# Nissan Xterra
The Nissan Xterra is a five-seat, body-on-frame off-road SUV that Nissan produced from 2000 to 2015, marketed in North America as an affordable, truck-based alternative to car-based crossover SUVs.[1](https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/discontinued/xterra.html) Nissan describes it as an icon of 4x4 adventure, and an all-new Xterra is targeted to launch in late 2028.[1](https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/discontinued/xterra.html)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Production run | 2000 to 2015, a 15-year run; the last model year was 2015[1](https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/discontinued/xterra.html) |
| Layout | SUV body on a pickup-truck chassis; the second generation used a modified Nissan Titan steel ladder frame[2](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15385261/2006-hummer-h3-vs-2006-jeep-grand-cherokee-2006-nissan-xterra-2007-toyota-fj-cruiser-comparison-tests/) |
| Second-generation engine | 265-hp V6, with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic and part-time four-wheel drive with an electronically controlled transfer case[2](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15385261/2006-hummer-h3-vs-2006-jeep-grand-cherokee-2006-nissan-xterra-2007-toyota-fj-cruiser-comparison-tests/) • [3](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a18202208/2005-nissan-xterra-road-test-review/) |
| Off-road hardware (2006 Off-Road trim) | 9.5 inches of ground clearance, locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks, BFG Rugged Trail tires, and three skid plates plus a fourth guarding the transfer case[2](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15385261/2006-hummer-h3-vs-2006-jeep-grand-cherokee-2006-nissan-xterra-2007-toyota-fj-cruiser-comparison-tests/) |
| Weight and economy | Typically 4,400 to 4,600 lbs depending on model year and trim; up to 22 MPG highway when new[1](https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/discontinued/xterra.html) |
| Signature styling | Rugged body with a step-up roofline and an aluminum roof rack, including a lockable gear compartment[1](https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/discontinued/xterra.html) • [3](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a18202208/2005-nissan-xterra-road-test-review/) |
| Revival | An all-new, U.S.-produced, body-on-frame Xterra with V6 or V6 hybrid power is targeted for launch in late 2028[1](https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/discontinued/xterra.html) |
## First generation (2000)
The first-generation Xterra was introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model, an SUV body on a pickup-truck chassis in the tradition of the original [Nissan Pathfinder](https://www.edgepedia.org/nissan-pathfinder).[2](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15385261/2006-hummer-h3-vs-2006-jeep-grand-cherokee-2006-nissan-xterra-2007-toyota-fj-cruiser-comparison-tests/) • [4](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a60010621/1999-nissan-xterra-1999-jeep-cherokee-sport-archive-test/) In a 1999 [Car and Driver](https://www.edgepedia.org/car-and-driver) comparison against the Jeep Cherokee Sport, the Xterra SE took first place; testers praised its interior space for four adults, build quality, and straightforward part-time four-wheel-drive system, while noting the underbody spare-tire mount as an off-road drawback. The Xterra recorded 52.7 mph in the emergency-lane-change maneuver against the Cherokee's 53.9 mph.[4](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a60010621/1999-nissan-xterra-1999-jeep-cherokee-sport-archive-test/)
In a 2001 compact-SUV comparison, the Xterra XE V-6 placed seventh of eleven. Car and Driver noted its old-style frame-and-body construction, 4,191-pound curb weight (the only competitor over two tons), 178.0-inch length, and greater cargo volume, carrying 32 cases with the rear seats folded against 27 for the [Ford Escape](https://www.edgepedia.org/ford-escape).[5](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15138816/ford-escape-vs-honda-cr-v-hyundai-santa-fe-jeep-cherokee-and-seven-more-compact-suvs-comparison-tests/)
## Second generation (2005–2015)
The second-generation Xterra debuted for the 2005 model year on a modified [Nissan Titan](https://www.edgepedia.org/nissan-titan) steel ladder frame, replacing the first generation's weaker chassis. Car and Driver's 2006 off-road comparison against the [Hummer H3](https://www.edgepedia.org/hummer-h3), Jeep Grand Cherokee, and [Toyota FJ Cruiser](https://www.edgepedia.org/toyota-fj-cruiser) placed the Xterra Off-Road 4WD first, crediting its 265-hp V6, 7.0-second 0-to-60 time, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and the shortest, narrowest body of the four, an asset on narrow trails.[2](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15385261/2006-hummer-h3-vs-2006-jeep-grand-cherokee-2006-nissan-xterra-2007-toyota-fj-cruiser-comparison-tests/) The tested truck weighed 4,460 lb, with approach and departure angles of 33.2 and 29.4 degrees, a base price of $26,630, and an observed fuel economy of 16 mpg.[2](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15385261/2006-hummer-h3-vs-2006-jeep-grand-cherokee-2006-nissan-xterra-2007-toyota-fj-cruiser-comparison-tests/)
**Transmission and driveline.** The 2005 Xterra offered a six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic, driving either the rear wheels or a part-time four-wheel-drive system with an electronically controlled transfer case.[3](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a18202208/2005-nissan-xterra-road-test-review/) The Off-Road model added a clutch override switch for starting in gear on steep grades, and its transfer case could be toggled to two-wheel drive on pavement, which the 2006 comparison noted as a fuel-saving feature unique among its test rivals.[2](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15385261/2006-hummer-h3-vs-2006-jeep-grand-cherokee-2006-nissan-xterra-2007-toyota-fj-cruiser-comparison-tests/)
**Practicality.** The roof rack with its gear compartment and the fold-flat front-passenger seat were recurring features of the design; a six-footer could stretch out and sleep in the back of the 2006 Off-Road tester.[2](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15385261/2006-hummer-h3-vs-2006-jeep-grand-cherokee-2006-nissan-xterra-2007-toyota-fj-cruiser-comparison-tests/) • [3](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a18202208/2005-nissan-xterra-road-test-review/) Nissan's heritage page records that the Frontier, Xterra, and Pathfinder were named official vehicles of the [Los Angeles County](https://www.edgepedia.org/los-angeles-county) lifeguards, appearing in the television show "Baywatch."[6](https://www.nissanusa.com/about/heritage.html?msockid=14b1d73642e264f61782c1d5439d65f6)
## Xterra FCV
Nissan also developed the Xterra FCV, a high-pressure hydrogen-type fuel cell vehicle, and began running tests on public roads with it in the early 2000s as part of its fuel cell research program.[7](https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/DOCUMENT/PDF/ENVIRONMENT/ER/2002/en_er2002.pdf) • [8](https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/DOCUMENT/PDF/FR/2003/fr2001.pdf)
## Discontinuation and planned revival
The last model year of the Xterra was 2015, concluding the 15-year run that began in 2000.[1](https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/discontinued/xterra.html) Nissan has since announced a revival: an all-new Xterra is targeted to launch in late 2028, U.S.-produced, body-on-frame, and powered by a V6 or V6 hybrid.[1](https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/discontinued/xterra.html)
## References
1. [Nissan Xterra Off-Road SUV (discontinued), Nissan USA](https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/discontinued/xterra.html)
2. [2006 Off-Road SUV Comparison, Car and Driver (April 2006)](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15385261/2006-hummer-h3-vs-2006-jeep-grand-cherokee-2006-nissan-xterra-2007-toyota-fj-cruiser-comparison-tests/)
3. [2005 Nissan Xterra Road Test, Car and Driver](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a18202208/2005-nissan-xterra-road-test-review/)
4. [1999 Nissan Xterra vs. Jeep Cherokee Archive Comparison Test, Car and Driver](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a60010621/1999-nissan-xterra-1999-jeep-cherokee-sport-archive-test/)
5. [Tested: 2001 Compact SUV Winter Showdown, Car and Driver](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15138816/ford-escape-vs-honda-cr-v-hyundai-santa-fe-jeep-cherokee-and-seven-more-compact-suvs-comparison-tests/)
6. [Nissan History: The Path from Datsun's Inception to Today, Nissan USA](https://www.nissanusa.com/about/heritage.html?msockid=14b1d73642e264f61782c1d5439d65f6)
7. [Nissan Environmental Report 2002](https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/DOCUMENT/PDF/ENVIRONMENT/ER/2002/en_er2002.pdf)
8. [Nissan Financial Information as of March 31, 2002](https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/DOCUMENT/PDF/FR/2003/fr2001.pdf)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Technology and the built world › Transport and spaceflight › Road transport › Automobiles › Japanese automobile models › Nissan and Infiniti models*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 15, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Last review: Oct 15, 2026*
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License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license