New York Auto Show 2004 Highlights

Nissan X-Terra
by Matthew de Paula

The segment in which Nissan's all-new Xterra competes is now bulging with upwards of 70 different models, compared to 40 when the truck-based SUV was first introduced in 1999. The new Xterra has quite a task against such competition, two of which are its own kin – the Armada and Pathfinder.

Styling cues from the previous model blend with motifs introduced on the Armada and Titan. The stepped roof, rear-hatch bulge (to accommodate a first-aid kit) and bulky roof rack with its plastic compartment now featuring a lid, are nods to the outgoing model. A new front fascia with angular lights and protruding grille exaggerate Nissan's latest truck design vocabulary, as do the more substantial wheel arches, squared instead of rounded like on the Frontier and upcoming Pathfinder (October).

One of the pervious model's major downfalls was a rough ride on-road due to the crude Frontier pick-up platform on which it was based. The new Xterra's two-inch longer wheelbase should smooth this out while expanding the interior. The truck employs a modified version of Nissan's more sophisticated F-Alpha chassis underpinning the full-size Armada SUV and Titan pick-up. Larger in nearly every dimension, a smaller front overhang means overall length is only two-tenths of an inch longer. This enhances maneuverability off-road. Ground clearance is improved with a clean underbody. Width is up 2.5 inches, and height 1.9 inches. The rear bumper now incorporates steps on either side to help reach the roof rack.

Front leg room has been increased nearly an inch and front head room over half an inch. Second-row leg room has increased 3.6 inches and head room has grown by 2.3 inches.

The center console has been enlarged and the glove compartment is now a double deck design. There is also additional instrument panel storage. The Xterra Off-Road model includes unique blue seat fabric. A new adjustable channel system in the cargo floor was designed to secure bike racks and other gear with ease.

The new Xterra features a 4.0-liter version of Nissan's VQ-series V6 engine and hits dealers early in 2005.