2009 Nissan Xterra Review
SUV for outdoor sports gets updates.
(Continued)
Summary
The Nissan Xterra maintains its steady course on the road and off, as a popular SUV that can do it all and then some, with a fold-flat cargo area that's rugged and easy to clean, and built-in channels on the floor with 10 hooks or eyelets to tie things down. For 2009, there are styling revisions and a new center console panel. The fabric upholstery is attractive and rugged, and there are plenty of cubbies. Side-impact airbags in front and full length airbag curtains have been added as standard equipment. The Xterra is user friendly, has a comfortable ride for a truck, and wears well. In 4WD it achieves 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, using an exceptional 4.0-liter V6 engine and smooth five-speed automatic transmission.
Model Line Overview
| Model Lineup: | Nissan Xterra 2WD X ($22,310); 4WD X ($24,360); 2WD S ($24,060); 4WD S ($26,060); Off-Road ($28,340); 2WD SE ($27,340); 4WD SE ($29,340) |
| Engines: | 4.0-liter 24-valve V6 |
| Transmissions: | 5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard): | dual-stage frontal airbags, side-impact airbags in front, airbag curtains, tire pressure monitor, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control |
| Safety Equipment (optional): | |
| Basic Warranty: | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In: | Tennessee |
Specifications As Tested
| Model Tested (MSRP): | Nissan Xterra Off-Road ($28,340) |
| Standard Equipment: | Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, 16-inch alloy off-road wheels with trail tires, Bilstein shock absorbers, skid plates, rear side bumper steps, front tow hook, roof-mounted off-road lights, gear basket on roofrack, foglights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, 6-speaker audio system with single CD, overhead console, 12-volt CD outlets, air conditioning, rear wipers, power doors and windows, remote keyless entry, rear cargo channel system with utility hooks, First Aid kit, cargo net |
| Options As Tested (MSRP): | Floor mats $115 |
| Destination Charge: | 780 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax: | |
| Price as tested (MSRP) | 29235 |
| Layout: | four-wheel drive |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm): | 261 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): | 281 @ 4000 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed automatic |
| EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: | 15/20 |
| Wheelbase: | 106.3 |
| Length/width/height: | 178.7/72.8/74.9 |
| Track, f/r: | 61.8/61.8 |
| Turning circle: | 37.3 |
| Seating capacity: | 5 |
| Head/hip/leg room, f: | 39.9/55.9/42.4 |
| Head/hip/leg room, m: | |
| Head/hip/leg room, r: | 39.3/46.1/34.4 |
| Cargo volume: | 65.7 |
| Payload: | |
| Towing capacity: | 5000 |
| Suspension, f: | independent, double wishbone |
| Suspension, r: | solid axle, multi-leaf |
| Ground clearance: | 9.5 |
| Curb weight: | 4402 |
| Tires: | 265/75/R16 |
| Brakes, f/r: | vented disc/vented disc |
| Fuel capacity: | 21.1 |
• For more information such as specs, prices, and photos of the 2009 Nissan Xterra, click here: 2009 Nissan Xterra.
