CarGurus Header

2005 Nissan Xterra Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$21,430 to $27,930

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.6

avg user rating

(11 reviews)
2005 Nissan Xterra Preview summaryImage

Cross-country adventure is what the Nissan Xterra promises, and the rugged SUV was meant to appeal to youthful, adventurous drivers who want versatility, power, and off-road capability. The 2005 Xterra is an all-new generation, sitting on the Titan-based F-Alpha platform that is meant to be more durable and more rugged, with a stiffer suspension and stronger shocks.
The 2005 Xterra features all new parts, design, dimensions, and engine, though it's hard to tell from the outside. The front end has been remodeled, the roof rails made chunkier, bigger fender flares added, and new rear side steps allow you to access the roof easier. Available in two or four-wheel drive, the Nissan Xterra comes in S, Off-Road, and SE trims. The 4-cylinder engine has been dropped in place of a new 4.0-liter, 250-hp V6 matched with either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic, both from the 350Z. Overhangs have been reduced and the wheelbase stretched two inches, adding more leg and headroom inside (3.5 inches more legroom in the rear seat) for passenger comfort. Also new is standard ABS. Second row seats are slightly raised for better visibility, and more cupholders and storage compartments have been added. The cargo area features a Utilitrak type setup, a channel with multiple hooks and attachments. Traction control, brake assist and dual front airbags are standard across the line, and stability control is available on the Off-Road and SE. In fact, both the Off-Road and SE are similar, though the SE has a trip computer, steering wheel controls, and leather trim. They both feature a folding passenger seat for more cargo room. The Off-Road comes with Hill Descent and Hill Assist.
Great power, a fun drive, and first-rate off-roading capabilities distinguish the 2005 Nissan Xterra. Storage options are great, and overall passenger space is comfortable. The cargo area is easy to clean. Complaints mention the low gas mileage, the desire for more options, a cheap plastic interior, and difficult access to the rear seats.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
Sometimes our content pages are the result of a team effort. As with all CarGurus editorial, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2005 Nissan Xterra

Write a review
User rating:
by Chad S
May 22, 2013
Fun to drive, lots of interior room, good roof rack system. aftermarket basket on roof rack holds gear in place! always drove by Xterras and would see myself owning one in the future, first camping trip in one more sleep! Wifey and I already slept a night in the back, not bad if use an air mattress.May 22, 2013
by Anonymous
Jul 08, 2012
This car has been great! It has lasted me four long years and still has many more years left. The spacious interior makes transporting cargo a breeze. The comfy seats make those long car rides seem like a trip to the store. This car has great power and reliability. It will be sad to see it go.Jul 08, 2012
by Jeff L
Nov 25, 2011
This was the first of the next generation X-Terra. They always say don't be the first guy in, and guess what, I am always the first guy in for a new model. I was looking at used 4-Runners and Pathfinders when someone asked me if I'd seen or driven the 05' XTerra. I hadn't so jumped on-line to find out that they old tired (and trusty) VG33 engine was dropped in favor of a VQ (no more timing belt changes ever) 4 liter that put out 261 horse and even more torque. I went to drive it and I was there. Then I find a 6 speed (if I had it to do over again I might have gone for the slush box) in the color i wanted (Granite) for 18k in a S with power everything and 4 wheel drive. That was 45k ago, the truck is extremely reliable, powerful and gets the job done every time you ask it to do something. I had it in the snow in Lake Tahoe many times now and it is like a snow plow, never once leaving me feeling at risk. I am not an off-roader so I cannot comment on the off-roading stuff, but snow and other bad weather it is a rock star.Nov 25, 2011

2005 Nissan Xterra Pricing

Original MSRP
$21,430 to $27,930
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A
Nissan Xterra price trends

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.54

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.54

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.54

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.94

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.54 · Locking differential: rear

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.13

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (6)

Other years

Related cars

2005 Nissan Xterra For Sale

Related Models For Sale

CarGurus Footer