The Xterra has always been about going out and getting dirty.  Even the most urban Xterra seems to dream of going off-road, and might even make a break for the hills if a Yuppie owner doesn’t feed its need for dirt.  While Hummers, Land Rovers and Jeep Wranglers have to suffer the installation of low-profile tires and oversized wheels from owners more interested in cruising Main Street than exploring uncharted territory, the Xterra seems to have been largely spared this indignity, at least that we’ve seen.


Which is not to say that the Xterra is so uncivilized that only the most grizzled outdoorsman would want one, of course.  The Hummer H1 and Wrangler have both tried the rolling penalty-box approach, and it didn’t keep the posers at bay.  To tell the truth, I’m not sure what keeps Xterra owners honest as to their vehicles’ intent.  Whatever it is, it’s working.  The Xterra is updated for2009 with a slight facelift and standard side airbags, but it’s been around long enough to be a familiar face on the SUV landscape.
Strap this SUV to the side of a Godzilla-sized backpack with some orange bungee cords and it would look just as at home as it does in a driveway.  The styling puts utility before fashion, and the gear rack on the roof, raised rear section and asymmetrical rear window are the Xterra’s defining features.   Nissan’s mid-sized brawler has a proud, square nose and the grille and headlight assemblies have been cleaned up and restyled to match those of the Titan and other trucks in Nissan’s lineup.  The Xterra has a high stance and bulged fenders.   The rear bumper includes a built-in side step for attaching gear to the roof.   A new set of available roof lights for off-roading only enhances the Xterra’s piece-of-equipment styling.
Inside, the Xterra is similarly businesslike.   Luggy, easy-to-clean cloth upholstery is comfortable, but also looks and feels durable and rugged.  Leather is available, but seems out of place in a no-nonsense vehicle like this.  The flattish floor makes 3-across seating in the back possible, though the body is narrow.  The seats are comfortably wide and firm, but the fronts are too close to the floor, resulting in a legs-out driving position that might be uncomfortable for some drivers.  The console is full of useful flat spaces, and the dash resembles that of the Frontier pickup, with an apparent focus on easy cleaning over style.  At the rear of the Xterra, the carpetless 35.2 cubic foot cargo area is also easy to clean but adds noise and requires cargo to be secured or it’ll slide around.   That’s not hard, of course, with channel-style cargo tiedowns in the floor and cargo hooks in the walls and ceiling, and space for gallon jugs built into the side walls.  The Xterra is still available with a first-aid kit in the tailgate.  Side-curtain airbags are new for 2009, as is a new Technology option package that includes a Rockford Fosgate sound system, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel controls for the audio system.
Power is provided by Nissan’s excellent 4.0 liter DOHC V6.  This all aluminum engine produces 261 horsepower and 281 foot-pounds of torque, which in the 4400-pound Xterra translates to decent acceleration and excellent low-end grunt.  Continuously variable valve timing and an electronic throttle keep it relatively efficient for its size.  In the Xterra, I didn’t find Nissan’s throttle to be twitchy or hard to manage, which was a first.  Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.  There’s a two-wheel drive Xterra offered, but to use this truck properly you’re going to want the four-wheel drive, which includes an electrically locking rear differential, hill descent control, and hill-start assist.
The suspension uses carlike double wishbones up front, and a very truck-like leaf-sprung solid axle at the rear.  Handling on-road is decent, but definitely truck-like.  Off-road, the Xterra is confident, thanks in part to a tough, fully boxed “F-Alpha” ladder frame that’s shared with the full-size Titan pickup and Armada SUV.  Opt for the Off-Road package and you’ll get Bilstein shocks and a full set of skid plates.  Four-wheel disc antilock brakes and Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) stability control are standard across the board.  The Xterra may look like the Pathfinder is its closest sibling, but it’s really got more in common with the big trucks.
Somehow, the Xterra wraps all of this no-nonsense confidence into a package that is just honestly what it is, and doesn’t attract many buyers who don’t plan to use it as it was intended.  Sure, there are a few out there, but for the most part Xterra owners are on-message.  That’s a good thing for Nissan, since the Xterra is very good at what it does.   Xterra pricing is reasonable for its class; my tester featured the Off-Road package and stickered for $30,600.

Specifications:  All specs are for the 2009 Nissan Xterra.
Length:  178.7 in.
Width:  72.8 in.
Height:      74.9 in.
Wheelbase:  106.3 in.
Curb weight:   4402 lb.
Cargo space:   35.2 cu.ft. (seats up); 65.7 cu.ft. (seats folded)
Base price:  $29,340
Price as tested:  $30,660
Engine:   4.0 liter DOHC V6
Drivetrain:  five-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Horsepower:  261 @ 5600
Torque:  281 @ 4000
Fuel capacity:  21.1 gal.
Est. mileage:   15/20