Victor Nissan

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Walk Around

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 roofline kicks upward toward the rear, to increase second-row headroom. Side mirrors are large and rectangular. Wheel wells are accentuated with squared-off lines, adding muscular shoulders to the Xterra's stance. The bodywork is intended to suggest off-road performance.

At the same time, the Xterra still projects a high-utility image. A largely tubular roof rack adds size and a look of no-nonsense purpose. Available side steps provide easy access to the roof rack, functionally underscoring the utility of the roof rack and its integrated cargo box. The angled C-pillar carries Nissan's signature high-mounted rear door handles, a unique design trait that visually links the new Xterra with the original, as well as with the rest of the Nissan SUV family, the Pathfinder and the full-size Armada.

In fact, the Xterra, like the Pathfinder is built on the same "F-Alpha" mechanical platform as the Armada and the full-size Titan pickup.

Interior

2008 Nissan Xterra

The Nissan Xterra is roomy inside, roomier than other SUVs in this price class. It works well for whisking four large adults and their gear into the backcountry. Second-row seating is stadium-style, meaning that the rear passengers sit higher so they can see over the front-seat occupants.

Cargo capability is a priority. The rear seat folds down when needed, and on Off Road and SE the front passenger seat also folds flat, meaning that lengthy recreational gear or lumber can be more easily accommodated. After all, the Xterra is no poser. It's not a mommymobile masquerading as a rugged SUV for outdoor types. It is, in fact, a rugged SUV for outdoors types. Total cargo capacity with the rear seats folded is 65.7 cubic feet.

The center-console storage area and dashboard glove box are both generously sized, and there is also additional instrument panel storage. On all but X, the cargo area has an easily cleaned surface, four moveable hooks in the floor, plus four stationary hooks in the ceiling and two more in the side panels. In fact, Xterra's inside-rear is set up to handle anything the roof rack can't, such as a dirty dog or muddy gear. There is an adjustable channel system on the cargo floor making it easier to secure bike racks. A built-in first-aid kit is included with all but the X.

The Rockford Fosgate stereo sounds good. Getting good sound in an SUV interior can be difficult, since there are many hard surfaces combined with soft shapes to reflect and muffle sound. In this case, 380 watts, eight speakers and a subwoofer carry the day.

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