2014 Nissan Xterra details

Nissan Xterra

the Nissan Xterra is a midsize SUV with enhanced off-road ability. Built with stout body-on-frame construction and available four-wheel drive, the Xterra is a steady seller among those who use their SUV for outdoor recreation -- or those who simply wish to look the part.

With its boxy shape, swollen fender flares and roof rails that could double for industrial piping, the Xterra is the image of rough and tough. Those roof rails and built-in storage box have defined the Xterra ever since it debuted in 2000, giving this SUV practicality and a visual punch. Also still present is the asymmetrical rear window. A skidplate protects the Xterra's lower radiator from bruises, and PRO-4X models have additional skidplate protection around the oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case. Those top-trim models also have fog lights and roof-mounted off-road lights. Standard wheels across the board are 16 inches in size.

The Xterra S brings the Utili-track Cargo Channel System, Easy Clean cargo area, back body side moldings, dual power exterior mirrors, a first-aid kit, a 4.3-inch color display for the audio system, AUX and USB inputs and SiriusXM satellite radio. Also standard are 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, which feature a new design for the latest model year.

The 2014 Nissan Xterra is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. Two-wheel-drive X and S models can only be had with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the four-wheel-drive S and Pro-4X have a choice between the automatic and a six-speed manual. Rear-wheel drive is standard (except on the Pro-4X), and a four-wheel-drive system with a multimode low-range transfer case is available as an option.

2014 Nissan Xterra isequipped with, six-speaker stereo system, Bluetooth, auxiliary jack, USB input, an eight-speaker Rockford Fosgate stereo system, a NissanConnect infotainment system with navigation and smartphone app integration, satellite radio and a backup camera.

The 2014 Xterra is fitted with driver, passenger, side-impact and curtain side-impact/rollover supplemental airbags. The Xterra also incorporates an energy-absorbing steering column, zone body construction with front and rear crumple zones, side door-guard beams, a shifter interlock system, vehicle dynamic control with traction control and a tire-pressure-monitoring system.

The 2014 Nissan Xterra has a starting price of $23,110  while the top-of-the-line Xterra PRO-4X with automatic transmission costs from $31,090.