Nissan Xterra

The Nissan Xterra is a front-engine, 2-wheel (not Canadian) or 4-wheel drive, five-door, five passenger, truck-based compact SUV manufactured and marketed by Nissan Motors from 1999–2015 across two generations; the first (1999–2004) sharing a platform as well as front bumper, hood, A-pillar, windshield and front doors with the Nissan Frontier {comment: Picture shows a second generation Frontier and not the first generation} pickup[1] – and the second (2005–2015) also sharing its platform with the Frontier.

"Xterra" redirects here. For the competition, see XTERRA Triathlon.

Not to be confused with Nissan Terra.

Nissan Xterra
2009 Nissan Xterra
Overview
Manufacturer	Nissan
Also called	Nissan Paladin (China) Nissan Roniz (Iran) Dongfeng Oting (China)
Production	1999–2015 2003–2007 (Brazil) 2003–2015 (China)
Assembly	Smyrna, Tennessee (1999–2012) Canton, Mississippi (2012–2015) United States São José dos Pinhais, Brazil (2003–07)
Body and chassis
Class	Compact SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel drive
Chronology
Successor	Nissan Rogue Nissan Terra (China)

While the two Xterra generations differed significantly, both prioritized ruggedness and affordability over luxury[2] and used body-on-frame construction along with underbody skid plates.[3] Both generations also used a two-box design with c-pillar-mounted rear door handles, asymmetrical rear window, tailgate bump-out for a first aid kit accessible from inside – and a prominent two-tiered roof enabling stadium seating in the second row. The stepped roof accommodated a lower, front roof rack with a removable gear basket and a more conventional roof rack at the rear, upper roof.

Nissan licensed the Xterra name from the XTERRA off-road triathlon race series[4] and manufactured the SUV at Nissan's Smyrna Assembly, as well as in Canton, Mississippi. Variants were also manufactured in Brazil and China.

Developed at Nissan Design America in La Jolla, California,[5] the Xterra was the first Nissan vehicle completely conceived, developed and manufactured in the United States.[6] According to Jerry Hirshberg, president of Nissan Design International, "the impetus for Xterra designers was to create an affordable, rugged, quality piece of equipment".[1] Road & Track described the Xterra as "an honest SUV that doesn't try to be a luxury car alternative, nor tries to hide its truck underpinnings".[7] Jalopnik called it a "knockoff of the Land Rover Discovery".[8] The Washington Post described it as "rugged without bravado".[3]

First generation WD22 series (1999-2004)

First Generation (WD22)
Overview
Also called	Nissan Paladin (China) Nissan Roniz (Iran)
Production	May 1999–2004 (North America and Brazil) 1999–2009 (Iran) 2003–2015 (China)
Designer	Diane Allen (1997)[9]
Body and chassis
Related	Nissan Frontier Nissan Pathfinder
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol engines: 2.4L KA24DE 143 hp (107 kW) I4 3.3L VG33E 170 hp (130 kW) V6 3.3L VG33E 180 hp (130 kW) V6 3.3L supercharged VG33ER 210 hp (160 kW) V6 Diesel engines: 2.8L TDI 4.07TCA 132 hp (98 kW) I4 2.8L TDI CRD 4.07TCE 140 hp (100 kW) I4
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,650 mm (104.3 in)
Length	4,522 mm (178.0 in)
Width	1,788 mm (70.4 in)
Height	2002–04 XE: 1,872 mm (73.7 in) 2002–04 SE 4WD: 1,884 mm (74.2 in) 2002–04 SE 2WD:1,889 mm (74.4 in) 2002–04 S/C 4WD: 1,834 mm (72.2 in) 2002–04 S/C 2WD: 1,877 mm (73.9 in) 2000–01 XE: 1,872 mm (73.7 in) 2000–01 SE 4WD: 1,879 mm (74.0 in) 2000–01 SE 2WD: 1,869 mm (73.6 in)

1999–2001

The Xterra was introduced in North America in the 2000 model year, using Everything you need, nothing you don't as its marketing tagline.

During the Xterra's first two years two trim level were offered, marketed as XE and SE.

The XE featured a 143 hp (107 kW) KA24DE I4, 5-speed manual transmission, and steel wheels as well as several option packages combining the 170 horsepower 3.3 L VG33E V6 engine with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, as well as roof rack, side step-rails, sunroof, and carpeted floor mats. The SE featured standard equipment that was optional on an XE. All models featured removable, tab-secured rear seat cushions to accommodate a fold-flat rear seat back.

Canadian models from 1999 to 2004 were limited to the VG33E V6 engine with part-time 4WD.

2002–2004

2002–2004 Nissan Xterra

With the 1999 Xterra having been developed at Nissan Design America in California,[5] all updates for the 2002 Xterra were executed at Nissan Technical Center-North America in Farmington Hills, Michigan.[5] The facelifted model debuted at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show with revisions with prominently revised front-end styling with rounded headlights, heavily revised dash, center console, larger glove compartment, pullout rear cup holders and four interior power points, foot-operated pedal parking brake (vs. previous a dash-mounted pull-and-twist parking brake) — and an increase of 10 horsepower for the V6 engine.

The 3.3L VG33E V6 was upgraded to 180 hp (134 kW) at 4,800 rpm and 202 lb⋅ft (274 N⋅m) at 2,800 rpm, with the 210 hp (157 kW) supercharged VG33ER option carried over from the 2001 Nissan Frontier, producing 246 lb⋅ft (334 N⋅m) of torque for the automatic, and 231 lb⋅ft (313 N⋅m) of torque with 5-speed manual.

For 2003, options included side-curtain airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 6-disc, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system was replaced by a 6-speaker 300W Rockford Fosgate AM/FM/CD audio system with an 8-inch subwoofer that took up a small portion of the rear storage area. The last of the model year 2004 Xterras were manufactured in January 2005.

Second generation N50 series (2005-2015)

Second generation (N50)
Overview
Production	January 2005–2015
Model years	2005–2015
Body and chassis
Platform	Nissan F-Alpha platform
Related	Infiniti QX56 Nissan Armada Nissan Frontier Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Titan
Powertrain
Engine	4.0 L VQ40DE 265 hp (198 kW) V6
Transmission	5-speed automatic 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length	4,539 mm (178.7 in)
Width	1,849 mm (72.8 in)
Height	1,902 mm (74.9 in)

2005–2015

The second generation Xterra debuted at the New York International Auto Show in 2004 using Nissan's F-Alpha platform. Larger in all dimensions than its predecessor, it entered showrooms in early 2005 for the 2005 model year. The standard engine was upgraded to Nissan's 4.0 L VQ40DE variable valve timing V6, producing 261 hp (195 kW).[10][11][12] A rear differential locker was offered for off-roading.

2009 update

2009–2012 Nissan Xterra

The Xterra received a facelift for 2009 (July 2008 production) with more options and colors, leather seats on SE models, and roof mounted lights on off-road models. The last year of the Nissan Xterra in Mexico was 2008. In 2012, production was moved from Smyrna, Tennessee, to Nissan's facility in Canton, Mississippi.

2011 update

Early US models include X, S and PRO-4X, with a choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions, a choice of part-time 4-wheel drive or 2-wheel drive.[13][14]

Changes include:

• Standard Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, steering wheel audio controls and sunglass holder (overhead console) on all grade levels;
• An updated NissanConnect with smartphone integration for iPhone and Android, allowing the user to connect with Pandora, iHeartRadio, Facebook and more. Capabilities include SiriusXM (subscription required, sold separately), streaming audio via Bluetooth, Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant and audio voice recognition.
• New 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheel designs for the S and PRO-4X.
• New HVAC controls and upgraded audio system added to X grade.
• Heated front seats available on PRO-4X.
• Silver paint on the grille and underguard.

Discontinuation

The Xterra was discontinued in the U.S. after the 2015 model year. Poor fuel economy, declining sales, and mandated upgrades to safety and emissions were cited as reasons.[15][16]

Awards and recognition

2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X dashboard

• 2000 Motor Trend's Sport Utility of the Year[17]
• 2000 North American Truck of the Year
• 2000 New England Motor Press Association's Winter Vehicle Award of New England for Best in Class – Mini Sport Utility
• 2001 Named Top Car by AAA New Car and Truck Buying Guide
• 2005 Named on the Automobile Magazine's 50 Great New Cars list
• 2006 Nominated as North American Truck of the Year
• 2006 Motor Trend's Sport Utility of the Year
• 2006 Motor Trend's Truck Trend's Best Little-Guy SUV Award
• 2006 Car and Driver Rock-Hopper SUV Winner.[18]
• 2006 4×4 of the Year award from Peterson's 4-Wheel and Off-Road magazine.
• 2006 Edmunds.com Editor's Most Wanted Vehicle
• 2009 4Wheeler Magazine's SUV of the Year
• 2010 U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's highest Side-impact Safety Rating (five stars)

Production outside North America

Nissan Paladin in China

All Nissan-produced Xterras manufactured outside the U.S. were built in São José dos Pinhais, Brazil until 2007. (Nissan ceased Brazilian production entirely in 2007.) It is built under license by Pars Khodro in Iran as the Nissan Roniz, and in China by Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile as the (Japanese: Nissan Paladin) from 2003 to 2013. The Paladin uses the same chassis and running gear as the first generation Nissan Xterra, and the 2.4L KA24DE engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The front end is from the local Pickup. (The second generation Xterra model is only available in North America.) Other difference between the American Xterra and its Chinese counterparts is the parking brake actuator, a pedal with a pull-handle release in America, and a lever in China.

Dongfeng Oting

Dongfeng Motors produces a Chinese version of the Xterra called the Oting from 2007 to 2015. It is based on the first generation of the Xterra. It was available with the 2.4 litre 4G64 and 4G69 or a 2.5 litre turbo diesel engine paired to a 5 speed manual gearbox.

In comparison to pricing, the Chinese market Nissan Paladin was priced at 159,800 to 244,800 RMB (25,264 to US$38,702) while the Oting was priced at 119,800 to 154,800 RMB (18,940 to US$24,473). Trim levels for the Paladin were called the 2WD S, 2WD C, 2WD L, 2WD E, 4WD S, 4WD C, 4WD L and 4WD E.[19] Trim levels for the Oting were called the China III MT L, China III MT E, China III AT L, China IV MT L, China IV MT E, Diesel 2WD and the Diesel 4WD.[20]

• 
  Dongfeng Oting with Nissan badge
• 
  Dongfeng Oting
• 
  Dongfeng Oting rear.

Future

Following the Xterra's discontinuation from the U.S. market in 2015, Nissan began testing a Navara-based SUV.[21][22] The Nissan Terra made its debut in Asia in early 2018.

Sales

Calendar year [23]	United States [23]	Canada [23]
2002	79,779	N/A
2003	67,799	N/A
2004	66,690	1,407
2005	72,447	2,799
2006	62,325	2,183
2007	51,355	1,469
2008	33,579	800
2009	16,455	613
2010	20,523	1,040
2011	18,221	1,258
2012	18,679	931
2013	17,766	1,070
2014	16,505	991
2015	10,672	1,707
2016	38	227
2017	1	-

References

1. Mark Glover (February 11, 2000). "Nissan sport-ute designed for what people do with the vehicle". The Sacramento Bee.
2. "Nissan Xterra Used SUV Buyer's Guide". Autobytel.
3. Warren Brown (May 9, 1999). "Nissan Xterra". The Washington Post.
4. Zimmerman, Malia (November 15, 1998). "Nissan names SUV after Maui triathlon". Pacific Business News. Retrieved 4 April 2013.
5. "2002 Nissan Xterra Press Kit: Overview". Nissan-global.com. November 10, 2006.
6. Paul Lienert (May 5, 2000). "Nissan Xterra". The Detroit News. In fact, the Xterra is the first Nissan product totally conceived, developed and built in the United States, and its American heritage shows.
7. "Media Talk About Nissan Xterra, Named 2000 North American Truck of the Year". Nissan-global.com. January 12, 2000.
8. Andrew P. Collins (March 16, 2017). "A Nissan Xterra Is The Most Underrated Cheap 4x4 Right Now". Jalopnik.
9. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-07-12. Retrieved 2014-06-12.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
10. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-06-07. Retrieved 2014-06-03.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
11. http://www.rockcrawler.com/features/newsshorts/05january/xterra_production.asp
12. http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2005-01-13-drive-xterra_x.htm
13. 2014 Nissan Xterra Press Kit
14. "2014 Nissan Frontier, Xterra Priced". Archived from the original on 2013-12-06. Retrieved 2013-12-03.
15. "Nissan Xterra Discontinued in U.S." edmunds.com. 23 Feb 2015. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
16. "Xtra! Xtra! Nissan Xterra Confirmed to Die After 2015 Model Year". caranddriver.com. 18 Aug 2015. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
17. Timothy Cain (March 11, 2015). "The Numbers Behind The Nissan Xterra's Demise". The Truth About Cars.
18. Rock-Hopper 2006 Competition Car and Driver.com, April, 2006. Accessed on June 11, 2007.
19. http://chinaautoweb.com/car-models/nissan-paladin/
20. http://chinaautoweb.com/car-models/dongfeng-oting/
21. http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2016/9/14/Is-This-Proof-The-Nissan-Xterra-May-Be-Back-After-All-7735467/
22. http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2016/5/25/Nissan-Is-Prepping-One-Of-The-Best-SUVs-The-US-Will-Probably-Never-Get-7733718/
23. "Nissan Xterra Sales Figures". Good Car Bad Car. 3 January 2011. Retrieved 5 November 2018.

External links

• Nissan USA – Official American site
• Official site on Nissan China
• A story of Nissan Paladin and the Chinese team in a 2005 long-distance auto race (Dakar 2005) from this website: Nissan Motorsports website