| Model year | 2006 |
| Make | Nissan |
| Model | Xterra |
| Style | Off Road |
| Base MSRP | $27,050 |
| As-tested MSRP | $29,015 |
| Drive type | four-wheel drive |
| Engine type | DOHC V6 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 4.0 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 265 @ 5,600 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 284 @ 4,000 |
| Transmission type | five-speed automatic |
| Suspension, front | dual wishbones with coil springs |
| Suspension, rear | solid axle with leaf springs |
| Steering type | rack and pinion |
| Tire brand | BFGoodrich |
| Tire model | Rugged Trail |
| Tire size, front | 265/75R16 |
| Tire size, rear | 265/75R16 |
| Brakes, front | four-wheel disc with ABS |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 5.0 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 7.7 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 11.9 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 15.85@86.1 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 32.9 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 141.5 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 57.0 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 37.3 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | 46 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 76 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 71 |
| Acceleration comments | Solid off the line thrust but it softens quickly after initial surge. Comes alive again around 4,000rpm. Sounds refined the whole way through. Shifts come at 6,000rpm, redline is 6,250rpm. Good solid shifts every time. |
| Braking rating | Average |
| Braking comments | Average nose dive for an SUV. Moderage ABS noise and vibration. More tire noise that usual. Stops would have been shorter, but we kept experiencing intermittent rear wheel lock up. |
| Handling rating | Excellent |
| Handling comments | Still has significant body roll like the previous model. Steering is better than before but still not great. Handling is predictable enough not to scare you when it gets loose. |
| Elevation (ft.) | Not Tested |
| Temperature (°F) | Not Tested |
| Wind (mph, direction) | Not Tested |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 16 City 21 Highway |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | 15.8 |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 21.1 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 4,402 |
| Length (in.) | 178.7 |
| Width (in.) | 72.8 |
| Height (in.) | 74.9 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 106.3 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 42.4 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 34.4 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 39.9 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 39.3 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 35.2 |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 65.7 |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3 yr./36,000 mi |
| Powertrain | 5 yr./50,000 mi |
| Corrosion | 5 yr./Unlimited |
| Roadside assistance | 3 yr/ 36,000 mi |
| Free scheduled maintenance | N/A |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Optional |
| Head airbags | Optional |
| Antilock brakes | Standard |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Standard |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Rollover protection | Not Available |
| Emergency assistance system | Not Available |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not Tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Not Tested |
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