2005 Nissan XterraProgram #2434

Nissan designed the compact Xterra utility for the extreme sportsman. Its safari hump body, durable interior, and capable off-road hardware are perfect for the rugged lifestyle. Now the second generation Xterra has climbed into view. It’s more powerful and more user-friendly. But has Nissan taken a good thing to the extreme?

Nissan certainly doesn’t think it has gone overboard. To them, the all-new 2005 Nissan Xterra is just more of exactly what this compact SUV’s sometimes fanatical customers want. Since its introduction for the 2000 model year, the American-made Xterra has been a strong seller with sales above 10,000 units most months. Its tough off-road character appeals to the young and young at heart that want an SUV as athletic as they are.

So for 2005 Nissan designers opted for more of the same 4-door toolbox approach, and then some! The original Xterra’s compact pickup frame has been replaced by a beefier design derived from the full-size Titan pickup. This gives the new Xterra 2-inches more wheelbase for a total of 106.3, but to maintain off-road nimbleness, overall length is up only 2/10ths of an inch.

Suspension and powertrain hardware are shared with the new mid-size Frontier pickup. That includes the Xterra’s new double-wishbone front suspension and rear long travel solid axle with dual-rate leaf springs, which are in turn supported by standard 16-inch alloy wheels on the S and Off Road models, and 17-inchers on the SE. This gives a minimum ground clearance of 8.3-inches on the 2-wheel-drive S, and a maximum of 9.5-inches on the 4-wheel-drive Off Road.

Power comes from Nissan’s newest V6, a double-overhead cam 4.0-liter design derived from that in the 350Z sports car. Shared with the Frontier and Pathfinder, it delivers a hefty 265 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque thanks to variable induction and variable valve timing.

Xterra transmissions are a 6-speed manual also based on the Z-car, or the Titan’ 5-speed automatic. The Xterra’s part-time 4-wheel-drive system uses an electronically-controlled transfer case with both high and low ranges, the low range featuring dedicated throttle mapping.

The Off Road model also gets Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, a locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks, and BFGoodrich off-road tires. With this over-the-top hardware, the Xterra delivers serious traction in all kinds of driving conditions. We were impressed with its ability to slog through harsh winter weather, as well as mud, sand, and over rocks.

We loved this new V-6 in the Pathfinder and Frontier, and the Xterra is no different. More refined yet with a stronger mid-range punch. This not only gives it more pull through the tough stuff, but better passing ability on the highway.

The new chassis and suspension also give the Xterra a ride that’s more civilized, but still a lot closer to work truck than luxo-ute. And the Xterra handles like a truck. It feels tall and turns slowly, though the revamped power steering offers much improved feel. Stability control is optional but 4-wheel ABS disc brakes are standard.

The truck-like character is also reflected in the new model’s beefier, yet familiar, short overhang bodywork. The kick-up in the roof remains, but there’s a more aerodynamic front fascia and new rear bumper with integrated steps, which allows easier access to the standard roof rack with its new latchable cargo box.

Inside, the Xterra is also fresh, sharing dash design with Frontier. It’s clean and utilitarian, with a straightforward layout that should appeal to the no-nonsense active lifestyle crowd, though status-hungry audiophiles will appreciate the available 300-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system. Safety features include standard dual stage front airbags, and optional side impact and head curtain airbags.

Seating is firm, with manual adjustments and rugged cloth upholstery; no leather in this hardworking machine. And there’s now an available fold-flat passenger seat for really long loads, and a two-tier glove box for all your small stuff.

The rear seat offers plenty of space for tall passengers, and folds easily into a wide, flat load floor. Maximum cargo space is 65.7 cubic-feet. The easy-to-clean hard floor features adjustable tie-downs, plus additional hooks on the cabin sides and roof. And yes, there’s still a first-aid kit mounted on the drop window rear hatch.

The price for Nissan’s number-one off-roader starts at $21,380 for the basic 2-wheel-drive S model. The 4-wheel-drive S starts at $23,350. SE-grade machines start at $23,780. While Off Road models start at $25,880. Bargain prices in today’s expensive SUV market.

But it’s not just price that will put the 2005 Nissan Xterra over the top with its fans; there’s also stump-jumping off-road ability, hard-hauling cargo capability, and no-nonsense, rugged good looks. Extreme performance and value for the extreme sportsman, that could make for another extremely successful Nissan.