The
2010 Nissan Xterra is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) with exceptional off-road capabilities, great performance, aggressive style, and three trim levels: X, S, Off-Road, and SE. Powered by a 4.0-liter V-6 261-horsepower engine mated to a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, the Nissan Xterra has a body-on-frame design and a live rear axle.
The Nissan Xterra is bold and brazen, sporting a roof rack and a rear step as standard features. With a 106.3 inch wheelbase, the Xterra's off-road capabilities are its main attribute. In addition, it sports a fold flat seat in the second row which provides up to 65.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Thanks to Nissan's safety systems, you'll feel safe in the Xterra, but like a lot of off-roaders the gas mileage is nothing to shout about.
New for 2010
For 2010 the Nissan Xterra is primarily a carryover. Among the minor changes to the line are that all trims except the Off-Road trim are available with two-wheel drive. In addition, a new X Gear Package is now available on the S and SE trims providing fog lamps, roof rack crossbars, a gear basket, first aid kit, and cargo net, with the last two being exclusive to the SE.
Essentials
Engine: 4.0L V-6
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
Body Style: SUV
Trims: X Sport Utility, S Sport Utility, Offroad Sport Utility, SE Sport Utility
On the Outside
The Nissan Xterra boasts a built-in roof rack with closable storage, rear side steps for roof access, and available roof-mounted fog lamps. Oversized fender flares and high-mounted rear door handles integrated into the C-pillars are among the Xterra's styling cues.
From the Inside
Inside, the Nissan Xterra sports a built-in first-aid kit, tie-down channel system, and "easy clean" cargo area with ten cargo hooks. In addition, the Xterra features keyless entry, tilt steering column, under-floor cargo storage, a 60/40-split rear seat, and optional leather trim.
Driving Performance
The sole engine for the Nissan Xterra is a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that churns out 261 horsepower paired to a six-speed manual transmission standard on the X and Off-Road trims and a five-speed automatic transmission coupled to the S and SE trims. With a front control-arm/rear live-axle suspension, the Xterra delivers 6000 pounds of towing capacity. The Off-Road trim has a skid plate for the radiator and protection for the oil pan, fuel tank, and transfer case.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety equipment on the Nissan Xterra includes front, front-side, and side curtain airbags, the latter for outboard passengers in both rows. Other standard features include front-seat active head restraints, stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Gas Mileage
4WD (manual): 16 mpg city/20 mpg highway
4WD (automatic): 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway
RWD (manual): 16 mpg city/20 mpg highway
RWD (automatic): 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway
Plusses
- Off-road ability
- Rugged styling
- Plenty of power
Minuses
Rating
Serious off-road SUV with nice interior too
People Who Like the 2010 Nissan Xterra Also Like
- Jeep Wrangler
- Land Rover LR2
- Toyota FJ Cruiser