Revamp helps Xterra remain real deal
Nissan has been on a tear this year, introducing the all-new Frontier, Pathfinder and now comes the Xterra. Each one is even more rugged and buff than the previous generation and the Xterra is no exception. Already epically rough and tumble, the all-new, 2005 Xterra looks like the automotive equivalent of an adrenalin-addicted, outdoorsy Chippendale dancer — hearty and hella handsome.
For its first-ever redesign, the new Xterra includes more power, improved on- and off-road capabilities and increased utility.
When it was introduced at the 1999 North American International Auto Show, the Xterra was a revolutionary idea in the market: an affordable, functional sport-ute for active adults who aren’t one bit shy. Who else would drive a bright yellow SUV? The Xterra offered the best off-road capabilities within the Nissan family, targeting the spontaneous, youthful, free-spirit who considers his or her ride a piece of necessary gear to get them where they need to go.
The new Xterra further refines the concept, improving and tweaking based on customer feedback. In addition to more power and improved off-road capabilities, Xterra owners want cargo versatility and, for the times when they live in the real world, better on-road dynamics. A demanding lot, aren’t they?
Nissan complied by powering the Xterra with a high-output 4.0-liter V-6 engine that produces 265 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 284 pound-feet of torque available at 4,000 rpm. The new engine is offered with two new transmission choices: an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual.
When you have Xterra owners who participate in an annual Moab Desert off-road adventure, any redesign better make sure to keep the out-of-bounds buccaneer in mind. Reduced overhangs and class-leading ground clearance maintain the Xterra’s off-road street cred. A larger diameter tire-and-wheel set from BF Goodrich helps ensure sure-footed stump jumping. The off-road package offers skid plates, Bilstein shocks and the latest in traction control technology, including Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist. The descent control allows the driver to focus on steering and handling while the vehicle maintains speed on the downside of a steep hill. Hill start keeps the vehicle in place without any roll back for up to 2 seconds. Both are must-haves for serious off-road situations.
Other off-road features include an electronic locking rear differential, 4-wheel limited slip and dual-throttle mapping for the low-range transfer case.
The Xterra is a gen-u-ine sport-ute and, as such, its owners not only like to take their bad boy where few vehicles have gone before, they want to take their toys with them. Nissan thought of that, too. A new, covered storage unit under the roof rack is a handy spot to keep wet things and an “all-weather” easy-to-clean rear cargo area helps keep gear from trashing the interior. Additional storage is designed into the seats and under the cargo floor.
An Utili-Track channel system gives the gear-minded more ways to secure their stuff and a new step carved into the bumper on both sides provides easier access. To help the seats fold flat, all but the base trim offer removable seat cushions. The problem is finding an accessible storage spot for them. A fold-down front passenger seat is available on some trims.
Sometimes Xterra owners carry passengers too. For them, Nissan increased passenger space, including added shoulder, hip, leg- and headroom both front and back. To make that extra room, the Xterra’s wheelbase was increased from 104.3 inches to 106.3. Overall length increased by just .03 inches and 1.2 inches were added to the height.
A third row is not an option.
The new Xterra is built on the F-alpha platform, originally developed for the full-size Armada SUV and Titan pickup. The truck-based platform features extensive use of high tensile strength steel for improved safety and measurable weight savings. Increased rigidity optimizes ride and handling on- and off-road.
The Xterra is offered in three trims — the base model S, the Off-Road and up-level SE. Each is available in two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Nissan estimates the off-road version will represent 16 percent of Xterra sales.
According to Nissan, pricing for the Xterra starts at $20,800 for the two-wheel drive S with manual transmission. The 2WD Off-Road manual is $23,200. The SE is only offered with automatic transmission. Its 2WD version sells for $25,300 MSRP without destination charges.