The Nissan Xterra is a no-frills SUV, a purposeful-looking, purpose-built off-roader promising youthful adventure at a reasonable price. Totally redesigned last year, this latest Xterra is safer, more powerful, more sophisticated, and more off-road capable than ever before. It rides better on paved roads, too.
Xterra remains true to the original concept as the rugged outdoors type with everything you need, nothing you don't. Don't look for leather on the options list. Yet this latest-generation Xterra is a much better, much more substantial and much more sophisticated than the pre-2005 models. This starts with the basic structure: This latest Xterra is built on the same platform as Nissan's full-size Titan pickup and Armada SUV, which use a very well-engineered, fully boxed ladder frame. Sophisticated electronics helps maintain traction and stability over all kinds of uncertain terrain. Power comes via a 4.0-liter version of Nissan's acclaimed VQ V6 used on the 350Z.
While there are no significant changes for 2006, a new base model has been added that drops the price of entry by nearly a grand to $19,950.