differential and it's given hill-start assist and descent control, and a rearview camera.

The Nissan Xterra's ratings for safety and reliability are not particularly confidence-inspiring. Only the IIHS has reviewed the Nissan Xterra for its crashworthiness in the USA. Of the four specified evaluations, the Xterra scored top results of Good in only two - the overlap front and side - while roof strength rated as Acceptable and the head restraints as Marginal.

Pricing for the Xterra starts at an MSRP of around $24,500 for the entry-level X, excluding any tax, licensing, and registration costs. The mid-tier S is priced at around $25,500 and the top-tier PRO-4X at around $30,500. As a second-hand cruiser it will likely go for a lot cheaper, just be sure to take it for a test drive first, to ensure that it is still capable on and off the road. The Nissan Xterra's prices are fair for how much you come by in terms of capability, though its comfort on the road could do with some refinement, its cabin with some sprucing up, and its crashworthiness ratings with some serious improvement. It is, nevertheless, a highly capable off-road machine and semi-feasible ute.