It's designed like a traditional SUV–big, rugged and ready for the trails–and there's no indication that it'll get any softer anytime soon. The 2014 Nissan Xterra is boxy and buff, leaving few questions about this vehicle's intentions. It's a part-time, off-road-oriented 4x4 setup, with high and low ranges, but Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, and the electronic stability control system all help keep it in check and make the most of its traction. The Xterra's ride can be pitchy at times, because of its solid axle and leaf springs in back, although on-the-road handling is decent.Īll 2014 Xterra models but the Off-Road trims are available with rear-wheel drive, but the Xterra makes a lot of sense as a 4x4, as it offers 9.5 inches of ground clearance and an approach angle of more than 33 degrees. While most utility vehicles have gone to a uni-body build, the Xterra's body-on-frame layout is up for regular trail clambering, while its 261-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 engine provides plenty of torque for off-roading or towing and works well with the smooth-shifting automatic transmission. The Xterra keeps it simple, with a platform that's shared with the Frontier-using a version of the frame and underpinnings employed in the full-size Nissan Titan trucks. And to fit especially long items, like cumbersome sports equipment, the front passenger seat can fold forward to a horizontal position.Trims and panels tend to be made of hard plastic, but that's understandable given this vehicle's purpose (you'll want those easy-wipe surfaces). There's a double glovebox, a large center console, and a generous 35 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat up-expandable to nearly 66 cubic feet with it folded forward.
For cargo and gear, Nissan has found ways to hone the Xterra's abilities, making it something of a Swiss Army knife. Simply put, it gives up some passenger comfort in the name of all-around usefulness-and particularly, usefulness in ways that a car or crossover probably can't deliver. The interior of the car is built with tough upholstery, extra store spaces, tie-downs for gear and easy-to-clean surfaces–borrowed from the Frontier pickup–making it look and feel just as utilitarian as the SUV's exterior.
It's specifically for those active-lifestyle drivers you see more in commercials than you do on the road, and for good reason. The Nissan Xterra is a rugged, off-roadable SUV that's ideal for a fairly small set of drivers: weekend warriors that need something not as rough as a Wrangler or FJ Cruiser, but still able to delve deeply into the woods with its big tires, high stance, and skid plates.
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