2010 Nissan Xterra
- 2009 Nissan Xterra
- Used Nissan Xterra
Based on analysis of 59 Xterra reviews and test drives.
Nissan Xterra - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Nissan Xterra ranks 12 out of 26 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 59 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Xterra, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Nissan Xterra is an affordable off-roader with strong V6 performance, but it doesn't match the car-like handling and nicer interiors of others in its class.
If you're looking for a genuine off-road vehicle, the Xterra is just the ticket. It ranks high compared to other off-road rivals, costs thousands less than many of them and stands out with its versatile cargo capacity. However, buyers should keep in mind that while the Xterra is ideal as a tough, capable vehicle, it's not the most comfortable highway cruiser.
"This trail-capable and highly configurable hauler was made with fun-seekers in mind," says Edmunds. "But unlike some off-road-capable trucks and SUVs, the Xterra is also at home in urban settings, with a fair amount of suspension compliance for a comfortable ride." While some buyers may be able to handle the Xterra's on-pavement ride, they'll certainly object to its poor fuel economy. The Xterra's 16/20 mpg rating is among the worst of any affordable compact SUV and makes it expensive to operate as a daily driver.
If your heart is set on an off-road SUV, also consider the Jeep Patriot. It costs nearly $5,000 less than the Xterra and boasts the best fuel economy (23/38) in the off-road class. Even the Patriot has a fairly rough on-road ride though, so if highway cruising is important to you, check out the Toyota 4Runner and Suzuki Grand Vitara, both of which offer better around-town handling and still manage to improve upon the Xterra's gas mileage.
The 2010 Xterra is unchanged from previous model years, so you may want to consider buying a 2009 model. You won't be missing any new features and you could get a discount as dealers make way for the 2010s on their lots. Be sure to check out this month's Nissan Deals for incentives.
The Xterra comes in several trims -- X, S, Off Road and SE. All come in either two- or four-wheel drive with the exception of the four-wheel-drive-only Off Road model.
- "[The Xterra's] off-road orientation accounts for subpar ride comfort, and its backwoods-ready avoidance of luxury touches makes it seem relatively unrefined. Indeed, its main appeal is that rugged demeanor, cargo versatility, and youthful attitude." -- Consumer Guide
- "Nissan has built a sport/utility vehicle that's exactly what the customers want: It's rugged, versatile, fun, solid-looking, honest, and will take you and your gear anywhere you want to go -- without costing a fortune." -- Motor Trend
- "Genuine off-road chops combined with very polite on-road manners make for a vehicle that just might be able to do it all." -- About.com
- "Xterra's rough ride, dated interior, low gas mileage, and poor emissions ratings leave much to be desired." -- CNET
Xterra Performance - 7.8 (Good)
The Nissan Xterra is a powerful off-road SUV, but falls short in its on-road performance due to poor fuel economy, road noise, soft brakes and a truck-like ride. "Xterra's off-road-ready suspension and short wheelbase make the ride choppy except on the smoothest roads," writes Consumer Guide. "Some patches and sharp bumps register more as body shudder than thumpy harshness, and there's some truck-like bounding over even moderate humps and ruts." Read More
Xterra Exterior - 7.7 (Good)
The 2010 Xterra's boxy, rugged exterior is well liked by the automotive press. The exterior stands out with a massive bumper, a bulge in the tailgate (built to accommodate a first-aid kit for rough adventures) and an oddly shaped rear window. "I have grown to really like the muscular, assertive styling, even more than I did back in 2006," says About.com. "It still looks bold, but now it looks familiar and like a style leader. Time has been very kind to Xterra." Read More
Xterra Interior - 7.5 (Good)
The Nissan Xterra's cabin stands out for its spaciousness and practical features, including easy-to-clean rubber mats. Nonetheless, some reviewers find the interior boring and designed for function over fashion. "The interior decor matches Xterra's utilitarian aims, perhaps too much," says Consumer Guide. "The dashboard is awash in hard plastic panels that look especially cut-rate." Read More
Xterra Safety - 8.5 (Very Good)
The 2010 Nissan Xterra does relatively well in federal government crash tests. However, it comes with poor rear visibility -- and a rearview camera isn't even offered. Read More
Xterra Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2010 Nissan Xterra reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Nissan offers a standard three-year/36,000-mile warranty. Read More
