Overview

The Nissan Xterra is a compact sport utility vehicle that shares its platform with the automaker's Frontier pickup truck. It was first introduced for the 2000 model year. Now in its second-generation, last redesigned for the 2005 model year, the Xterra was updated in 2009. The 2011 model is unchanged, (except for the fact that the Off-Road trim level has been renamed PRO-4X), and the SE trim level has been dropped.

The Xterra is offered in three different trim levels. The standard Xterra X is fitted with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, keyless entry, full power accessories, cruise control, six-speaker audio package, 16-inch steel wheels, and more. The Xterra S adds a roof-mounted gear basket, roof rails, eight-way manual-adjust driver's seat, cargo area with "Utili-track" channel system, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The Xterra PRO-4X is configured for serious off-road travel. The trim level includes off-road lighting, Bilstein heavy-duty shocks, skid plates, electronic locking differential, Rockford Fosgate audio system, and 16-inch alloy wheels with BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires.

Nissan fits the Xterra with a standard 4.0-liter, six-cylinder engine that is rated at 261 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is offered on 4x4 models, but not on the rear-wheel drive model. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard on the 4x2, and optional on the 4x4 models. The X and S variants are offered in rear- or four-wheel drive, but the off-road PRO-4X model is only fitted with a 4x4 driveline. The EPA rates the fuel economy of the 2011 Nissan Xterra between 15 mpg city, and 22 mpg highway, depending on driveline.

The 2011 Nissan Xterra X 4x2 starts with a base price of about $24,500 and tops out with the Xterra PRO-4X 4x4 model, which starts around $30,000.