The Nissan Xterra is a small sized SUV developed on the Nissan F-Alpha truck platform. It is developed especially for the adventurous consumers. The Nissan Xterra was launched in the 2000 model year in North America and traded as a simple SUV, though it was not the first SUV from Nissan.
First Generation (WD22) (2000-2001)
In its initial two years, Nissan produced 3 Xterra models, which included XE and the Luxury SE trims.
The standard XE was produced with a KA24DE engine that could give 143 hp and paired to a five-speed manual transmission. It lacked accessories such as roof rack and step rails.
The top end XE Xterra variant was loaded with optional equipments grouping the 3.3L VG33E V6 engine that gave out 170 horsepower, paired to either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
Plenty of minor choices were also provided, such as in-cabin ventilation micro filters, cargo liners, and mud flaps.
Nissan Xterra (2002–2004)
In 2002, Xterra was refreshed again with a modified center and dash console, front end styling, and improved power plant. At that time, a 3.3L VG33E V6 was developed to churn out 210 hp (157 kW) of power.
The engine could give 246 lb-ft (334 N-m) with an automatic transmission and 231 lb-ft (313 N-m) of torque with a five-speed manual transmission.
The audio systems were also improved a 6-speaker 300W Rockford Fosgate AM/FM/CD system that replaced a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD setup. The SE & XE system of Nissan was developed to sonic signature “The Punch” of Rockford Fosgate, a 2 DIN AM/FM/RDS/6-disc source unit/in-dash CD changer, an amplifier that drived 1-ohm load per channel.
Second Generation (N50) (2005–Present)
In 2005, the Xterra was redesigned again as second generation on the platform of Nissan F-Alpha, Frontier, and Titan platform. It was offered a back differential locker installed in the off-road model. The second generation model was larger, and it made use of Nissan’s refined variable valve timing fitted 4.0 L VQ40DE engine, which could produce 265 hp (198 kW) of power.
In 2009, the Xterra received a facelift with more choices and shades, leather upholstery on SE versions, and roof installed on off-road versions. The Xterra has been a popular choice amongst the SUVs, but still lot many improvements are expected in the Xterra lineup.