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2009 Nissan Xterra Spied!

33 6,263 views Apr 23, 2008
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Well, it’s approaching that time in the Nissan Xterra’s life cycle, and 2009 will bring a fresh look to the youth-oriented ute.

Our photos clearly show that the 2009 Nissan Xterra’s grille will look more like that on the Nissan Frontier pickup truck, although not too many other changes and updates are obvious at the moment.--Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Co.

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Comments (33)

  1. Tom L Posted: 4/23/2008 4:37pm PDT

    How many X-terra's are they selling these days?
     
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  2. J J Posted: 4/23/2008 4:51pm PDT

    That is so 5 years ago.
     
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  3. john Posted: 4/23/2008 6:11pm PDT

    Not a bad looking car, but won't move the needle b/c it still looks very similar to the current model. Also, i hope that they will improve on the cheap interior and rough ride. if i'm going to get bounced around, i would much rather do it in a 4-door Jeep Wrangler Hardtop.
     
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  4. Stephen Posted: 4/23/2008 9:42pm PDT

    doesn't look like much has changed, but they certainly could be testing just a new engine front end and drivetrain. The rest of the body could follow later.
     
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  5. Heiko Posted: 4/23/2008 10:18pm PDT

    It is time to trash this model and bring in the X-Trail.
     
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  6. Ed Posted: 4/24/2008 9:43am PDT

    yawn
     
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  7. Jeff Posted: 4/24/2008 10:13am PDT

    I liked the previous body style better. The current one seems bulky and looks heavier. I think that people will b emore attracted to a slimmer looking model with better fuel economy. I would be willing to sacrifice some performance for economy and still have the versatality of a 4x4
     
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  8. Russell Posted: 4/24/2008 12:01pm PDT

    People who buy this type of car aren't really worried about the fuel economy since they get average of 15mpg to 18mpg. They care about functionality and ruggedness. If you want a fuel economy, you can get Toyota Matrix, Kia Rondo, Mazda 5, or others... Lower powered SUVs simply don't move well. For people who live in many coastal cities, these vehicles are very handy because curves are built steep for passenger cars..

    Also, if you are living in USA and have to worry about fuel prices, you are doing something wrong with your life. If you are earning less than $40K (US per capita income) a year, no body is forcing anyone to purchase these SUVs. There are also Toyota Echos, Hyundai Accents, and Nissan Verssa.
     
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  9. Ed Posted: 4/24/2008 12:09pm PDT

    Look, Ma! A breadvan on stilts!
     
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  10. JP Posted: 4/24/2008 2:41pm PDT

    I agree with Jeff.

    I liked the first generation 2000-2004 body style a lot. The second generation 2005-2008 seems too stylized and bulky. The first gen was plain but attractive; a no-nonsense SUV.

    If I had it my way, this third generation 2009- would look slimmer and simpler, removing those goofy-looking wide body panels that stick out around the rear of the truck.

    I wish there more options for a smallish/youthful/outdoorsy SUV. It seems to me that the industry took a turn for over-the-top soccer mom styling about five years ago.

    IMO.
     
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  11. Adan Posted: 4/24/2008 3:12pm PDT

    As the owner of a 1st gen Xterra it actually makes me somewhat sad to see these pics. The bloat that Nissan put on the Xterra took away the fun simplicity of the vehicle. All they really needed to do was make the 1st gen model 6 inches longer so that it could have some rear leg room and it would be set. The engine upgrade would be a given but the Xterra is definitely moving away from what it used to be.

    I also find it ridiculous how Nissan covered up their logos and designs when the thing flagrantly screams "I'm an Xterra". They've atleast done well at making that vehicle iconic.
     
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  12. tk Posted: 4/24/2008 3:50pm PDT

    ick on the front end, still liken the rear, love the high hips
     
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  13. Cyclemut Posted: 4/24/2008 4:09pm PDT

    If they are looking at the V8 in these, then they'll have a winner for sure. If they're planning on keeping the 4.0 as the sole powerplant, then the sales won't increase with a minor change in body panelling.

    Both the Xterra and the Frontier need the V8 option, as the Pathfinder has already received.

    Fixing the rear suspension for the bottoming out issue would be paramount as well.

    I guess the bean counters will have the last say, as always.
     
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  14. mike traficante Posted: 4/29/2008 10:00pm PDT

    i bought the first 2000 xterra in wilmington ,nc.i pre-ordered it and waited nine months. it was a great truck, i kept it for five years and never spent a penny on it. i have a 2005 now and was looking forward to the new model, but these spy photos of the 2009 seem too little, unless they have a lot of new features, we haven't seen yet. also there is no way i'm going to give up what i have now for a new model that gets the same mediocre gas mileage.
     
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  15. ACURA23CL Posted: 5/14/2008 1:48pm PDT

    Man...this better be a d@mn test mule, that's all I know! You can't tell me that the next generation Xterra is basically the same truck. That's like electing McCain to office. It'll be four more years of the same d@mn sh!t. We need Obama in the office, and all new make-over for the Xterra!
     
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  16. Big K Posted: 5/18/2008 3:25am PDT

    Heck, with the exception of the front end, it's a ringer for my 05. The 4.0 liter VQ V6 has plenty of power; the Titan's V8 would be awesome but is totally unnecessary. The 00-04 Xterra compared to 05+ is crap. It rides like hell, is underpowered even with the V6, just....ugghh. The 05 and up is a logical progression of styling, it definately looks bulkier but honestly isn't a whole lot heavier, the old Xterra had iron block engines, whereas the 05 and up VQ engine is an aluminum block. The interior is still quasi-cheap, but durable....
     
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  17. john Posted: 5/27/2008 12:31am PDT

    the best off road vehicle i've seen since the FJ40 & FJ80 w/lockers.> XTERRA is strong, simple, offers 6 spd w/choice of 2 or 4 wd so rare and valued a proven system...sized right comfortable w/useful torque, ac, strong frame, built by insightful, real-world saavy folks who have offered us an amazingly affordable, durable package of what has worked since 1943...WITH modern thoughtful reliability, great tunes, satellite radio, trouble-free,advanced engine management systems, vvt twin cam, 4 valves /cyl, cross-flow heads durable, capable simple, functionally elegant even has a place for my go mug,Engle's 12V refrigerator/freezer, Kenwood TS50S, room up top for 4 gas cans and soft stuff...get one of these OFF ROAD models while they are still available NOTHING like it for the money.... jtf '
     
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  18. Tony D Posted: 5/27/2008 10:23pm PDT

    I have a 2006 and I love it...I had borrowed a 2002 for a weekend and found it underpowered.
    The styling is definitely punchy and a bit futuresque...but my first drive off the lot confirmed how much more I prefferred the tight sterring, stiffer suspension and 265hp engine.
    I will get a new model if they change it enough otherwise, I'll ride mine into the ground.
    Cheers
     
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  19. Noah Posted: 5/31/2008 12:17pm PDT

    Does anyone know when the 2009 is available? I think I prefer the 05-08 but I was just curious.
     
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  20. TechRider Posted: 6/9/2008 11:36am PDT

    Well, it still looks pretty much like my 2006 SE, which is fine with me. With the exception of the cost to fuel my XTerra, I am still very happy with it. I have put 50000 miles on it and it still runs like new. It is a great vehicle and it does what I need. I would not trade it for anything else.
     
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  21. LaF0 Posted: 6/16/2008 12:47pm PDT

    I have a 2005 Yellow Xterra, and its great!!. Full equipment. totally Off road. Im from Mexico, and i really know, that is better that the new rubicon and the Fj Crusier. I wanna changue my truck but another Xterra, but they have to make a real change, not this!!.
     
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  22. Mike Posted: 6/29/2008 7:47pm PDT

    Dont know where some of you live, but Xterras in the Mid-Atlantic Region sell like Hotcakes. Given any SUV wont be cheap to fill up but No SUV beats A base Xterra for the Price. I prefer the 05-08 models. I just Purchased a 07 6 Spd and the Local Dealer marked it down to a Mind Boggling $16,000. Just because these later models Look bulky doesnt mean they are. The V6 has plenty of power, deosnt feel small and Vulnerable like A Rav 4, Escape, or Equinox, and it can get the Job done off Road as well. Nissan hit the mark with this Suv Plain, Cheap, and Gets the job done. Didnt it Get Suv of the Year twice its first 2 Generations??
    And i can Fit a 32 Oz in the Door. Thats money well spent.
     
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  23. David Posted: 7/11/2008 5:08pm PDT

    I have a 2004 Xterra and absolutely love it. I really do dislike the 2nd gen body style they have going. It's too bulky and too blocky. I don't know why they needed to change the body style.
    The only thing that would make me move to the new body style is if Nissan introduced a Hybrid Xterra.
    Here in the Pacific North West, Xterra's are everywhere. The dealerships have a hard time keeping them on the lot.
     
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  24. Cha Cha Posted: 7/15/2008 1:29pm PDT

    I had a 2006, and two in 2007. I would prefer 2006, it was a smaller vehicle. I love the way this truck drives but fire the design people. NO CREATIVITY!! Why pay more for the same vehicle. Each year NISSAN take more accessories off the car and make it an option to buy it. Consumers are not that stupid! Try to confuse us, pretend it came with....
     
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  25. ed white Posted: 7/17/2008 11:44am PDT

    fine car
     
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  26. Lemuel Posted: 7/20/2008 2:06pm PDT

    Just bought a 2008 'S' package this past May 08 - absolutely love it (except for the mileage)! In looking at these photos, I am relieved to find that there are only slight, cosmetic changes to the front grille that would distinguish the 2009 from the 07-08 models. Also, the addition of off-road lights to the roof package remind me of the Jeep Liberty - not a good look for the toucher looking X-Terra.
     
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  27. Borys Posted: 7/23/2008 11:52am PDT

    My wife and I bought one of the last 08' SE models 3 months ago and she loves it. You guys must drive it hard to get such poor mileage. We get at least 21 in mixed driving and over 24 on the highway (with the A/C off). We chose it over the Wrangler Unlimited Sahara since the Jeep was way to loud over 40 mph. We have a 5 mile stretch of beach in our town which we go on regularly. The Xterra is way more agile and sure footed than my Pathfinder off road. The Xterra is also as quick and fun to drive as the 02' Maxima SE we traded in. I have owned 2 Datsuns and 4 Nissan's. No problems other than routine maintenance.
     
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  28. GJOVIK Posted: 7/28/2008 6:02pm PDT

    I live in the extreme upper midwest and have been totally satisfied with my '08 Xterra SE 4X4. Deer hunting, ice and deep snow in the winter, going to the lake in the summer, pulling boats, trailers and the camper, this thing can do it all. Its not hard to get decent mileage if you want to, and who cares about the quality of interior plastics anyway? Get out of it and do something man. This is my third Nissan and I won't give this one up for a long time. Worth every penny. As for the redesign, the picture in the new Car & Driver doesn't seem too great. Not bad though.
     
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  29. mrs.x Posted: 7/29/2008 12:59am PDT

    I LOVE MY X's both 2000 and the 2005. I must say the 2005 has way more power then the 2000. The only thing different that I would have done is to bought a 4x4 . As for the gas milage "big deal" I can still go off road,over bumps,threw water holes,hall my dogs and make love to my husband in the back, lets see you do it in a small hybred gas saving car that you have to crawl in and out of and stay on a flat road. oh my x's gets 17mpg city and 24mpg highway.
     
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  30. Zach T Posted: 8/6/2008 12:38am PDT

    love my xterra -2005 4x4. Goes everywhere I want it to. 17 - 21 mpg. not bad for 265hp w/ it banging out 6 cyl w/4.0L. Best vehicle I've ever owned!!!!!! I LOVE MY XTERRA!!!!!
     
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  31. Puffdaddy Posted: 8/30/2008 8:38pm PDT

    Love my 2007 X - THIS TRUCK ROCKS ! it's my second Xterra;
    I wouldn't change too much. The trim changes on the 2009
    appear to be just fluff. One of the only true all season
    go anywhere machines left that isn't watered down.
    07 and 08 models have the simplest and best design.
    this one's a keeper. just wait for a foot of snow.
     
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  32. Andy Posted: 2/8/2010 9:13pm PST

    I have one of those early 2000 Xterra with 3.3L V6 with 200k. Engine is starting to rattle. So can I swap the 4.0L in its place or rebuild the 3.3L to get more torque?
     
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  33. Ro-ads Posted: 3/15/2010 9:01pm PDT

    I think the styling of the next gen is fluffy, its too big...blah. blah, blah. I've had my 07 xterra for a while. I took out the struts, and replaced them with 2.5"x 12" re valvable coilovers, 2.5 in the rear, add a new leaf spring pack, cold air intake and some headers...........take off the gay roof rack and push the pedal to the floor and abbracadabra Motha uckers, your racing a 2ooo lb suv against your maximas, and hondas. I've got over 330bhp out my puppie. Adding a stock titan front end to widthen the track and adding a titan sway bar, lets me take 30mph 90degree turns at 60mph+. I love the fact I can drive my beast like stadium truck, with minimal body roll. I kept mine with a low center of gravity, while also gaining clearance from some 33" tires. Sweet, I'd love to see a Yota 4runner keep up with me, while stomping over some whoops at 90 mph plus. Bring it on.............great job Nissan on my X. Clean fluids all around and this truck is ready for anything! No problems I got 65k on mine and I shift at 5k all the time! 15mph. Not bad for a pissed off toaster!
     
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