Nissan Xterra: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Nissan Xterra version to choose depends chiefly on whether you value performance, fuel consumption, transmission type, or AWD. The model’s catalogue history runs from May 1999 through December 2015 and comprises two generations, including a restyling within each generation. Every listed Xterra is an SUV 5-doors with a Gasoline engine.
The Nissan Xterra version to choose depends chiefly on whether you value performance, fuel consumption, transmission type, or AWD. The model’s catalogue history runs from May 1999 through December 2015 and comprises two generations, including a restyling within each generation. Every listed Xterra is an SUV 5-doors with a Gasoline engine. The strongest all-round specification is the second-generation 4.0 AT or 4.0 MT with AWD: both produce 265 hp and 385 Nm, reach 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds, and have combined consumption of 11.5 l/100 km. The first-generation 2.4 MT uses slightly less fuel at 11.1 l/100 km after restyling, while the turbo 3.3 MT offers 210 hp and reaches 100 km/h in 10 seconds at the cost of 14.3 l/100 km combined.
Nissan Xterra generations: what changed?
The first-generation Nissan Xterra was offered from May 1999 through January 2001 as an SUV 5-doors with six listed versions. Its engine choices were the 2389 cc 2.4 MT and several 3275 cc 3.3 MT and 3.3 AT versions. Outputs ranged from 143 hp to 210 hp, transmissions had either 4 or 5 speeds, and the catalogue includes both RWD and AWD. The turbocharged 210 hp versions delivered 313 Nm, while naturally aspirated 3.3 versions produced 170 or 180 hp.
The first-generation restyling ran from February 2001 through January 2005, retaining the SUV 5-doors body and offering five versions. The 2.4 MT increased from 143 hp to 145 hp. The naturally aspirated 3.3 MT and 3.3 AT were rated at 180 hp and 271 Nm, while the turbo 3.3 MT and 3.3 AT reached 210 hp and 325 Nm. All listed 3.3 versions in this period used AWD. This restyling therefore offers the broadest performance spread within the first generation, from the economical RWD 2.4 MT to the faster turbo AWD versions.
The second generation ran from January 2005 through December 2008 as an SUV 5-doors with three listed versions. All used the same naturally aspirated 3954 cc 4.0 engine, rated at 265 hp and 385 Nm. Buyers could select 4.0 AT with RWD, 4.0 AT with AWD, or 4.0 MT with AWD. The Automatic had 5 speeds, while the Manual also had 5 speeds during this period.
The second-generation restyling covered January 2009 through December 2015 and again comprised three SUV 5-doors versions. The 265 hp, 385 Nm engine and the RWD/AWD choices remained the same. The meaningful catalogue change is found in the AWD 4.0 MT, which moved from 5 to 6 speeds; both 4.0 AT versions retained 5-speed Automatic gearboxes.
Nissan Xterra engine specs and version comparison
Repeated version names are distinguished below by production period, power, boost, transmission, and drive.
| Period | Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999–2001 | 2.4 MT | 143 hp | 309 Nm | 2389 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1999–2001 | 3.3 MT | 170 hp | 271 Nm | 3275 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| 1999–2001 | 3.3 MT | 180 hp | 274 Nm | 3275 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| 1999–2001 | 3.3 AT | 210 hp | 313 Nm | 3275 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 1999–2001 | 3.3 MT | 210 hp | 313 Nm | 3275 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1999–2001 | 3.3 AT | 170 hp | 271 Nm | 3275 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2001–2005 | 2.4 MT | 145 hp | 309 Nm | 2389 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2001–2005 | 3.3 MT | 180 hp | 271 Nm | 3275 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| 2001–2005 | 3.3 AT | 180 hp | 271 Nm | 3275 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2001–2005 | 3.3 MT | 210 hp | 325 Nm | 3275 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| 2001–2005 | 3.3 AT | 210 hp | 325 Nm | 3275 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2005–2008 | 4.0 AT | 265 hp | 385 Nm | 3954 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2005–2008 | 4.0 AT | 265 hp | 385 Nm | 3954 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2005–2008 | 4.0 MT | 265 hp | 385 Nm | 3954 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| 2009–2015 | 4.0 AT | 265 hp | 385 Nm | 3954 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2009–2015 | 4.0 MT | 265 hp | 385 Nm | 3954 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | AWD |
| 2009–2015 | 4.0 AT | 265 hp | 385 Nm | 3954 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
Power per litre clarifies the engine comparison. The first-generation 2.4 MT produces about 59.9 hp per litre at 143 hp and about 60.7 hp per litre at 145 hp. Naturally aspirated 3275 cc versions range from about 51.9 hp per litre at 170 hp to about 55.0 hp per litre at 180 hp. The turbo 210 hp 3.3 versions reach about 64.1 hp per litre. The naturally aspirated 265 hp 4.0 versions produce about 67.0 hp per litre, the highest figure among the listed engines.
Nissan Xterra performance and mpg
The 2001–2005 turbo 3.3 MT records the quickest acceleration figure: 0–100 km/h in 10 seconds. The turbo 3.3 AT takes 10.7 seconds, so the Manual is 0.7 seconds quicker. Both have a top speed of 210 km/h and combined consumption of 14.3 l/100 km, with 15.7 l/100 km in the city and 13.1 l/100 km on the highway.
Every listed second-generation 4.0 AT and 4.0 MT has the same recorded performance and economy: 0–100 km/h in 10.2 seconds, a top speed of 215 km/h, city consumption of 13.8 l/100 km, highway consumption of 10.7 l/100 km, and combined consumption of 11.5 l/100 km. Compared with the turbo 210 hp 3.3 MT, the 265 hp 4.0 is 0.2 seconds slower to 100 km/h but 5 km/h faster at maximum speed. It also uses 2.8 l/100 km less on the combined cycle.
Among versions with complete consumption data, the restyled 145 hp 2.4 MT records the lowest combined figure at 11.1 l/100 km. Its city and highway figures are 12.4 and 9.8 l/100 km, but 0–100 km/h takes 14.2 seconds and top speed is 165 km/h. The second-generation 4.0 therefore adds 120 hp, cuts 4 seconds from the acceleration time, and uses 0.4 l/100 km more combined.
The 1999–2001 naturally aspirated 170 hp 3.3 MT reaches 100 km/h in 13.5 seconds and has a top speed of 192 km/h. Its consumption is 14.7 l/100 km city, 13 l/100 km highway, and 13.9 l/100 km combined. The 170 hp 3.3 AT takes 12.8 seconds, reaches 192 km/h, and records 14.7, 12.5, and 13.2 l/100 km respectively.
For the 1999–2001 143 hp 2.4 MT, acceleration and all fuel-consumption figures were not measured. For the 180 hp 3.3 MT, fuel consumption was not measured. For the 210 hp turbo 3.3 AT, acceleration, top speed, and fuel consumption were not measured. For the 210 hp turbo 3.3 MT, acceleration and fuel consumption were not measured.
Nissan Xterra dimensions, weight, clearance, and tank capacity
Exterior length, width, height, and wheelbase were not measured in the supplied catalogue data, so dimensions in feet or millimetres cannot be compared. Wheel sizes were also not measured for any listed version.
Ground clearance is 220 mm throughout the catalogue. Every listed version uses an Independent, spring front suspension and a Dependent, leaf spring rear suspension. The front brakes are Ventilated disc and the rear brakes are Drum.
Most versions have a recorded kerb weight of 1620 kg. The 1999–2001 170 hp 3.3 MT and 3.3 AT weigh 1780 kg, equivalent to about 10.5 kg per hp. The 180 hp 3.3 MT weighs 1875 kg, or about 10.4 kg per hp. The 210 hp turbo 3.3 MT weighs 1900 kg, or about 9.0 kg per hp. Its kerb weight is 280 kg above the common 1620 kg figure, but its power-to-weight result is stronger than that of the 170 hp and 180 hp alternatives. The kerb weight of the 210 hp turbo 3.3 AT was not measured.
The 180 hp 3.3 MT has a gross weight of 2359 kg; gross weight was not measured for every other version. Weight capacity was not measured as a separate parameter.
First-generation versions have a 60-litre fuel tank. Second-generation versions have an 80-litre tank, an increase of 20 litres. That larger tank accompanies the second generation’s 265 hp engine and recorded combined consumption of 11.5 l/100 km.
Nissan Xterra reliability and problems
Reliability ratings, fault histories, repair frequency, engine replacement costs, and specific recurring problems were not measured in the supplied data. The catalogue therefore cannot support a claim that one Xterra engine or transmission is more reliable than another. For a used Nissan Xterra for sale, the numbers can identify the desired version, but they cannot replace an inspection or service-history check.
Which Nissan Xterra version should you buy?
For the best numerical balance, choose a second-generation 4.0 with AWD. The 4.0 AT and 4.0 MT share 265 hp, 385 Nm, 10.2-second acceleration, a 215 km/h top speed, and 11.5 l/100 km combined consumption. Choose 4.0 AT for a 5-speed Automatic, or 4.0 MT for a Manual. Within the 4.0 MT range, the 2009–2015 restyling supplies 6 speeds instead of the earlier version’s 5.
Choose the restyled first-generation 2.4 MT if the lowest measured combined consumption is the priority. Its 11.1 l/100 km result beats the 4.0 versions by 0.4 l/100 km, although its 145 hp output and 14.2-second acceleration make the trade-off explicit.
Choose the 2001–2005 turbo 3.3 MT if you want the quickest recorded 0–100 km/h time. At 10 seconds, it leads the 4.0 versions by 0.2 seconds and the turbo 3.3 AT by 0.7 seconds. However, its combined consumption is 14.3 l/100 km, 2.8 l/100 km above the second-generation 4.0.
Choose a naturally aspirated first-generation 3.3 MT or 3.3 AT if you specifically want AWD without Turbo. The 2001–2005 versions both deliver 180 hp and 271 Nm; transmission choice is the principal numerical distinction, with a 5-speed Manual or 4-speed Automatic. Their performance and economy figures are identical in the data: 14 seconds to 100 km/h, 192 km/h maximum speed, and 13.8 l/100 km combined.
A RWD buyer has more distinct options: the economical 2.4 MT, early turbo 210 hp 3.3 MT or 3.3 AT versions, and the second-generation 265 hp 4.0 AT. Of those, the 4.0 AT supplies the highest power, highest torque, highest measured top speed, and complete fuel-consumption data. On the catalogue numbers alone, it is the clearest RWD choice; for AWD, the final decision is between the 4.0 AT and the 4.0 MT.