Enter the world of high-end Sports Utility Vehicle and you find Nissan Xterra. Initially designed on the Nissan F-Alpha Platform specifically categorized with solid axle suspension and large engines, usually with variable valve timings, Xterra very much resembles Frontier in its built. Introduced in the year 2000 under the theme “Everything you need nothing you don’t”, Xterra is a Vehicle designed primarily for consumers on the lookout for medium-sized sports Utility Vehicles with a formidable off-road utility. Nissan though launched the Xterra primarily for the adventurous and outdoor consumers, it found wide acceptance in wide sphere of society. The solid built of Xterra, perceives reliability, inspiring confidence and peace of mind when it comes to the wilderness and the ambiguity of a journey.

Nissan launched Xterra under the base models XE, often characterized by numerous combinations of roof racks, side step-rails and carpeted floor mats, and planned specifically keeping off-road utilities to practical proportions. Ever since its launch, the vehicle has been identifies via two of its most standout features. The raised roofline facilitates a comfortable stadium view and a hump at the back lift accommodating the inclusion of a first-aid kit within.

If XE was the base model, then SE became its premium sculpt. Of what all was optional in XE became a standard in SE. Just around the end of 2001, Nissan aggressively modified Xterra, bringing visible changes to the interiors and a unique overhead clearance in the front panel. Moreover, the colors were also revived. Aztec red and kaki were dumped and shock blue and molten lava found support. To bring freshness, the audio system was also drastically revived.

Initially launched amidst ordinary completion, Xterra soon overcame its flaws, with the more popular ones including rough edges and bare interiors comprising of hard plastic, usually making the ride an unpleasant experience.

Years later, in 2005, Xterra was reintroduced, under the name N50. For many, this marks a dawn of Second generation of the Xterra series. This time, Nissan added new dimensions to the car, thereby bringing it in close proximity with the largest Sports utility vehicles in the world.

Today Xterra stand tall as a 265 horse power 4.0 liter V6 driving powerhouse. The five-speed automatic and six-speed manual gear system proves it to be a real powerhouse. To suit needs, it’s available in four trims X, S, SE and Off-road. While the X, the entry level is minimally equipped, S boasts of cruise control, SE stack on more power torches and the off-road version basically deals with equipments suited to optimize off-road comfort.

Xterra’s USP, identifies as its powerful V6 engine in a way compromising for its poor handling. But still, if you travel frequently, Xterra is as good as a SUV can get.