2010 Nissan Xterra Off Road 4WD Automatic Sport Utility

Model Highlights

Four different models are offered: X, S, Off-Road and SE. All 2010 Nissan Xterras are powered by a 261-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine, which is mated to either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, though the S and SE come only with the automatic. Each model (except for the Off-Road trim) is offered in a choice of rear-wheel drive or a 4-wheel-drive system that has an electronically controlled part-time transfer case with low-range mode. The Xterra has serious truck underpinnings good for off-road adventuring, hauling heavy loads or towing up to 5,000 pounds. Its F-Alpha platform and fully-boxed frame are shared with Nissan's Titan and Frontier pickups, along with the Armada and Pathfinder SUVs. In front, the suspension is an independent double-wishbone design with a stabilizer bar, while there's a heavy-duty solid-axle setup with leaf springs in back. Off-Road models are supplemented with Bilstein gas shocks, which are comparable in on-road control but offer more wheel travel. With its many utility-oriented features, the Xterra is designed for especially active people who carry heavy gear and need to go off-road. Side steps are built into the rear bumper for easy access to the roof rack, which has a latchable lid. The cargo area has an Easy Clean surface and ten cargo utility hooks, including six floor hooks capable of carrying up to 110 pounds each. In addition there's an available adjustable channel system in the cargo floor, similar to that offered in Nissan pickups, for securing bike racks or specialized gear. There's also space to secure and carry jugs of up to a gallon. Very short front and rear overhangs make the Xterra well proportioned for off-roading. It has several specialized features oriented toward rough terrain, including hill descent control and hill start assist, which both increase safety and help maintain control on steep slopes. Off-Road models also include an electronic-locking rear differential. Safety features on all Xterra models include front-seat side-impact airbags, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes. Roof-mounted side-curtain airbags, which cover all outboard occupants, are also standard. The base X model includes keyless entry and power windows, locks and mirrors, while the S adds step rails, a first-aid kit, a cargo net, roof-rack cross bars, a gear basket, upgraded seat fabric, alloy wheels, the Easy Clean cargo surface, a C-Channel cargo floor and a Rockford Fosgate audio system with Bluetooth, XM radio, steering wheel audio controls and an iPod jack. Stepping up to the Off-Road model bring the aforementioned off-road equipment, Bilstein shocks, off-road tires, skid plates, fog lamps, roof-mounted lights, black body-side molding, a fold-flat passenger seat, blue cloth seat fabric and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. At the top of the range, the SE gets a standard automatic transmission, leather seating, Long Trail tires and body-colored exterior mirrors.