2009 Nissan Xterra

The midsize Nissan Xterra's powerful V-6 engine and heavy-duty suspension conspire to reduce fuel economy to the mid-teens in most driving conditions, test drivers reveal. The official Environmental Protection Agency ratings are 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway for the four-wheel-drive model with an automatic transmission. Substitute the manual transmission or opt for two-wheel drive, and the EPA says you gain 1 mpg.

Many reviewers also criticize the Xterra for its stiff, choppy ride, although none find it unusually harsh. Truck Trend says the "tire and chassis combination are about the best all-around match" for strong off-road performance and adequate highway comfort. Edmunds.com says the Xterra is not as smooth as most crossovers, but still "well suited for longer road trips." However, the Detroit News' Scott Burgess, who admits he rarely drives off road, comments that the Xterra "doesn't meet the minimum standard I hold for ride and handling." DriverSide.com's Jon Alain Guzik says "the truck is a little rough around the edges, in a good way."

Edmunds.com says the Nissan Xterra's interior is well-styled and ergonomically friendly, but "the overall impression is marred by the use of subpar hard plastics." Burgess shares that opinion, writing that the interior "felt cheap overall and offered too many plastic parts for my liking."  A variety of useful features such as an adjustable cargo channel system in the rear floor, various steel hooks, built-in compartments and a clever roof rack with removable gear box are included with the Xterra and help drivers keep a variety of cargo neatly secured. The Nissan Xterra is smaller than many midsize SUVs, offering just 25 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat up and 66 cubic feet with the seat folded flat. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The five-passenger Nissan Xterra has tall, narrow rear doors, intrusive wheel wells and a tall step-in height that makes accessing the back seat an awkward affair, reviews say. Plus, the high, vertical mounting position of the rear door handles make them more difficult to use, especially for children. Outward visibility is reported to be very good by testers.

Truck Trend says the Nissan Xterra rates among the best truck-based SUVs for its combination of strong four-wheel capability and the fewest compromises in everyday comfort. Editors there also say it's "a surprising value," with equipment and advantages that few others offer for the price. While the Toyota FJ Cruiser (*Est. $23,320 to $24,910) offers similar prices, Truck Trend editors say the Xterra offers more features, such as four conventional doors and a standard roof rack. The four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (*Est. $23,065 to $32,090) is mentioned by several reviewers as a strong four-wheeler, but it scores low on refinement and on-road civility. For those who don't need the Xterra's four-wheel-drive proficiency, there are a number of crossover-style midsize SUVs that may be substantially more comfortable while providing superior cargo- and passenger-carrying capability.

Research sources

Truck Trend editors name the Xterra the winner against five truck-based SUVs in a comparison test that emphasizes the vehicles' off-road abilities. Edmunds.com also gives the Xterra a good off-road evaluation, as well as the usual well-written summary review. ConsumerGuide.com includes several different models with a variety of equipment in its evaluation. ConsumerReports.org includes reliability and customer satisfaction data along with a comprehensive road-test review. Additional viewpoints are provided by road testers from The Detroit News, DriverSide.com and CarReview.com.