Nissan Xterra I 3.3 i V6 4WD (182 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.3 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 3.7 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 274 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1875 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.4 s). The top speed reaches 165 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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 4WD (182 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The naturally aspirated 3.3L V6 provides adequate power for most situations, offering a good balance between daily usability and off-road capability without the supercharger's complexity.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is poor, though slightly better than the supercharged version, it remains a thirsty engine for its power output, typical for a V6 SUV of its age.

Best Use Case: General purpose / Off-road / Moderate towing

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:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I: 2000 - 2001).

General:
Brand:Nissan
Model:Xterra
Generation:I
Modification (Engine):3.3 i V6 4WD (182 Hp)
Start of production:2002
End of production:2004
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:182 Hp @ 4800 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:55.6 Hp/l [2mm less]
Torque:274 Nm @ 2800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:VG33E More details about the engine 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:13.1 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.4 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.4 sec
Maximum speed:165 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.3 kg/Hp, 97.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.8 kg/Nm, 146.1 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1875
Max. weight:2359
Max load:484
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1857 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:1260 l
Fuel tank capacity:73 l
Size:
Length:4520 mm mm [2mm less]
Width:1790 mm mm [2mm more]
Height:1895 mm mm [132mm more]
Wheelbase:2650 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1525 mm
Rear (Back) track:1505 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size265/70 R16
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionLeaf spring

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