2007 Nissan Xterra Review

The 2007 Nissan Xterra comes with two- and four-wheel drive, and a number of trims. The Xterra X is the entry point for the model and is equipped with front tow hooks, 16-inch steel wheels, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a tire pressure monitoring system, air conditioning, a CD player, and a split folding rear seat.

The S adds alloy wheels, crossbars to the roof rack rails, power mirrors, power windows, power locks, cruise control, an alarm system, and remote keyless entry. The SE is the luxury trim, and includes 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, unique exterior molding, a flat-folding front passenger seat, a Rockford Fosgate audio system with a six-disc CD changer, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, among other items.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the 4x4-only Off Road trim has some SE equipment, as well as trail-ready goodies such as an electronic locking rear differential, skid plates, high performance shocks, and off-road tires. There is also a hill descent control that allows you to come down very steep slopes with no braking input from the driver.

Much of each trim's signature equipment can be added to lower trims. Other notable optional equipment includes an in-cabin microfilter (great for those dusty two-tracks to the trailhead), side air bags with a rollover sensor, and satellite radio.

All models are equipped with an excellent 4.0L DOHC V6 engine that produces 261 horsepower and 281 ft-lbs of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all trims except for the SE, which has a five-speed automatic. The five-speed is optional on all other trims for $800.

The Xterra does just fine in the utility function, handling the telltale trip to the warehouse club with ease. Rear cargo space measures in at 35.2 cubic feet; folding down the 60/40 split rear seat yields 65.7 cubic feet of cargo area.

Hard plastic on the rear seat back and cargo floor makes for easy clean up. Built-in rails in the cargo floor with moveable anchors make it very easy to secure any gear in back. A covered cargo box built into the roof rack adds to this ute's flexibility. Steps in the rear bumper make it easy to climb up to the back part of the rack.

With the larger Pathfinder covering the family end of the market, Nissan has cleverly positioned the Xterra to appeal to the youthful, "active lifestyle" set that is so coveted by auto manufactures. It's especially fun to drive with the manual transmission, even if you never venture off-road.
The Nissan Xterra, two years out of a redesign, continues largely unchanged for 2007. An auxiliary input jack is now standard with the SE trim, and an overhead sunglass holder and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are now standard with the Off Road trim. The Off Road trim is no longer available on two-wheel drive vehicles. see less