Xterra a worthy workhorse
TEST DRIVE
By Greg Zyla
King Features Syndicate
This week, we turn the ignition key on Nissan’s 2008 Xterra, which is pretty much identical to the 2007 model sans a longer list of standard features. These features suggest perhaps an off-road adventure is in order, thanks to the 4x4’s front-bumper tow hook, which is there to help someone – or yourself – out of a jam.
Our tester’s bright paint scheme and overall rugged good looks attracted favorable comments from most onlookers during our weeklong test. The vehicle’s five-passenger, midsize SUV size combines nicely with its Off-Road (OR) V-6 design, one of seven 2008 trims that range from an “X” 4x2 to the “SE” 4x4. The OR is one step shy of the top-line SE, which, other than 17-inch wheels and Bluetooth capabilities, differs only in some minor interior amenities.
The OR package offers 16-inch, six-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels; Bilstein performance shocks; electronic locking differential; and hill-start assist and hill-descent control.
These features produce off-road confidence, while the 4WD system features shift-on-the-fly, which we love, and a 4-LO setting for particularly tough off-road, deep mud puddle or snow day encounters.
A 9.5-inch ground clearance adds assurance, with skid plates protecting the front underbody, oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case. Overall, Xterra’s OR offers a nice package of goodies for those who love the mountain trail rides.
Xterra doesn’t simply bully its way into 4x4 land, it’s smart about it. Cut into each corner of the rear bumper are steps that allow easy access to the roof rack. On the roof, there’s an available latching, removable, ventilated cargo box; and the sturdy aluminum tubing of the rack and crossbars holds up to 125 pounds.
Also, the cargo area in the Xterra features an easy-to-clean surface that extends up the backs of second-row seats. A compartment in the bottom of the cargo area provides storage, where 10 clips and hooks (four on both the floor and ceiling and one on each side) are available for assistance.
Further regarding luggage and cargo, Xterra’s 60/40 split rear seats fold flat, and an available nearly fold-flat front passenger seat that extends the cargo area to the full length of the interior makes trips to the home center a breeze. The back seat cushions are also removable. Other exterior features include a full-size spare tire, fog lights, tinted rear privacy glass, splashguards and the aforementioned tow hook.
Nissan uses a 4.0-liter, 261-horsepower V-6 with 281-pound-foot of torque in all Xterras. As for fuel consumption, Xterra goes from a high of 16-city and 20-highway on the six-speed manual transmission model, then drops to 14-city yet stays at 20-highway for the five-speed automatic equipped models, which cost $1,000 more than the manual and came as the gear changer on our tester.
Nissan’s cabin is geared toward work and exploration, but is still practical and comfortable. Notable features include reclining front buckets, six-speaker CD/AM/FM stereo, front and rear 12-volt outlets, intermittent rear wiper, leather-wrapped steering wheel, overhead console with sunglass storage, rear defroster, cruise with steering-wheel mounted controls and a first-aid kit.
Safety highlights on the Xterra include advanced airbag system, front and fear crumble zones, pipe-style side-door guard beams, energy-absorbing steering column and tire-pressure monitoring system. As for stopping, a well-designed 4-wheel disc ABS system keeps you straight and true.
Options pushed our base price up nearly $4,000, including iPOD interface ($290); floor mats ($115); side-curtain airbag package that includes unique roof-mounted side-impact/rollover curtain-style airbags for outboard occupant ($700 and recommended); technology pack featuring a Rockford Fosgate audio system and six-disc in-dash CD changer($1,450); Nevada Tow Package ($455); and destination ($705).
Other important numbers include a wheelbase of 106.3-inches, 4,402-pound curb weight, 21.1-gallon fuel tank and a minimum of 35.2- cu. ft. of cargo space.
While we initially recoiled from the $31,000-plus price tag, we came to appreciate all Xterra has to offer against some of its competitors. From the extra skid plates to the easy-clean cargo area to “go in snow” capability, experienced when hit with a 6-inch snowfall during our test, we give Xterra a well-earned 8 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Likes: Mechanicals, off-road abilities, functionality, looks, safety options, standard features.
Dislikes: Rear wheel wells cut into rear door size, making exit tricky even for the nimble; console acts as armrest; city fuel consumption.
