The 2009 Nissan Xterra receive enhancement that include a redesigned front end appearance, new wheel designs, new seat materials and colors (with leather-appointed seats standard on SE models), new trim level content, and standard front and rear roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags with rollover sensor. The Nissan Xterra X 2WD (Auto) was last redesigned in 2005; no information is currently available on upcoming changes. -
Intellichoice.com
Nissan's most affordable SUV is renowned for its rugged body-on-frame construction, powerful standard V6 engine and insatiable appetite for all things dirty and boulder-strewn. The 2009 Nissan Xterra is ideally suited for the active adventurer highlighted in so many Xterra commercials. If you're looking for economy over power, the Xterra's new V6 won't impress you. -
KBB.com
Nissan's truck-based Xterra is geared toward young and/or active buyers — or those who want to appear that way. The 2009 Nissan Xterra has a three-star rollover rating, which is fairly poor, even for an SUV. At 178.7 inches long and 72.8 inches wide, the Xterra is smaller than the FJ Cruiser but larger than the Wrangler Unlimited. -
Cars.com
The 2009 Nissan Xterra may be more refined, but I just don't like it. The ride was bumpy and noisy, kind of like my 20s. The interior felt cheap overall and offered too many plastic parts for my liking. -
Cars.com
The 2009 Nissan Xterra is a basic, value-priced sport-utility vehicle that offers serious truck durability and off-road ability. With convenient tie-down points and storage spaces, it's a good choice for young, active people who need to go off-road with a bike, kayak or other equipment. Yet with the back seat up and in place, there's enough space for four adults. -
Autoguide.com
The 2009 Nissan Xterra makes an excellent choice for the weekend off-road warrior who still needs an SUV civilized enough for the Monday-through-Friday commute. Thanks to the 2009 Nissan Xterra's powerful V6, performance is sure to satisfy. On the road, the Xterra maneuvers confidently with precise steering, while also keeping body roll in check. The 2009 Nissan Xterra's interior is well designed, with excellent ergonomics. However, the overall impression is marred by the use of subpar hard plastics. -
Edmunds.com
The 2009 Nissan Xterra Off Road, like a Swiss Army knife, could be thought of as a multipurpose tool. A deeply rutted trail can be tamed just as easily as a Monday-through-Friday commute — all in the same vehicle. If you prefer your recreation with a board, skis, bike, neoprene, helmet, oar, rope or fishing pole, this Xterra is for you. -
Edmunds.com
The Nissan Xterra maintains its steady course on the road and off, as a popular SUV that can do it all and then some, with a fold-flat cargo area that's rugged and easy to clean, and built-in channels on the floor with 10 hooks or eyelets to tie things down. The 2009 Nissan Xterra is user friendly, has a comfortable ride for a truck, and wears well. In 4WD it achieves 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, using an exceptional 4.0-liter V6 engine and smooth five-speed automatic transmission. -
Automotive.com
The Frontier-based Xterra feels much more civilized on the road than its crude predecessor, but it is still capable off-road. Although the ride is stiff, handling is relatively responsive. The strong V6 engine delivers quick acceleration but overall fuel economy is just 17 mpg. The automatic is very smooth but the four-wheel-drive system is still part-time. The basic interior looks rugged and is well assembled. Side and curtain air bags are standard for 2009. Electronic stability control is also standard. The off-road trim line has a hill-descent control that maintains a very low speed on slippery downhill grades. -
MSN Autos
Fuel economy was not terribly impressive from the powerful V6 engine, but the 2009 Nissan Xterra makes a great choice for the buyer who needs off-road capability but still wants a comfortable ride on the road. -
MSN Autos
The handsome 2009 Nissan Xterra is one of the best choices for active people to go off-road and haul or tow a lot of toys. The 2009 Nissan Xterra receives rave reviews for its bold, perfectly appropriate exterior styling and functional interior look. -
Thecarconnection.com
Unlike many SUVs in this size class, the Xterra's rugged looks are backed by serious off-road capabilities, as well as on-road comfort. Offered in rear- and 4WD editions and built on the full-size Titan truck chassis, the Xterra line consists of four models, with minor updates for 2009. Mushy brake-pedal feel, noisy on some surfaces. Versatile performer that's happy on all surfaces, rugged construction, well designed for off-road use, attractive pricing. -
Caranddriver.com
The 2009 Nissan Xterra is ideal as a tough, capable vehicle -- not a comfortable highway cruiser. Another drawback is that the Xterra claims some of the worst fuel economy numbers of any small SUV. -
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