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Nissan Xterra I 3.3 i V6 (170 Hp) 4WD Automatic
Overall Rating
Nissan Xterra:
The Nissan Xterra is a truck-based compact SUV manufactured and marketed by Nissan from 1999 to 2015 across two generations; the first sharing a platform and many of its major exterior parts from the front doors forward with the Nissan Frontier pickup – and the second sharing the Nissan F-Alpha platform with the Frontier and Pathfinder.
Sporting a name licensed from the XTERRA off-road triathlon race series, the vehicle was positioned by Nissan as functional and reliable outdoor gear, epitomized by its marketing tagline “Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t. ”....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Nissan Xterra (I). With 271 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1780 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 192 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Nissan Xterra I was not tested by Euro NCAP, as it was primarily marketed in North America. US safety ratings (NHTSA/IIHS) generally indicated acceptable performance for its era, though modern standards have advanced significantly.
3.3 i V6 (170 Hp) 4WD Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This earlier iteration of the 3.3L V6 with 170 hp offers sufficient power for general use, though it feels less responsive than the later 182 hp or supercharged versions. Automatic provides ease of use.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is poor, typical for an older V6 SUV with an automatic transmission and 4WD, making it expensive to run. Not a strong point.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent off-road capability, especially with 4WD V6 models.
- • Rugged, utilitarian design and durable body-on-frame construction.
- • Spacious cargo area with practical features like roof rack and rear bumper step.
- • Strong towing capacity for its class (V6 models).
- • Relatively affordable on the used market for a capable SUV.
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy across all V6 engines, leading to high running costs.
- • Unrefined on-road ride quality and handling compared to car-based SUVs.
- • Interior materials are basic and lack modern amenities or sound insulation.
- • Sluggish performance with the base 2.4L engine, especially when loaded.
- • Prone to rust in certain areas (frame, exhaust) in salt-prone climates.
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Nissan |
| Model: | Xterra |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.3 i V6 (170 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2000 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 4800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 51.9 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 271 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | VG33E |
| Engine displacement: | 3275 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.3 l |
| Coolant: | 10.95 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 91.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 83 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 13 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 192 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.5 kg/Hp, 95.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.6 kg/Nm, 152.2 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1780 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1857 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 1260 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 73 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4520 mm mm |
| Width: | 1790 mm mm |
| Height: | 1860 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2650 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1525 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1505 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/70 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
What’s the best feature of the Nissan Xterra? Tell us in the comments!