Nissan Xterra
Staying true to the original Xterra design concept of offering drivers “everything you need and nothing you don’t” (one of my favorite vehicle slogans), the 2011 Nissan Xterra combines its signature bold exterior styling with a spacious, flexible, adventure-ready interior.
The tough Xterra continues in 2011 as a vehicle designed to inspire and facilitate outdoor enthusiasts’ activities wherever they go.
For the 2011 model year, the adventure-ready Nissan Xterra offers the previous off-road model, which we test-drove, as the renamed Xterra PRO-4X.
All 2011 Xterras feature Nissan’s advanced 4.0-liter, DOHC, V6 engine, rated at 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, along with a rugged “F-Alpha” truck platform for adventure-ready performance. All models are offered with a refined five-speed automatic transmission, while PRO-4X models have a choice of the automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.
Xterra again features a distinct “multi-flex” interior with an abundance of useable space, storage and convenience features – including an available Easy Clean cargo area, a tie-down channel system, 10 cargo hooks and an available built-in first-aid kit. While maintaining its “authentic” tough gear positioning, the 2011 Xterra also offers a range of advanced technologies, including Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, XM® Satellite Radio and an eight-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system with subwoofer.
The exterior design includes large flared fenders, a powerful-looking hood and headlights, Nissan SUV-style angled strut grille, a versatile roof rack with latchable lid and a rear bumper design with side steps for easy access to the roof rack. Roof-mounted off-road lights, built into the roof rack air dam, are standard on PRO-4X models, along with 16-inch bright machine-finished aluminum alloy wheels.
As in previous years, Xterra features a long wheelbase for a smooth ride and ample interior room, yet overall length is highly manageable due to the short front overhang – helping to enhance maneuverability in off-road hill climbing and trail situations.
Xterra’s flexible interior is spacious enough for up to five adults and their gear, with ample legroom, headroom and cargo room. A standard 60/40-split folding stadium-style rear seat with removable seat bottom cushions and an available fold-down front passenger seat create added utility for hauling long recreational gear.
Standard interior features include sporty reclining front bucket seats, footrest, dual front and rear 20-ounce cup holders, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry and cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls.
All Xterra PRO-4X models feature unique seat cloth, with leather-appointed seating available as part of the PRO-4X Leather Package (automatic transmission only).
— Mary Ann Van Osdell
Published in September 2011
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