The Xterra feels crude but is very capable off-road. Although the ride is stiff, handling is relatively responsive. The strong V6 engine delivers quick acceleration but overall fuel economy is just 17 mpg. The automatic is smooth, but the four-wheel-drive system is a rudimentary part-time type. The basic interior looks rugged and is well assembled. Side and curtain air bags are standard. The off-road trim line has a hill-descent control that maintains a very low speed on slippery downhill grades. Reliability has been average, but the Xterra scores too low to be recommended.
A subscription to ConsumerReports.org includes Consumer Reports road test reports (based on over 50 different tests).
Nissan Blog Content
Guide to the best small SUVs
Small SUVs are one of the hottest vehicle categories. Their good fuel economy, easy access, all-weather traction, and plenty of passenger and cargo space make them an appealing choice for many car buyers. In this crowded segment, it can be...
Road-trip friendly cars that can go the distance
Memorial Day is fast approaching and that means millions of Americans will be hitting the road for a family trip. The roads will be crowded and you should expect lines at gas stations. A car bred for long-haul driving, with...
2014 Subaru Forester is the first small SUV to ace tough new crash test
The redesigned Subaru Forester is the only small SUV out of 13 tested to earn a top score of Good in the new small overlap crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both the Forester and...
Safest, least expensive mom-friendly cars
Quality, safety, and value are the top factors for new-car buyers and are certainly not lost on moms looking to buy the right family car. Hitting all these attributes in a vehicle that is also kid friendly can be a...
Nissan drops price on seven cars, but not all are smart buys
Automakers make routine price adjustments to respond to market forces or account for increased production costs. In an interesting move, Nissan lowered the prices substantially on seven models to help them appear in search results when shoppers are researching cars...
