There are a lot of Affordable Compact SUV’s in the market, the 2011 Nissan Xterra is one of them. This SUV is ideal for not just individuals on the go but for a driving experience that is comfortable even if it is off the typical highway road. This vehicle can get down and dirty with an edge.
It is one of the most recommended off road vehicles in the market but like any other SUV it still plays second best to a typical sedan in terms of the comfort although among its contenders within the same group, it does have more chic and refined driving dynamics. Ideally, SUV’s are meant for roughing it in the outdoors and the Nissan Xterra stays true to that idea.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $24,260.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gallons (79 liters) | Miles Per Gallon: 16 city / 22 hwy |
| Length: 178.7 in. (453.8 cm) | Width: 72.8 in. (184.9 cm) |
| Height: 74.9 in. (254 cm) | Wheel Base: 106.3 in. (270 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4143 lbs (1879 kg) | Ground Clearance: 8.1 in. (20.5 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 36.3 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 24-valve DOHC V6 | Displacement: 4.0-liter |
| Horsepower: 261 HP | Max RPM: 5600 RPM |
| Torque: 281 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic |
| 0-60 mph: 7.3 seconds | Max Towing Capacity: 5000 lbs (2268 kgs) |
| Option:Xterra S 2WD | MSRP: $26,250; MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy |
| Option:Xterra S Auto 4WD | MSRP: $28,300; MPG: 15 city / 20 hwy |
| Option:Xterra Pro-4X Manual 4WD | MSRP: $29,670; MPG: 16 city / 20 hwy |
| Option:Xterra Pro-4X Automatic 4WD | MSRP: $30,720; MPG: 15 city / 20 hwy |
Performance
In terms of the performance, the Nissan Xterra does quite well. In comparison to other compact SUV’s that have platforms that are car-based, the Xterra does have driving dynamics similar to that of a truck rather than a sedan which unlike the compact SUV’s would be more similar to that of a car which gives it a more refined feel. Also similar to that of any outdoor type of vehicle, the Nissan Xterra was designed to be sturdy and enables easy cleaning and is less polished in comparison to the rich feel of other SUV’s. Also, the fuel efficiency is impressive which gives buyers a tough choice to make.
This is a vehicle wherein you would not need to worry about having to place your pet dog inside the car and thinking about having to clean so much afterwards. It is designed for more sturdy requirements unlike some other SUV’s that cater to a much more sophisticated need that has a more chic and polished interior.
There are 4 trim levels: X, S, Pro 4X and SE which all, except for the Pro 4x, you have the option of either a two or four wheel drive. It is intended for tough terrains and it does indeed do its job well which unfortunately can be quite obvious when taken to drive on paved highways.
Exterior & Interior
The ruggedness of the vehicle can be quite obvious and for those that are not much fans of the off road terrain, opting for a car based SUV would be more advisable. For the exterior, its tough design is welcomed positively by most and it does outshine others in the same category. It definitely lives up to its rough exterior. As for the interior, it is quite basic and lives up to its reputation as an outdoor vehicle and has a very spacious interior area. The interior is more delicate and polished.
Safety
While the safety standards of the Xterra are fairly good and have been to the approval of the federal government. Unfortunately in terms of the vehicles reliability, like any other Nissan model, it does have a limited warranty that goes way too short when compared to most other automobile companies.
The Competition
So if you are decided in getting an SUV that can be used for harsh driving conditions, some of the other models to consider aside from the Xterra would be the Jeep Wrangler (MSRP $22,045; 15 city / 19 hwy). The Jeep, in comparison to the Xterra unfortunately this does reflect the quality of comfort that one experiences when utilizing the vehicle for commuting purposes.
Another excellent contender would be the GMC Terrain (MSRP $25,480; 22 city / 32 hwy) and unlike the Jeep Wrangler, this vehicle has a similar exterior to the Xterra in the sense that it can be used on the road as any commercial car but also has the ability to take on the rough roads.
Overall Rating
59 out of 100
What others say:
“Off-road ruggedness is the 2011 Nissan Xterra’s reason for being, and it shows it in a very cohesive package that looks the part, provides focused trail ability, and offers enough interior comforts for weekend warriors but not too much to scare the purists away.”Car Connection
“The automatic transmission reacts quickly enough to throttle inputs, but passing at highway speeds can be a bit labored with either transmission. The manual transmission feels as truck-like as the rest of the vehicle, with balky shifter and clutch action.”Consumer Guide
“ Serious off-road prowess; powerful V6; innovative cargo features; most livable truck in its class.”Edmunds
