2005 Nissan Xterra: Road Test
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2005 Nissan Xterra ▼
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- MSRP: $20,850 -$27,350
- Invoice: $19,718 -$25,579
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Our road test for the 2005 Nissan Xterra includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Nissan Xterra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Nissan Xterra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Nissan Xterra help you decide if a 2005 Nissan Xterra is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Strong from a stop and around town. Automatic transmission reacts quickly enough to throttle inputs, but passing at highway speeds can be a bit labored. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Test 4WD SE averaged 18.2 mpg in mostly highway driving.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.1 |
Tall-sidewall tires help absorb small bumps. But sharp ridges register noticeably, and even moderate humps and ruts induce some trucklike bounding and jiggle. Little difference between models equipped with 16- and 17-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Steering weighty, direct, but slow enough to frustrate in quick changes of direction, close-quarters maneuvering. Bumpy corners can prompt tail hop, an effect more pronounced in Off-Road model. Fast turns induce noseplow, plenty of body lean, though Xterra doesn't feel tippy. Credit to Nissan for standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, though stopping power, pedal modulation unexceptional.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
V6 growl during acceleration fits Xterra's young-buyer tastes, but manual-transmission models emit annoying engine bellow between shifts. Wind rush pronounced over 55 mph. Off-Road's aggressive tire tread whines at highway speeds.
CONTROLS
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Simple, handy layout. All controls within easy reach, though they're light, plasticky in feel and movement. Interior materials reflect Xterra's utilitarian aims, though abundance of hard-plastic surfaces comes across as cost cutting.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Good head, leg room. Seats comfortable, but need more side bolstering to hold passengers in place through turns. Wide base of front roof pillars reduces visibility to corners. Good rear visibility. Tall step-in.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
Plenty of head room. Adequate toe space under front seats. Leg room tight for tall riders with front seats more than halfway back. Seat cushions too flat for best comfort. Tall ride height, narrow footwells tax entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.8 |
Good cargo space becomes generous with rear seats folded. Available folding front-passenger seat permits loading of 9-ft-long objects, though intrusion from folded rear-seat cushions means load channel isn't flat. Utility enhanced by low liftover, 12 standard cargo hooks, but rear glass does not open independently of the hatch. Useful small-item storage in cabin, though center console's shallow tray lacks rubber mat to keep objects from sliding around.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 7 | 5.6 |
Xterra's traditional virtues of rugged demeanor, cargo versatility, and youthful appeal are enhanced for '05 by a more-powerful V6 and thoughtful utility updates. That, and attractive pricing, merit a Recommended tag. What's less laudatory is that ride and handling remain reminiscent of an old-school, truck-type SUV.
Total Score
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | 50 | 52 | 55.1 |
Total Score: 50
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