2009 Nissan Xterra vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 7.8 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Trevor Wild

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Jul 26, 2009

For those who don't require rugged off-roading ability but still want a high-utility, easy-to-clean interior, the fuel-efficient Honda Element might just fit their needs.

The Wrangler Unlimited is much larger than older models and upholds much higher standards of safety and refinement than the old one; with its very boxy, rugged styling, it's perhaps the main alternative to the 2009 Nissan Xterra.

Until the Toyota FJ Cruiser arrived a couple of years ago, the Nissan Xterra was in a class itself, the only model appealing to young people who not only wanted off-road capability but an interior versatile and rugged enough for taking along equipment.

The FJ Cruiser is even more of a mountain goat off-road, but its interior is tighter and not as useful or versatile as the Xterra's.

2009 Nissan Xterra Browse Used Listings	2008 Honda Element Browse Used Listings	2008 Jeep Wrangler Browse Used Listings	2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.8 The handsome 2009 Nissan Xterra is one of the best choices for active people to go off-road and haul or tow a lot of toys.	7.8 The 2008 Honda Element is a great choice for drivers who need lots of storage room and a spill-proof interior.	7.4 The 2008 Jeep Wrangler is a one-of-a-kind vehicle: an extreme off-road convertible with the on-road handling and ride of--well, a true off-roader.	7.4 Retro-coolness, off-roading, and practicality don’t come together as well in any other vehicle as they do in the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser.
MSRP From
$22,310	$18,980	$19,505	$23,045
Gas Mileage
15 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas V6	Gas I4	Gas V6	Gas V6
EPA Class
2WD Sport Utility	2WD Sport Utility	4WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle
Style Name
2WD 4dr Man X	2WD 5dr Man LX	4WD 2dr X	RWD 4dr Auto (Natl)
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	4-Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	4	4	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door	4 Door	2 Door	4 Door
Transmission
Manual w/OD	Manual w/OD	Manual	Automatic w/OD