The Nissan Xterra is the smaller, less-expensive member of Nissan's mid-size, off-road-adventure team. The Pathfinder is bigger, shares the same mechanical platform and similar mud, muck, and trail capability. But Pathfinder stretches six inches longer in wheelbase, to better accommodate seating for six and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The Xterra costs less as well, with more than $4,500 separating the base versions of each model.
Still, the Xterra remains one of the few truck-style SUVs available with a manual transmission, and that alone may sway the buying decisions of some enthusiast drivers.
The Nissan Xterra looks big, tough and powerful; especially at the front, where the massive bumper (molded at the bottom center to suggest a conspicuous skid plate) and V-strut grille conspire to add bulk and menace in rear-view mirrors.
The Nissan Xterra is roomy inside, roomier than other SUVs in this price class.
The Nissan Xterra is an excellent choice for outdoor adventures. It cruises well on the highway. That's important because outdoor adventures often require many miles of highway travel to get to the outdoors.
There is nothing else quite like the Nissan Xterra. It's in its element when used as a truck, a dirt-road prowler, or an adventure vehicle. It can handle wet or dirty cargo and clean up like a champ. It has room, power, and carefully thought-out utility features. It's built on a rugged chassis. Yet it's sufficiently refined, making it a practical everyday vehicle as well.