2025 Nissan Xterra
The 2025 Nissan Xterra is a truck-based compact SUV built by Nissan. The Nissan Xterra 2025 model shared a platform and a front bumper, hood, A-pillar, windshield, and front doors with the Nissan Frontier pickup, which also shared its platform with the Nissan Frontier and Nissan Pathfinder. The Nissan Xterra was known for its off-road capability, with features such as a reinforced frame, skid plates, and an available locking rear differential for improved traction. 2025 Xterra also had a generous ground clearance and approach/departure angles, making it suitable for tackling rugged terrains.
The Nissan Xterra is popular among outdoor enthusiasts and those who seek a versatile and capable SUV for off-road adventures. However, due to declining sales and changing market trends, Nissan discontinued the Xterra after the 2015 model year. Nevertheless, it remains a popular choice among used car buyers who are looking for a capable and affordable off-road SUV.
Nissan Xterra : Interior
The interior of the Nissan Xterra is designed to be functional and practical, with a focus on ruggedness and durability for off-road adventures. The Xterra typically features a straightforward and functional dashboard layout with easy-to-use controls. Standard interior features may include air conditioning, power windows, door locks, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, and a basic audio system with a CD player and auxiliary input. Some models may also have available features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera.
The Xterra typically has a seating capacity of up to five passengers with a 2-row configuration. The front seats are usually comfortable and supportive, with available options for power-adjustable seats and heated front seats. The rear seats are typically foldable in a 60/40 split configuration to allow for additional cargo space. The Xterra’s interior offers ample cargo space, making it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and those who need to carry gear. The rear cargo area typically has a flat load floor with tie-down hooks for securing cargo. Some models may also have a cargo organizer system for added convenience.
Nissan Xterra : Engine
Nissan Xterra offered either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive and came with a choice of a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine or a more powerful 3.3-liter V6 engine. It had a relatively basic interior but offered practicality and utility, with a spacious cargo area and numerous storage compartments. Nissan introduced the second generation Xterra. The 2nd-generation Xterra featured a more modern and refined design, with updated exterior styling and an improved interior. It continued to offer rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options and came with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, providing increased power and performance compared to the first generation.
The all-wheel drive S and Pro-4X offer either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drives S and both X configurations are automatic only. In the performance test, an Xterra 4WD with the automatic transmission accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds; this was average for a midsize SUV powered by a V6. The Xterra RWD delivers an EPA-estimated value of 18 mpg combined (16 cities/22 highways). Adding 4WD reduces fuel economy to a combined (15 city/20 highway) 17 mpg, regardless of transmission choice.
Nissan Xterra : Safety
The Nissan Xterra is equipped with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags. The Pro-4X also offers Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist. In Edmunds’ brake test, an Xterra Pro-4X stalled at 60 mph at 139 feet; That’s a low performance by general standards, but typical for an off-road SUV with all-terrain tires. For reference, the Jeep Wrangler recorded a similar stop of 140 meters. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Xterra its highest score ever in moderately overlapping frontal offset and side-impact crash tests. Xterra also had the second-highest acceptable score on the roof strength test. However, the 2025 Nissan Xterra seat/head restraint design is classified as marginal for longitudinal impact protection in rear impacts.