2010 Nissan Xterra

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Safety - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Xterra earns four out of five stars for driver safety and passenger safety in frontal crash tests conducted by the federal government. This score is acceptable, but note that many SUVs earn five stars in these tests. The Xterra does earn top five-star scores in side crash tests. However, another con is its three-star rollover score, which means its chance of rollover is 24 to 25 percent. Most SUVs earn four-star rollover scores.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not tested the 2010 Xterra, but gave the 2009 model a top score of "Good" in both frontal offset and side impact tests. However, in rear crash protection tests, the Xterra got a score of "Poor," which is the lowest possible.

The Xterra's standard safety features are impressive considering its affordable price. These include dual-stage supplemental front air bags, driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags for outboard occupants, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Vehicle Dynamic Control. However, what it doesn't offer is a rearview camera-- a blaring omission considering that some reviewers say visibility isn't great.              

• "Visibility is hampered by the rear roof styling and wide-base windshield pillars." -- Consumer Guide
• "The car sits higher than others in its class, which gives the driver a commanding view of the road. Large rearview mirrors and good window placement and design minimize blind spots. But the height of the Xterra makes it a prime candidate for a rearview camera or at least a park-distance warning, as visibility immediately behind the car isn't great." -- CNET