2006 Nissan Xterra Review

The rugged, youth-oriented Nissan Xterra sport-utility vehicle is one of the tough guys on the block, with a no-nonsense design and great off-road abilities.

The Xterra was introduced in 1999, but received more power, room and utility for 2005. It looked much like the original Xterra, but its styling was bolder and it got a longer wheelbase for more occupant room and a better ride. It also was blessed with a stronger, more modern frame that eliminated the earlier version's shakes and rattles.

The Xterra always sold well, but the changes prompted 2005 sales to jump to 72,447 units from 66,690 in the previous year.

Some SUVs are made softer to grab a wider audience, but that wasn't the game plan for the Xterra. Make no mistake -- it's no car-based SUV or crossover vehicle, but a genuine truck designed for rough use and rugged off-road driving.

Extreme active lifestyle folks especially like the Xterra because it's sort of a sports locker on wheels, with such items as cubbies, nets and a roof-mounted storage compartment for dirty, wet clothes and rear side bumper steps to more easily reach that compartment. There also are 10 cargo area utility hooks and an adjustable channel system in the cargo floor that makes it easier to secure bike racks and other accessories or gear. And so on.

The hatch lacks a separate glass opening, but the large cargo area becomes huge with the rear seat folded forward. And you can get an Xterra with a folding front passenger seat for even more room. The cargo area is said to be especially easy to clean.

Despite its go-anywhere nature, the Xterra has a fair amount of equipment. Even the base model has air conditioning, tilt wheel, AM/FM/CD player, rear wiper and full-size spare tire -- besides anti-lock brakes and an anti-skid system. Higher-line models add items such as a leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls, upscale audio system and tubular side steps.

Extras include $700 curtain side air bags, $350 satellite radio and a $440 tow kit.

Just don't look for options such as a sunroof, leather upholstery or navigation system because Nissan thinks they're out of place for the Xterra. The automaker offers its Murano and Pathfinder SUVs if you want lots of comfort and convenience equipment.

All Xterra models have a stout, sophisticated 4-liter V-6 with 265 horsepower and lots of torque. The engine whisks the Xterra to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds and allows quick passing and relaxed cruising on highways, although it sounds gruff during hard acceleration.

The Xterra comes with rear- or four-wheel drive with low-range gearing for tough off-road use. And the V-6 works with either a six-speed manual gearbox or crisp-shifting five-speed automatic transmission.

Estimated fuel economy is 16-17 mpg in the city and 21-22 on highways, with manual transmission rear-drive models getting the slightly better numbers. Higher fuel economy really can't be expected with a powerful SUV that weighs 4,150-4,402 pounds.

Affordability always has been an Xterra strong point, and the 2006 version is even more affordable with the introduction of new X models, which start at $19,950. (The lowest-cost 2005 Xterra was $20,850.)

There also are S, Off-Road models with a tougher suspension and mud-loving tires -- and top-line SE versions. List prices stop at $27,650 for the four-wheel-drive SE with an automatic transmission, but the lowest-priced S is $22,150 with the manual gearbox, and the lowest-cost Off Road is $23,750 with the manual.

The Power Package has been made standard on S (and higher-line) models. It contains cruise control, remote keyless entry, power door locks, mirrors and windows -- and an immobilizer with vehicle security system and alarm. This package is available on the X model for $1,100.

Other changes for 2006 include a standard glove box lock and light, available satellite radio and a new Midnight Blue exterior color and new Charcoal interior color.

The tall Xterra calls for extra effort to get in or out, and the tubular side steps (spell running boards) are too narrow to be useful for those with large shoe sizes, especially when slippery. Narrow rear door openings also hamper entry/exit.

The utility-based interior has good room for four tall occupants. Gauges can be quickly read and controls are easy to reach and use, although they look and feel plasticky. Front seats should provide more side support. Rear seat cushions are too flat, but are raised to give rear occupants a better view.

Front cupholders are nicely placed, the console has a roomy storage bin and front doors have pockets with bottle holders.

The quick steering feels rather heavy and the wide turning circle doesn't help close-quarters maneuverability. Handling is generally good if you don't push too hard, and the brakes allow very short stops. The ride is truck-like despite the longer wheelbase, becoming choppy over bumpy roads.

After all, this is a truck. But it's an honest one that doesn't pretend to be something it's not. 

2006 NISSAN XTERRA 

PRICES: $19,950-$27,650

LIKES: New lower-cost entry model. More equipment. Potent V-6. Rugged. Off-road prowess.

DISLIKES: High step-in. Narrow rear door openings. Front seats need more side support. Wide turning circle.