Overview Genuine body-on-frame SUV with impressive off-road abilities
Pros Serious trail capabilities, great use of storage space
Cons Less than stellar fuel consumption
Value for money Excellent
What would I change? Improve cladding/flap removal process for serious trail-blazing
Back in 1966, when the Hawaiian island of Maui was looking to drum up its tourism numbers, it lit upon the idea of an off-road triathlon, pitting the world’s best athletes against each other on mountain bikes, trails, and through the crashing surf. Originally called the Aquaterra, which unfortunately had already been copyrighted by a kayaking manufacturer, the event later became known as the XTerra – “X” a numerical term for the unknown, and “Terra”, which is land or territory in Latin. The phrase, meant to evoke the exploration of unknown territory, resonated with Nissan, which decided it would make a dandy name for its upcoming SUV. The first Nissan XTerra rolled off production lines in 2000 and for the next eight years, Nissan was the title sponsor for the triathlon.
Based on the Nissan Frontier pickup truck, the XTerra adheres to a traditional body-on-frame, solid rear axle platform in a segment that’s been taken over by comfort-oriented, car-based crossovers. As such, it’s one of a dying breed, with only Jeep and Toyota offering any real rock-crawling competition at this price point.
The Pro-4X is the most off-road capable XTerra in the lineup.
Chris Coughlin, Driving
Although the XTerra received a refresh for 2014, it’s only in its second generation, and still maintains the easily identifiable characteristics of the original.
It’s a handsome beast in a rugged manly fashion, with squared off edges and a blunt, chunky prow.
The signature raised rear roofline and hump-backed gate give it the purposeful look of a safari-going bushwhacker. Rear door handles are hidden within the C pillar, creating the optical illusion that the XTerra is a two-door truck.
I’ve never really noticed how many XTerras are out there, but I managed to come across a significant number during my week’s test drive – once returning to the parking lot to find myself flanked on either side by two of them.
If other XTerra owners happened to take note of my tester, it was with good reason as the PRO-4X is the hardcore, big kahuna of the lineup. The tip-off is the tubular roof rack with built-in air dam, off-road lamps, and a bit of discreet badging.
2014 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X
Chris Coughlin, Driving
But it’s more than a rugged appearance package – the PRO-4X has serious cred as a trail-buster with a beefed up suspension providing better off-road articulation and steel skid plates protecting its sensitive underbelly. Behind the BFG all-terrain tires, the distinctive yellow and turquoise of Bilstein shocks can be glimpsed and between the rear wheels is a selectable locking rear differential. Chunky bumpers of rugged plastic fore and aft , bug deflectors and enormous mudflaps – big as elephants ears – complete the picture of a frontier-busting rock crawler.
Surprisingly, there’s a higher level of creature comfort in the cabin than I’d expected, with comfortable, heated leather seats, navigation system, back-up camera, a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system with Sirius XM Satellite radio.
Although Nissan claims the XTerra’s stadium rear seating holds three, comfort dictates that it be for short distances only, or very small people. Rear seats fold flat, but the head rests must be removed first. Access is limited by rather narrow door openings, and kids will have trouble reaching that c-pillar mounted rear door handle. Still – it’s roomier than the FJ Cruiser’s cramped rear quarters, and comparable to the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. And the Xterra shines in overall utility – there’s plenty of cubby space, including two gloveboxes, a large centre console with USB and 12-volt connections, cargo tie-downs in the trunk, and there’s a hidden compartment underneath. The level of technology and performance equipment is impressive, considering its competitors tack big dollars on their price tags for those extras.
There are plenty of hard plastics, but the upside is ease of cleanup after muddy, off-road use. The rooftop air dam has an aerated storage space for wet clothing or equipment.
2014 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X
Chris Coughlin, Driving
It’s a comfortable beast, with rather soft on-road manners for serene highway cruising – compared to either the Jeep or FJ. Visibility is good through the generous expanse of glass.
It’s powered by a 4.0-litre V6 with 262 hp and 281 lb.-ft. of torque. Transmission choices are a standard six-speed manual, or the optional five-speed automatic as in my tester. It features stepped gears for easier control when towing – and the XTerra is rated to a maximum 2,268 kg.
Of course, all that would be a moot point if the XTerra PRO-4X couldn’t deliver the goods on trail. Getting down and dirty at an abandoned quarry put those fears to rest. The XTerra’s ability to straddle rough cuts and large rocks is impressive, although the fore and aft departure angles are compromised by the chunky bumpers and large mudflaps.
2014 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X
Chris Coughlin, Driving
You’d think a quick removal would be a given, considering the PRO-4X’s character, but it’s a fiddly process requiring special tools. Serious bush-whackers will probably remove them pronto and replace with after-market off-road bumpers. Tires scrabbling for purchase on a loose, washed out incline, I flipped on the locking differential and crawled up the slope with ease.
It’s a rather thirsty beast though. Officially rated at 12.3 L/100 km highway and 16.0 in the city, my tester regularly consumed 14-15 L/100 km. on average. For my money, I’d prefer the manual-gearbox equipped model, for both fuel economy and driving engagement.
Still, for the hard-core explorer looking for something that’s just a little different from the ubiquitous Jeep or FJ, the XTerra PRO-4X is a serious, well-equipped contender.
2014 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X
Chris Coughlin, Driving
The Specs
Type of vehicles Four-wheel-drive mid-size SUV
Engine 4.0L V6
Power 262 hp @ 5,600 rpm, 281 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission Five-speed automatic
Brakes Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires P265/70R16
Price (base/as tested) PRO-4X $35,998/$39,153
Destination charge $1,720
Natural Resources Canada Fuel Economy (L/100 km) 16.0 city, 12.3 highway
Standard features ABS, tubular roof rack with mounted off road lights, remote keyless entry, power door locks
fog lights, 16-inch machined alloys with BF Goodrich T/A tires, leather seating and steering wheel, transmission cooler, hill start assist, hill descent control, 3:357:1 final drive ratio
Options Automatic transmission ($1,300)
