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TheCarConnection.com has driven the Nissan Xterra and presents its expert opinion in this Bottom Line. For even more information, TheCarConnection.com has researched available road tests pertaining to the 2009 Nissan Xterra, with useful and insightful pieces included in this full review.
Likes:
- Adaptable interior
- Strong off-road performance
- Smooth automatic transmission, responsive V-6
- Rugged styling
Dislikes:
- Flat front seats don't provide good support
- Rough on-road ride
The Xterra's target audience is young, outdoor enthusiasts, and to keep the SUV fresh in the eyes of its clientele, Nissan restyled the Xterra's front end for 2009 and adorned the SUV with items such as new wheels, seat materials, and colors, and it made side-impact airbags standard equipment.
The Xterra boasts changes to its trim levels, so choosing between the X, S, Off-Road, and SE models will be easier for consumers who want to match the vehicle to their lifestyle. Nissan also simplifies the optional equipment packages to include only two: the Technology Package and the X Gear Package.
The 2009 Nissan Xterra is built on the Frontier pickup's platform, with a solid axle and leaf springs in back but a multilink setup in front for more responsive handling. The ride is actually quite smooth and settled, and it becomes pitchy on only the bumpiest roads. The engine is the same basic 4.0-liter V-6 (though rated, in this case, at 261 horsepower versus 266 hp in the Frontier); it's mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The V-6 works especially well with the smooth-shifting automatic transmission and has plenty of low-rpm torque good for off-roading or towing.
Physically, the 2009 Nissan Xterra has very impressive off-road credentials, with 9.5 inches of ground clearance and an approach angle of more than 33 degrees. Several features included with the optional stability control system—Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist—use electronics to help maintain poise on precarious situations. The available four-wheel-drive system is a part-time, off-road-oriented setup, with high and low ranges.
