2002 Nissan Xterra: Road Test
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2002 Nissan Xterra ▼
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- MSRP: $17,999 -$27,499
- Invoice: $16,740 -$25,288
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Our road test for the 2002 Nissan Xterra includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Nissan Xterra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Nissan Xterra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Nissan Xterra help you decide if a 2002 Nissan Xterra is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| XE 2WD, auto. | SE 4WD, man. | SE S/C 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 4.7 |
Sluggish with the 4 cyl. V6 models have adequate acceleration at around 9.5 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. Supercharged Xterras feel livelier, though no stronger than rival midsize SUVs with larger V6s.
FUEL ECONOMY
| XE 2WD, auto. | SE 4WD, man. | SE S/C 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 3.8 |
Test 170-hp V6 models averaged 14.6-17.2 mpg. Test 4WD SE S/C averaged just 13.4 mpg--and supercharged V6 requires premium-grade fuel. No opportunity to measure with 4 cyl.
RIDE QUALITY
| XE 2WD, auto. | SE 4WD, man. | SE S/C 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Really rough stuff won't pummel you in any model, and the supercharged SE's new 17-inch tires absorb bumps surprisingly well. But other versions of this truck-based SUV feel jiggly-stiff on closed-spaced ruts and washboard surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| XE 2WD, auto. | SE 4WD, man. | SE S/C 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 |
Cornering grip is decent for a high, narrowish SUV, but steering is vague on-center, and Xterra is easily outmaneuvered by compact and car-based midsize SUVs.
QUIETNESS
| XE 2WD, auto. | SE 4WD, man. | SE S/C 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
V6 drones under hard throttle, and nagging wind whistle from available roof rack adds to intrusive highway noise levels.
CONTROLS
| XE 2WD, auto. | SE 4WD, man. | SE S/C 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
Revised dashboard sets main gauges in deep, dark coves, where they're hard to read unless illuminated by turning on headlights. Controls nicely laid out, but now surrounded by too much cheap-feeling plastic. Utilitarian seat fabrics emphasize Xterra's nothing-you-don't need approach. Foot operated parking brake replaces under-dash pull handle for '02.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| XE 2WD, auto. | SE 4WD, man. | SE S/C 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Ample head room, but low-set seats force a legs-out posture some testers find tiring. Taller drivers might want more rearward seat travel. Visibility slightly obscured astern.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| XE 2WD, auto. | SE 4WD, man. | SE S/C 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.1 |
Generous head room. But minimal leg and foot room, and seat is hard and too narrow for uncrowded 3-across adult seating. High step-up and narrow doors squeeze entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| XE 2WD, auto. | SE 4WD, man. | SE S/C 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.7 |
Not expansive for the midsize class, but usefully more than in most compact SUVs, though load deck is rather high. Budget-conscious Xterra omits folding mechanism for seat cushions; they simply lift out so rear seatbacks can flop forward.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| XE 2WD, auto. | SE 4WD, man. | SE S/C 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 4.5 |
Xterra is priced like car-based compact SUVs, such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute. It's less-civilized in everyday driving than those vehicles, but it charges little more for its truck toughness and superior off-road ability, plus the V6 power that CR-V and RAV4 lack.
Total Score
| XE 2WD, auto. | SE 4WD, man. | SE S/C 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43 | 44 | 46 | 49.5 |
Total Score: 44
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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