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2006 Nissan Xterra Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2006 Nissan Xterra Review:
2006 Nissan Xterra Review
An entry-level X model is added to the Xterra line for 2006. Xterra is smaller, sportier, and less costly than Nissan's midsize Pathfinder SUV, with which it shares its truck-type platform. Xterra seats five vs. Pathfinder's seven. X, S, Off-Road, and SE models are offered. All have a 265-hp V6. X, S, and Off-Road offer a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic. SEs come only with automatic. All offer rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. Optional are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Off-Road models have all-terrain tires and skid plates; its 4WD version includes a locking rear differential, and with automatic transmission, hill ascent and descent control.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.
New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.
New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
News
Xterra's new-for-2005 design should keep rolling on a while without great change. However, don't be surprised to see a few new features, plus some juggling of standard equipment to keep pricing competitive.
2006 Nissan Xterra Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Fuel economy |
| Interior materials | |
| Steering feel | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Strong from a stop and around town; test automatic-transmission 2WD SE clocked 7.1 sec 0-60 mph. Automatic reacts quickly enough to throttle inputs, but passing at highway speeds can be a bit labored with either transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 lb.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE, auto. | 4WD SE, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
Strong from a stop and around town; test automatic-transmission 2WD SE clocked 7.1 sec 0-60 mph. Automatic reacts quickly enough to throttle inputs, but passing at highway speeds can be a bit labored with either transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 lb.
Fuel Economy
Test automatic-transmission 4WD SE averaged 18.2 mpg in mostly highway driving, 15.8 with more city work. Test 2WD SE averaged 16.8 in mixed driving that included gas-eating performance runs. Nissan recommends regular-grade fuel.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE, auto. | 4WD SE, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Test automatic-transmission 4WD SE averaged 18.2 mpg in mostly highway driving, 15.8 with more city work. Test 2WD SE averaged 16.8 in mixed driving that included gas-eating performance runs. Nissan recommends regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Firm suspension, short wheelbase make ride choppy except on smoothest roads. Some patches and sharp bumps register more as body shudder than thumpy harshness, and there's some trucklike bounding over even moderate humps and ruts. A bit more comfortable with 16-inch tires vs. SE's 17s.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE, auto. | 4WD SE, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
Firm suspension, short wheelbase make ride choppy except on smoothest roads. Some patches and sharp bumps register more as body shudder than thumpy harshness, and there's some trucklike bounding over even moderate humps and ruts. A bit more comfortable with 16-inch tires vs. SE's 17s.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Fast cornering induces marked body lean, plus some tail hop over bumps from solid rear axle (vs. Pathfinder's independent rear suspension); Off-Road's stiff suspension bounces even more. Steering feels slow in parking and quick direction changes, and wide turning circle hurts close-quarters maneuverability. Inclusion of antilock 4-wheel disc brakes as standard laudable at this price level, but stopping power, modulation unexceptional.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE, auto. | 4WD SE, auto. | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Fast cornering induces marked body lean, plus some tail hop over bumps from solid rear axle (vs. Pathfinder's independent rear suspension); Off-Road's stiff suspension bounces even more. Steering feels slow in parking and quick direction changes, and wide turning circle hurts close-quarters maneuverability. Inclusion of antilock 4-wheel disc brakes as standard laudable at this price level, but stopping power, modulation unexceptional.
Quietness
Noise levels fairly modest in 60-mph cruising. But V6 has gruff, fairly loud growl at full throttle, plus annoying bellow between shifts with manual transmission. Wind rush pronounced over 55 mph. Marked road rumble, too, especially from Off-Road's aggressive-tread tires.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE, auto. | 4WD SE, auto. | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 5.2 |
Noise levels fairly modest in 60-mph cruising. But V6 has gruff, fairly loud growl at full throttle, plus annoying bellow between shifts with manual transmission. Wind rush pronounced over 55 mph. Marked road rumble, too, especially from Off-Road's aggressive-tread tires.
Controls
Simple, handy layout. Serviceable interior decor matches Xterra's utilitarian aims, but hard plastic looks cut-rate. One test model suffered rattling front-door windows and irritating squeak from cargo area.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE, auto. | 4WD SE, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Simple, handy layout. Serviceable interior decor matches Xterra's utilitarian aims, but hard plastic looks cut-rate. One test model suffered rattling front-door windows and irritating squeak from cargo area.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good head, leg room, though some tall drivers may feel too close to steering wheel. Seats comfortable, but need more side bolstering to hold passengers in place through turns. Visibility hampered by rear roof styling, wide-base windshield pillars. Truck-type SUV step-in.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE, auto. | 4WD SE, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Good head, leg room, though some tall drivers may feel too close to steering wheel. Seats comfortable, but need more side bolstering to hold passengers in place through turns. Visibility hampered by rear roof styling, wide-base windshield pillars. Truck-type SUV step-in.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Plenty of head room, adequate toe and leg space. Seat cushions too flat for best comfort. Tall ride height, narrow door bottoms make entry/exit unusually tough.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE, auto. | 4WD SE, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
Plenty of head room, adequate toe and leg space. Seat cushions too flat for best comfort. Tall ride height, narrow door bottoms make entry/exit unusually tough.
Cargo Room
Good space becomes generous with rear seats folded. Available fold-flat right-front seat allows carrying objects up to 9 ft long. Fixed tailgate glass, but low load lip, 12 cargo-bay hooks enhance utility. Stepped rear bumper provides access to a standard roof rack. Cabin has useful small-item storage, but only in front.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE, auto. | 4WD SE, auto. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.3 |
Good space becomes generous with rear seats folded. Available fold-flat right-front seat allows carrying objects up to 9 ft long. Fixed tailgate glass, but low load lip, 12 cargo-bay hooks enhance utility. Stepped rear bumper provides access to a standard roof rack. Cabin has useful small-item storage, but only in front.
Value within Class
Xterra is slightly smaller than most in the midsize SUV class, hence the somewhat tight interior space. Its off-road orientation accounts for subpar ride comfort, and its backwoods-ready character means there are few luxury touches. Indeed, it's that rugged demeanor, cargo versatility, and youthful appeal that makes it a Recommended pick at this price level.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE, auto. | 4WD SE, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Xterra is slightly smaller than most in the midsize SUV class, hence the somewhat tight interior space. Its off-road orientation accounts for subpar ride comfort, and its backwoods-ready character means there are few luxury touches. Indeed, it's that rugged demeanor, cargo versatility, and youthful appeal that makes it a Recommended pick at this price level.
Total Score
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE, auto. | 4WD SE, auto. | Class Average |
| 51 | 53 | 52 | 56.7 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 43 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 66 |
2006 Nissan Xterra Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 08/28/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD X 4-door wagon, manual | $20,050 | $18,961 | $605 |
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| 2WD X 4-door wagon, automatic | $20,850 | $19,718 | $605 |
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| 4WD X 4-door wagon, manual | $22,050 | $20,853 | $605 |
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| 4WD X 4-door wagon, automatic | $22,850 | $21,609 | $605 |
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| 2WD S 4-door wagon, manual | $22,250 | $21,042 | $605 |
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| 2WD S 4-door wagon, automatic | $23,050 | $21,799 | $605 |
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| 4WD S 4-door wagon, manual | $24,250 | $22,933 | $605 |
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| 4WD S 4-door wagon, automatic | $25,050 | $23,690 | $605 |
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| 2WD Off-Road 4-door wagon, manual | $23,850 | $22,306 | $605 |
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| 2WD Off-Road 4-door wagon, automatic | $24,650 | $23,055 | $605 |
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| 4WD Off-Road 4-door wagon, manual | $26,150 | $24,457 | $605 |
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| 4WD Off-Road 4-door wagon, automatic | $27,150 | $25,392 | $605 |
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| 2WD SE 4-door wagon, automatic | $25,750 | $24,083 | $605 |
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| 4WD SE 4-door wagon, automatic | $27,750 | $25,954 | $605 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
X
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, rear traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack, rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hook, full-size spare tire, 265/70R16 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control.
S adds to X:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, driver-seat height and lumbar adjustment, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
265/70R16 white-letter tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control.
Off-Road adds to S:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Fold-flat passenger seat, visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates, off-road suspension, 265/75R16 all-terrain white-letter tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control, locking rear differential, hill ascent control (automatic), hill descent control (automatic).
SE adds to Off-Road:
Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Tubular side steps.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: skid plates, off-road suspension.
265/65R17 white-letter tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Utility Pkg.
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S
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$550
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$478
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Fold-flat passenger seat, driver-side seatback pocket, visor mirrors, first-aid kit, cargo net, step rails.
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Power Pkg.
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X
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$1,100
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$954
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Cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.
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Rockford Fosgate Audio Pkg.
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Off-Road
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$900
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$780
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Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering wheel radio controls.
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Protection Pkg.
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Off-Road, S, SE, X
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$160
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$130
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Emergency road kit, rubber floormats, wheel locks.
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Tow Kit
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Off-Road, S, SE, X
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$440
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$345
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Safety |
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Curtain side airbags
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Off-Road, S, SE, X
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$700
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$607
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Includes rollover deployment, front side airbags.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Satellite radio
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Off-Road, SE
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$350
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$304
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Off-Road requires Rockford Fosgate Audio Pkg.
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
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Off-Road, S, SE, X
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$230
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$171
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Includes compass.
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Interior air filter
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S, Off-Road, SE
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$60
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$44
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Cargo organizer
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X, S, Off-Road
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$150
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$111
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Cargo cover
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Off-Road, SE, X
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$80
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$60
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Floormats
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Off-Road, S, SE, X
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$100
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$74
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Bodyside moldings
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S, SE
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$110
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$77
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Std. Off-Road.
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Mudguards
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Off-Road, S, SE, X
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$110
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$72
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2006 Nissan Xterra Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Nissan Xterra 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4347 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 65.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.0 /241 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 265 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 284 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed manual | 17/21 |
| 5-speed automatic | 16/21 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Nissan Xterra 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2006 Nissan Xterra Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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