Nissan's Xterra Remains One of the Few True Offroaders

If you’re in the market for a true offroad vehicle, the pickings are slim since the advent of crossover vehicles.

Crossover’s have been pasteurized, homogenized and softened to the point that they’re merely AWD station wagons with an SUV appearance. The number of true offroaders have dwindled to a handful. The choice boils down to the likes of a Jeep Wrangler, Hummer H3, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Toyota Land Cruiser, pricey Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Nissan five-seat Xterra, the latter a reasonably priced ute that is rugged and designed with the adventuresome in mind.

As built, Xterra can withstand the rigors of the outback, but maintains roadability over paved roadways. While the ride is a bit firm on 16-inch, 6-bolt wheels, it’s not stiff. Handling is tight with nary any body lean when taking sharp turns at speed. And step-in is an easy 21 inches or 15 to the tubular running boards.

Offered in X, S, Off-Road and SE trim, I tested the S version that came with cloth seats instead of leather as in the top-line SE. This is the neat feature of Xterra. It can be configured economically (X), sensibly (S), ruggedly (Off-Road) or classy (SE). But all models retain offroad prowess including assist handles over all four doors for when the going gets wobbly and head-jarring.

A few other nice features include a usable roof-rack that has a built in storage bin for wet suits, hip boots or anything that you wouldn’t want messing up the interior. Here again, Nissan had the outdoors person in mind since the spacious cargo area (35 inches deep, 46.5 wide and 35 high) has a plastic covered (instead of carpeted) floor that can be washed out. The split folding rear seat- backs maintain this protective covering. There’s also a storage bin beneath the floor for small items.

The inner walls of the cargo area have small compartments with nylon netting to stow odds and ends, and there’s a thoughtful First Aid kit embedded in the hatch door for when outdoor injuries crop up. Outside on the rear fenders, recessed steps make accessing the roof rack easier. I wonder why others didn’t think of this nicety?

Despite its hefty weight, Xterra is no slouch in the power department. Powered by a strong 4.0L, 261-hp V6 (15 city, 20 highway mpg) that produces an impressive 281 lb/ft of torque that transfers grunt to the wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission, the combination is rated to tow 5,000 pounds or enough to pull a pop-up camper, powerboat or a pair of ATVs. Its 4WD has traditional settings of 2WD, 4Hi and 4Lo, all activated via a rotary dash switch.

Now here’s the good news. Base price is a mere $26,860. Add the X-Gear package ($500), Floor Mats ($115) and delivery ($745), and Xterra bottom lines at a reasonable $28,220 nicely equipped including 4-wheel ABS, Limited Slip, side impact bags, Vehicle Dynamic Control, tire pressure monitoring and more. Xterra also earned a 4-star frontal crash rating.

Any low points? The gas mileage could be better, perhaps a hybrid powerplant or diesel hybrid would fill the bill. Otherwise, Xterra is a compelling, capable and civil offroader.

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