2011 Nissan Xterra Review
2011 Nissan Xterra Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Serious off-road prowess
- powerful V6
- innovative cargo features
- most livable truck in its class.
Cons
- Unimpressive interior design and materials
- poor fuel economy relative to similarly priced crossovers.
What’s new
For 2011, the Nissan Xterra's Off-Road trim level has been renamed Pro-4X, while the SE trim level has been dropped.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Nissan Xterra may lack the funky styling and unique features of its off-roading competitors, but it's the easiest to live with on those days when you're not rock-crawling and mud-splashing.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Nissan Xterra X 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$235/mo for Xterra X
Xterra X
vs
$204/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
With an elevated ride height, four-wheel drive and enough roof space to strap down an elk, the SUV certainly was created with the great outdoors in mind. Yet at some point folks in suburbia gained a hankering for them, and the resulting market shift has left traditional off-roading SUVs dying out in favor of tall station wagons known as crossovers. There are only a handful of traditional SUVs left, but thankfully, the remaining models cater to those with a traditional taste for the outdoors. The 2011 Nissan Xterra is the one most easy to live with.
To go along with the Xterra's tough-guy appearance, you'll find sturdy body-on-frame construction, a burly V6, tall ground clearance and an available four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing. The premium Pro-4X trim further bolsters the Xterra's off-highway credentials with skid plates, a driver-selectable locking rear differential, hill descent control and roof-mounted lights. In other words, this is a serious truck that can take you places when the asphalt and concrete ends.
Of course, other SUVs can do that, too, but the 2011 Nissan Xterra is certainly more sensible for those times when you're stuck in the urban jungle. Its four doors give it a clear practical advantage over the 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser, which has access-style rear half doors and blind spots in which you could hide a bus. The Xterra is also more powerful and far more civilized than the 2011 Jeep Wrangler. Of course, the retro-inspired FJ is more stylish and the Wrangler is even more capable off-road, but practicality usually comes with such a price.
It's worth noting that compared to newer crossover SUVs, all of these vehicles come with the inherent downsides of thirsty fuel consumption, a trucklike ride and cabins that aren't exactly cosseting. If this is too much for you, consider the 2011 Kia Sportage, 2011 Mazda CX-7 and 2011 Subaru Forester. All you'll really lose is the off-road ability. Well, that and the easy ability to transport that elk.
Performance & mpg
The 2011 Nissan Xterra is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 that produces 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. The X and S 4x2 are available only with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the S 4x4 and Pro-4X have a choice between the automatic and a six-speed manual transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all but the Pro-4X, while the available four-wheel-drive system features a multimode transfer case with low-range gearing.
In Edmunds performance testing, an Xterra 4x4 with an automatic transmission went from zero to 60 mph in 8 seconds. The rear-drive Xterra returns an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined. Opting for four-wheel drive lowers the highway estimate by 1 mpg, while opting for the manual improves the city estimate by 1 mpg.
Safety
The 2011 Nissan Xterra is equipped with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Xterra Pro-4X models also come with hill-descent control and hill-start assist. In Edmunds brake testing, an Xterra Pro-4X came to a stop from 60 mph in 131 feet -- an average result for an off-roading SUV.
The Nissan Xterra has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. However, its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to the new methodology) were four out of five stars in a front collision and five stars for side crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Xterra its highest rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset and side tests and a second-best rating of "Acceptable" in the roof strength test.
Driving
Thanks to the 2011 Nissan Xterra's powerful V6, performance is sure to satisfy. On the road, the Xterra maneuvers confidently with precise steering and relatively minimal body roll. With its truck-derived underpinnings, the Xterra offers impressive off-road performance due to its long suspension travel and high ground clearance, though its ultimate in-the-dirt capabilities fall short of the Wrangler's. The engine further enhances off-road prowess with its prodigious low-end power. The compromises of handling and ride quality in the city are minor, considering the Xterra's versatility.
Interior
The Xterra's interior controls are easy to use and reach. The overall look is marred somewhat by a rather dull design and the predominant use of hard plastics. But the latter aren't really any worse than what's seen in its off-roading competitors. Should you be less interested in off-roading, any number of compact crossover models feature more comfortable and better-appointed cabins.
The cargo area offers 35 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 66 cubes with the seats folded. All Xterras (except for the base X model) feature cargo areas that have an easy-to-clean floor, as well as sturdy utility hooks mounted to the sides of the floor and ceiling. An innovative channel-type locating system for securing bike racks and gear is also built into the floor. There are also built-in spaces for an optional first aid kit and a 1-gallon water jug in the cargo area. A gear basket and heavy-duty rails allow you to transport things on the roof that are too big and/or dirty to fit inside.
2011 Nissan Xterra models
The 2011 Nissan Xterra is a five-passenger, four-door SUV available with rear- and four-wheel drive. Available trim levels are X, S and Pro-4X. The latter comes only with four-wheel drive.
The Xterra X comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, privacy glass, keyless entry, power locks and mirrors, cruise control, air-conditioning, tilt-only steering wheel, and a six-speaker CD sound system. The Xterra S gains 16-inch alloy wheels, off-road tires, a height-adjustable driver seat with lumbar control, a first aid kit and a cargo organization system. The 4X4 S gets a roof rack with crossbars and a gear basket.
The Pro-4X adds an electronic locking rear differential, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, skid plates, different 16-inch alloy wheels, upgraded off-road tires, foglamps, roof-mounted off-road lights, unique cloth upholstery, a fold-flat passenger seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, white-face gauges, an auto-dimming rearview mirror (with built-in compass), Bluetooth and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with a six-CD changer, auxiliary audio jack, steering-wheel audio controls and satellite radio (with automatic transmission only). The Pro-4X Leather package adds leather upholstery and a passenger seat back pocket, but deletes the passenger seat's flat-folding capability.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#24 out of 29 among Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Nissan Xterra from 2008-2022.$442/yr
vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.53x/yr
vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).14.7%
vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Nissan Xterra.
5 star(62%)
4 star(30%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
66 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Great SUV
thisnthat3, 09/26/2013
2011 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
I've had a number of different SUV brands over the years, this by far is the best. It is a "true" SUV not a crossover, lots of space & just generally a great fun car to drive. Very reliable, have driven back & forth down South a few times w/o any problems whatsoever. It was a year old, certified new when purchased.
UPDATE: Have now owned this car 7 years & its still runs as if brand … new. Only regular maintenance performed, oil changes, tires, etc. Otherwise car runs great, no problems. Would definitely purchase another, unfortunately cars are changing each year and can't say the newest ones are made as well.
UPDATE 10/21: Car still running great! Took it from FL to UT, changed out tires, did some recommended maintenance but car doing great! Will definitely consider another Nissan when looking to buy.
UPDATE: 4/22/22 Car still going strong! I keep up on routine maintenance, take it up the hills of UT, gets me thru snow, best car ever!
UPDATE: 10/2023 Car going strong! I've even had offers from others to purchase it but it runs great, I keep up with maintenance and its doing great. Even the mechanics comment on how welll this SUV runs.
4 out of 5 stars
Solid Versatile Truck for a Good Price
dallas70, 10/01/2014
2010 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Owned for over 4 years and 52000 miles before trading in last year. Rock solid performance and reliability... I wish I had kept it. I'd say it provides more capability and livability for the price than just about any other 4x4 SUV. I paid $23,800 after rebates and I think the only area of the Xterra that reflects the bargain price is some of the interior parts (seat material, hard … plastics, cargo area plastic not as tough as I'd like).
We made many family trips and commutes with this SUV in all conditions and the only thing I would have done differently is go for the nicer PRO4X model.
4.88 out of 5 stars
PRO-4X is awesome
outdoorzman, 01/03/2011
2011 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
I picked the PRO-4X model and it's awesome.
It's rugged and capable without sacrificing practibility.
The V6 is very strong and the ride is very smooth.
It has lots of little cubby holes and nets for storage.
I like the fabric of the interior as well as the material in the rear cargo area.
It should be very easy to clean.
The top rack is very nice and it's also got a little storage area … up there as well.
The mileage isn't great and the back seats could be easier to get in and out of but it's an off-road SUV and I really didn't expect it to be any different.
I picked this vehicle over the FJ because it was more practical for my needs.
Take a look and I promise you will like it.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Solid SUV...worth a look
Anonymous, 12/08/2010
2010 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
The Xterra is a true off-road capable SUV. We have about 6k miles on ours and it's been great so far. We bought the Xterra because we wanted a true 4wd that could eventually take the place of my aging Toyota Tacoma. We drove a lot of vehicles before deciding on the Xterra. No regrets. Pros- It's fun to drive and well appointed. The V6 is very powerful. Good size, not too big or too … small. Cons- It's not fuel efficient. My guess is that 20 mpg is the best you can expect on the hwy, 15 in the city. Interior plastics scratch easily which is a little annoying.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Nissan Xterra, so we've included reviews for other years of the Xterra since its last redesign.
2011 Xterra Highlights
X
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $24,260 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $235/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 36.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Xterra include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover24.6%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestAcceptable
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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