The 2006 Nissan Xterra continues to be the rough and tumble mid-size SUV it has been since its inception in 1999. Nissan makes no bones about this vehicle being for those who really want to have an off-road vehicle that still offers enough comfort on the road for moms to haul the kids around and get groceries in. This latest edition receives bolder, Armada infused styling, and a longer wheelbase for a better ride and more passenger space. The Xterra also received an improved modern, heftier frame.
Based on the Frontier platform the Xterra is a truck, not a crossover made softer to appeal to more buyers. Nissan has the Murano and Pathfinder for buyers that want more form than function. The 4 liter V6 pumps out a potent 265 horsepower and 284 ft-lbs of torque and mated to a 5-speed automatic as my tester was, makes the Xterra a very capable performer. The 4WD shift on the fly system which according to my off-road buddies is a neat system.
While the interior could be considered austere, it is very functional and the ergonomics work well with large easy to read gauges and controls that are well laid out and simple to use. Active lifestyle people that are on the go, really like the Xterra because it has all kinds of "nooks and crannies" with cubby holes, and outdoor-oriented features like 10 cargo area utility hooks and an adjustable channel system in the cargo floor that makes it easier to secure bike racks or other big boys or girls toys.
The cargo area is large and becomes more spacious and very user friendly with the rear seat folded forward. And for even more room you can get an Xterra with a folding front passenger seat, and to top it all off, the cargo area is especially easy to clean. The Xterra has a decent amount of standard equipment, despite its go-anywhere nature. Even the base trim level has air conditioning, a tilt wheel, an AM/FM/CD player, a rear wiper and a full-size spare tire. There's also anti-lock brakes and an anti-skid system.
Higher-line trim levels add such items as a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, an upscale audio system and tubular side steps. Options on my tester included; $700 side-curtain airbags, $350 satellite radio and a $440 tow kit. Forget namby pamby frills like leather upholstery and a sunroof because Nissan feels there's no place for them on the Xterra.
Something the guys and gals that do serious camping like about the Xterra is the functional storage container on the roof. According to Nissan, the roof rack is hardcore, with a covered gear box for storing wetsuits, wet towels, or anything soaked in water, mud or sand. The latched lid on the gear box is designed to stay open when you're loading on and incline or in windy conditions. You can also remove the lid altogether to store big, bulky items.
The steering while a bit heavy, is responsive, but a wide turning radius doesn't help the maneuverability. Driven as an SUV should be, the Xterra's Handling is plenty good, and braking is adequate. Although its come along a ways, the Xterra is in fact built on a truck platform, ergo the ride is not unsurprisingly, truck-like and despite the longer wheelbase, it can get a tad choppy over rough roads.
It's no big surprise either that with a powerful SUV tipping the scales at somewhere between 4,100 and 4,400 pounds that fuel economy is not the greatest.. The Xterra thus delivers an estimated 16-17 mpg in the city and 21-22 on the highway, with manual transmission rear-wheel-drive models getting the slightly better numbers. That said though, I don't know anyone that buys and SUV that expects much in the way of mileage, but there are some out there that get a lot worse then the Xterra.
But as always it comes down to what you want and need in a vehicle. I've always liked the fact that with the Xterra its pretty much what you see is what you get. It is a very capable off road vehicle that you really don't mind using as a daily driver. It offers a pretty fair amount of comfort and for as rugged as it is, it's not half bad looking. There definitely is a fun factor when you want to go trekking off the beaten path and for what this vehicle offers pretty well loaded for under $28,000, there is pretty good bang for your buck.
Check out the new Xterra from Nissan. If you're looking for a very good all around SUV at a decent price, I'm not sure you won’t find a better combination then what Nissan's put together in this package. Try it, I do think you'll like it.
