2006 Nissan Xterra
by Jim Prueter - 5/06

A rugged outdoor type for the budget minded

When Nissan redesigned its entry-level SUV, Xterra, for 2005, not a single part was carried over from the previous platform. Yet at first glance, the new model looks nearly identical. Xterra retains the kick-up roof that affords more headroom to rear seat passengers; the roof basket is still there but now has a lid to cover it. The familiar hump and irregular-shaped glass on the rear hatch remains, as do the first-aid kit and tubular roof rack.

The most noticeable change is the new angled strut-style chrome grille, the same one that adorns all Nissan trucks and SUVs. The fender flares are more pronounced and designers replaced the running boards with a built in step on the bumper just behind the rear tires. Shorter people still won’t be able to reach the roof basket, but its safer than using the rear tires as a kind of step-stool.

The Xterra is now built on the same frame and platform as the Frontier pickup and Pathfinder SUV, which is derived from the full-sized Titan pickup and Armada SUV. Unlike the Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape — all crossover vehicles because they are SUVs built on sedan chassis — the Xterra uses a fully boxed ladder frame with a solid axle leaf spring rear suspension, making it an excellent choice for off-road adventures.

Xterra is, in fact, a rugged SUV that had been criticized for its harsh, choppy on-road ride — a trade-off for its above-average off-road prowess. When redesigning the XTerra last year, Nissan engineers tweaked the suspension to reduce road harshness. The resulting ride is noticeably smoother than the previous generation’s.

I tested a 2006 Xterra SE with dial-up four-wheel-drive settings (from 4WD high to low) and tackled some of Arizona’s roughest off-road trails. With its tall stature and better-than-average clearance, XTerra handled everything I threw at it. The new hill descent control feature allowed me to safely descend steep inclines without changing vehicle speed or gears. There’s also a hill start assist option, which holds the brakes for two seconds so the vehicle doesn’t creep back when starting uphill. Nice. Be aware, however, that both technologies are only available on the 4x4 models with automatic transmission.

Xterra is offered in four trim levels: X ($20,050), S ($22,250), Off Road ($23,850) and SE ($25,750), each available as two- or four-wheel drive. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; a five-speed automatic is optional on X, S and Off Road, standard on the SE. Add $605 to each base price for shipping.

The X model is new for 2006, and the optional Power package is now standard on the S trim. All models get a lighted locking glovebox for 2006.

All Xterras get a much-needed boost in horsepower from the new 4.0-liter, 265-horsepower V-6, derived from the 3.5-liter engine used in the 350Z, Maxima, and Murano. Premium unleaded fuel is recommended.

Inside, the Xterra seemed as roomy as the larger Pathfinder. It is, in fact, the roomiest SUV in its class, gaining 2.4 inches in width and about a half-inch headroom with the redesign. Front-seat room is adequate and second-row seating is stadium-style, meaning the seats are slightly higher than the first row, so passengers can see over the front-seat occupants.

There’s a larger center console as well as a dual-deck glove box for storage. The second row folds flat, as does the front back of the passenger seat back (to accommodate longer objects like a kayak). Carpeting in the rear cargo area has been replaced with a hard vinyl surface for ease of cleaning. There’s also a new storage area beneath the cargo floor.

The dash design is simple and functional and while it appears to be able to withstand rough usage, it’s made entirely of hard plastic — too much of an economy look for my taste. Adjustable pedals are not offered.

An upscale Rockford Fosgate sound system with a six-CD in-dash changer, eight speakers and a subwoofer is standard on the SE model and optional on the Off Road model. This is an Arizona-based audio brand that builds premium quality sound systems.

All Xterras come standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Electronic Brakeforce distribution and BrakeAssist. Front side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are optional, as is Nissan’s VDC stability control system. A seatbelt for the middle passenger in the back hangs from the ceiling instead of being attached to the seat. This somewhat inhibits rear visibility and makes folding the seat more work. The seatbelt can be unhooked, but stowing it in the ceiling is both awkward and trying.

The 2005 and 2006 Xterras earned four out of five stars from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration for frontal crash impacts and five stars for side impacts. It has not been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

With the newly redesigned Xterra, Nissan has made changes most consumers have asked for: a more powerful engine, better on-pavement ride and handling, a bit more room inside and added touches like a cargo lid, more tie-down hooks, cargo nets and cubby holes for storage.

Overall, the new XTerra improves upon its unrefined predecessor, yet stays true to its original intent, making it a more practical choice for everyday use.