Nissan Xterra Generations: All Model Years | CarBuzz

The Nissan Xterra is a body-on-frame SUV that, for all of its weaknesses, was always a very capable and affordable option for those who could turn a blind eye to the poor handling characteristics and below-average crash safety scores. After debuting for the 2000 model year, the Nissan Xterra endured two generations, which in turn both went through a single facelift each, and wound up enjoying a full 15 years in production.

Available Years

Xterra

Segment: Midsize SUV
Base MSRP: $23,660

The final 2015 model year Nissan Xterra stayed true to the model’s original brief, by delivering great value for money in an adventure-ready package. Here’s a closer look at how the rugged SUV evolved throughout its 15 years of continuous production.

Nissan discontinued the adventure-ready Xterra a decade ago now; here’s a closer look at each iteration of this all-too-often overlooked Japanese SUV. Facts and figures have been sourced directly from the manufacturer.

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2009-2015 Nissan Xterra 2nd Gen (N50) Facelift

The last iteration of Nissan Xterra to roll off of the factory floors sported a number of key updates above and beyond what was made available on the pre-facelift N50 model. A light facelift was introduced, which helped to keep the Xterra looking fresh in the face of ever-evolving competition, and the interior was reworked also. Most notably, SE Nissan Xterra models were upgraded to include leather seats as standard, and BlueTooth connectivity was made available throughout the range.

New front fascia lifted the exterior and kept it looking fresh
Leather seats became standard on the SE model
Nissan introduced an optional BlueTooth hands-free phone system to the Xterra range

Under the hood, nothing changed moving from the pre- to post-facelift N50 Xterra, which meant a 4.0-liter V6 with 261 horsepower still took control of motivation, while buyers could select from either a manual or automatic transmission, and rear- or four-wheel-drive.

Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
4.0L V6	5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual	2WD & part-time 4WD

“Since inception, Xterra has represented an authentic expression of adventure-focused design, both in aesthetic appeal and real-world functionality. With the enhancements for 2009, Xterra is even more in tune with the needs and desires of its active sports enthusiast owners.”

– Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (2008)

Second-Generation Facelift Xterra Production Years

2015 Nissan Xterra Review

2014 Nissan Xterra Review

2013 Nissan Xterra Review

2012 Nissan Xterra Review

2011 Nissan Xterra Review

2010 Nissan Xterra Review

2009 Nissan Xterra Review

2015 Nissan Xterra

Base Trim Engine: 4.0L V6 Gas
Base Trim Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Horsepower: 261 hp
Base Trim Torque: 281 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Economy: 16/22 MPG

2005-2008 Nissan Xterra 2nd Gen (N50)

The 2005 model year, which introduced the new N50 generation Xterra, brought about a much-needed redesign, which finally saw the go-anywhere Nissan catch up with fresher competition. Under the hood, Nissan did away with the old 3.3-liter V6, and completely scrapped the option of a four-cylinder. Instead, a powerful new 4.0-liter V6 stood in the same place, as the only option available from this point forward. These Nissan Xterra model years featured the following:

4.0-liter V6 became the new standard engine
PRO-4X models came standard with an electronic locking rear-differential
Totally refreshed interior and exterior styling, based on Nissan’s then-new F-Alpha platform

A multitude of different trims were available on the new Xterra, with adventure-focused trims like the PRO-4X stealing the limelight, thanks to special features like an electric locking rear differential, and useful accessories, such as roof rack and external lighting kits.

Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
4.0L V6	5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual	2WD & part-time 4WD

Second-Generation Xterra Production Years

2008 Nissan Xterra Review

2007 Nissan Xterra

2006 Nissan Xterra

2005 Nissan Xterra

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2002-2004 Nissan Xterra 1st Gen (WD22) Facelift

Nissan was certainly busy prior to introducing the WD22-gen facelifted Xterra, as the changes were quite thorough, with very few stones left unturned. The most notable update was certainly the revised front fascia, which boasted distinctive rounded headlights, and an increased hood height. Nissan had been to work inside too, updating the instrument cluster and HVAC controls, in addition to smaller details throughout the cabin.

Revised front-end styling, with rounded headlights and lifted hood height
Revised interior styling with new HVAC controls and instrument display
Optional supercharged 3.3-liter V6 engine

When the facelifted model debuted, it was announced that a supercharged model would be introduced, with the boost being applied to the existing 3.3-liter V6. This upgrade saw power swell to 210 horses – up 40 from the naturally aspirated lump.

Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
2.4L I4	4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual	2WD
3.3L V6	4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual	Part-time 4WD
3.3L supercharged V6	4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual	Part-time 4WD

First-Generation Facelift Xterra Production Years

2004 Nissan Xterra

2003 Nissan Xterra

2002 Nissan Xterra

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2000-2001 Nissan Xterra 1st Gen (WD22)

Nissan launched the Xterra for the 2000 model year, with two engine options, two transmission choices, and two different drivetrains. This gave buyers the ability to spec either a back-to-basics truck-based SUV, with four-cylinder power, rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission, or splash the cash and shell out on a well-specced V6-powered model, equipped with a four-speed automatic, part-time four-wheel-drive, and plenty of bells and whistles inside.