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By Keith Burton Nissan’s latest X-Terra was introduced in 2005 as a completely new design that is bigger and much more powerful than the company’s first version, which was wildly popular for its rugged styling. For 2006, more option choices are available as well as a better equipped standard version, but the main thing with the X-Terra, is that regardless of the model, you get one powerful machine, capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds (properly equipped) and with a terrifically smooth 265 horsepower engine. But first a little about the X-Terra in general. While more and more SUVs have become more carlike in their design and performance, the X-Terra takes you back to when SUV’s emphasized the “Sport” part of such vehicles. That is, the X-Terra looks like a real SUV, and can perform well both on and off road. Nissan wisely kept the essential rugged, bumpy look of the first X-Terra, but increased the size and power of this popular vehicle without sending its price too high. It is also much improved in its ride and handling, but more on that later. What you get with the X-Terra is a vehicle that is cool to look at, and can now easily keep up the pace on the highway, whether it is being used for towing or not. Nissan seems to have a way with engines that other
manufacturers are still grasping at for help. The X-Terra’s four The engine features electronic throttle control with secondary mapping in 4LO (4WD models), Continuous Valve Timing Control, Nissan’s variable Induction Control System, silent timing chain, Nissan’s microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, and even Teflon-coated pistons and 105,000-mile spark plugs. The secondary mapping for the throttle changes how the throttle controls the engine when you are in the low-range and provides much better engine control. But there is more to the Nissan’s engine design. It feels powerful even at low rpms and revs almost electrically to redline without the thrashing of so many others. This is a refined driveline for an SUV. Combined with an available four-wheel drive 5-speed automatic, or 6-speed manual transmission, and you have a pretty fun vehicle even when you don’t need to be towing your boat to the lake. The X-Terra was designed by Nissan to appeal to people with an active lifestyle. That means the X-Terra is packed with the type of features, both inside and out, that offer the type of vehicle experience that is almost unique. The cargo area, for example, has easy-to-clean flooring and a total of 10 cargo area utility hooks – six on the floor/sides and four on the ceiling ( the company says the floor hooks can carry up to 110 pounds). There is also an adjustable channel system in the cargo floor, similar in design to the Utili-track system offered on the Nissan Titan and Frontier pickups, which makes it easier to secure bike racks and other accessories or gear. And just in case you get thirsty and hurt yourself on the trail out to the lake, there’s space to securely carry up to one-gallon jugs and an available built-in first-aid kit. We can also attest in the performance of the X-Terra’s optional 300-watt Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system with nine speakers, steering wheel controls, mp3 capability and, hold your breath, satellite radio with your choice of XM or Sirius services.
The X-Terra’s 4x4 offroad capability includes a part-time 4WD system with 2WD/4HI/4LO modes and electronically controlled transfer case. A Vehicle Dynamic Control system that helps with vehicle stability is also offered as standard equipment, as well as antilock brakes. There is also a hill descent feature that will automatically control the rate you descend a hill for added safety and control. The interior is thoughtfully designed with an attractive and rugged-looking dash with easy-to see controls. We particularly liked the powerful air-conditioner, which could keep the cabin comfortable in temperatures in the upper 90’s. The instrumentation is well designed and fairly intuitive, so you won’t have to spend a lot of time reading the owner’s manual to see how things work. The front bucket seats are large and comfortable for long sessions and offer the typical adjustments that good seats have for height and back support. A large center console has room for odds and ends and there are large cupholders for big water bottles. Rear seating is “stadium style,” that is, it is raised somewhat in relation to the front seats. This method gives rear seat passengers a view of the road in front and adds to the spacious feeling inside this midsize SUV. The rear seats also fold down in a split 60-40 arrangement to add luggage capacity. Nissan also designed the seat fabric to stand up to an active lifestyle. The material resists stains and those type of pulls from sharp objects, yet at the same time is grippy without being like Velcro. It also looks good.
Over the highway, the X-Terra surprised us with its ride. While the suspension is quite firm and the vehicle’s ride height is up there, the X-Terra feels sporty. But it is certainly not a sports car. The steering is precise and the weighting feels right in your hands, but you are always aware that this is a tall vehicle on tall tires, so zipping around corners needs to be done with some thought. But after you get used to it, the X-Terra is easy to maneuver. It also accelerates quickly and you often find reasons to step a bit harder on the pedal from stop lights just for the fun of it. The engine has a nice soft growl as the rpm’s climb and for engine enthusiasts, they will enjoy the experience. That is not to say that the X-Terra is a noisy SUV. It is not. You do hear more road rumble than you would in the luxury SUVs, but it is not distracting. The only problem is with the standard roof rack. At highway speeds, you will hear the wind rushing over it. We kind-of wish Nissan made the roof rack an option, or designed it so all of the noise-producing bits could be removed. Braking performance is good with excellent feel from
the pedal. The action is linear and smooth. The same is true from the
accelerator pedal. If you have the 4x4 model, the different mapping for
the electronic throttle control will help keep you from bucking the
X-Terra in crawling slowly in the low range while offroading. Nissan’s first X-Terra was popular not just for its off-road rugged styling, but for its relatively low price. While the new X-Terra is more in every way, Nissan has been careful to offer their latest iteration at a variety of price points that should keep customers happy. The price ranges from under $20,000 for a two wheel drive version to over $27,000 for a well-equipped SE model with all the options. These prices still put the X-Terra in a very appealing range when you look at the prices of its competitors. Overall, the 2006 X-Terra has a lot going for it. It has a refined and powerful engine, which is standard across the price range, rugged looks that shout “I am a real offroad vehicle,” plus excellent towing capability and an interior that is big enough for adults. Is the X-Terra for everyone? Certainly not, but it is an SUV where “sport” means something more than carrying kids to soccer practice. Specifications
2006 Nissan X-Terra 4x4
Vehicle type: Five-door, Five-passenger SUV Length: 178.7 in. Height: 74.9 in. w/standard roof rack Width: 72.8 in. Wheelbase: 106.3 in. Weight: 4,402 lbs. (4x4) Fuel capacity: 21.1 gals. Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped Ground Clearance: 9.1” (4x4) EPA mileage estimates (city/highway): 14/18 mpg Base price range (MSRP): 4x2 X Model $18,950 4x4 SE $27,650 EngineDOHC 4.0 Liter V-6Horsepower: 265 hp @ 5,600 rpm Torque: 284 @ 4,000
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Nissan’s
2006 X-Terra
valves per cylinder 4-liter 265 horsepower engine is among the class
leaders for mid-size SUVs. Its 284 ft-lb. of torque is another factor that
makes this SUV one to consider. These are the type of power numbers that
once was only in the realm of big V8 engines. 
But
unlike a lot of SUVs out there, the X-Terra hasn’t given up its offroading
abilities to style or comfort. The Xterra features a modified version of
the F-Alpha platform developed for use with the full-size Nissan Titan
pickup and Armada SUV. Xterra is built with a fully boxed, all-steel
ladder frame and adds a steel double-wishbone front suspension with
stabilizer bar and solid axle leaf spring rear suspension. An option from
Nissan are high-performance gas shocks for the Xterra Off-Road model.
Nissan also designed the X-Terra to have a clean underbody to help keep
you from knocking components from the vehicle when heading to your
favorite offroad boat ramp.
ON
THE ROAD