A manly truck for manly men
Those nostalgic for a time when men were men and trucks rode like trucks might find the redesigned Nissan Xterra to your liking. It offers distinctively aggressive looks, lots of power and a trip back to before the car-based sport utility vehicle began dominating the market.
The new Xterra is unlikely ever to be confused with a station wagon, any more than its predecessor could be. It stands tall, takes a bit of agility to enter and offers electronically engaged four-wheel drive with a low range. On sale since Feb. 15, and replacing the version introduced in 1999, the new Xterra competes with other small, traditional SUVs, including the Jeep Liberty.
The 2005 Xterra shares its basics with Nissan’s Titan full-size pickup and the Armada full-size SUV. The new Xterra’s wheelbase is 2 inches longer than its predecessor’s, although its overall length is up by only about an inch. The new model is 2 inches wider, however, and about an inch taller.
The added width means substantial increases in hip and shoulder room. The new model also increases rear seat legroom by about an inch and a half.
The new model’s look is familiar, with its stepped roof, flared fenders and high-mounted rear door handles. Some might call the look functional or rugged. There are other aesthetic and functional changes for ‘05, including a new rear bumper with a step for roof access. On the roof is a new rack with a latchable lid.
Inside, you’ll find easy-to-read gauges and easy-to-use controls that are typical of Nissans. Changes inside include a larger center console, a double-decked glove box and an available front passenger seat with a back that folds flat to help accommodate long items. Tracks on the floor of the cargo area help secure bike racks and other gear.
The Xterra is offered in three variants: S, Off Road and SE.
The Off Road version, which I sampled, comes with Bilstein high-performance gas shocks -- one reason for its hard ride -- and off-road tires, probably another contributor to the choppy ride. While the steering offers speed-variable assist, it feels sluggish and overly boosted in highway driving.
One engine is offered -- a 4.0-liter, 265-horsepower V-6 that makes this SUV quick. I wish, though, that Nissan had made the electronic throttle control a bit less sensitive; starting off smoothly so your passenger’s head doesn’t end up rolling around in the back seat takes practice.
The Xterra is available with a six-speed stick or the tester’s five-speed automatic. Electronic stability control, which helps prevent spinouts and plowing, especially on slippery surfaces, is available in the least expensive S version and standard in the Off Road and SE.
Optional in all versions -- and highly desirable -- are side-curtain air bags that can be triggered either by a side impact or an impending rollover.
Xterra prices begin at $21,380 with freight -- without four-wheel drive and with a stick shift. Base prices range up to $27,880 with freight for the SE four-wheel-drive model.
Competitors to consider include the Ford Escape (and similar Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute), the Toyota Highlander and Honda CR-V, all of which are car-based or at least car-like in ride and handling.
In any case, the Xterra seems improved where it needed to be and unchanged where it probably didn’t, at least as far as truck fans are concerned. But those looking for a car-like SUV will have to keep looking.
