2005 Nissan Xterra Trims and Specs

The 2005 Nissan Xterra Off-Road is the most rugged of the compact SUV lineup, featuring performance shocks, skid plates, and 16-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires. Though it gained some inches for improved head and legroom, the 2005 Xterra Off-Road is still a 4-passenger SUV with two rows of seats. Split-folding expands the 35 cubic foot cargo space to 66 cubic feet. A heftier 4.0-liter, 265-hp V6 with 284 lb-ft of torque powers the rear-wheel drive Xterra Off-Road, with a choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.

Safety features that help earn 4-star ratings include traction and stability control, 4-wheel ABS brakes, dual front airbags, foglights, and a tire monitor. Side impact bags for each row are extra, as is an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Power windows, locks, and mirrors, a CD player, cruise control, tachometer, remote entry, and intermittent front and rear wipers are also standard. Too many backpacks for the spacious cargo area? The standard roof rack is there to help. A trailer hitch and towing package are options, as are wheel-mounted audio controls, updated sound system, and a CD changer/MP3 player. Great power, handling, utility, and standard features are tops with owners of the 2005 Xterra Off-Road. Low gas mileage is always a sticking point.

A new grille, longer body, and more head and legroom make driving the 2005 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4WD more stylish and comfortable, and the new 4.0-liter, 265-hp DOHC V6 engine with choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic make it fun and capable in demanding driving conditions. The 4WD feature is accompanied by a locking rear differential, skid plates, 16-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, traction control, and Hill Descent and Hill Start Assist. Other safety considerations are addressed with the standard 4-wheel ABS brakes, dual front airbags, foglights, and tire monitor. Available as options are stability control, side impact airbags and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Aimed at younger drivers, the compact SUV is built for functionality as well, with a 35-66 cubic foot cargo area that features tie-downs and can be equipped with a towing package and trailer hitch. A roof rack is also standard. Inside, you'll find a CD player, split-folding rear seats, a front power outlet, intermittent front and rear wipers, cruise control, a trip computer, and full power features. And upgraded sound system and MP3 player are available, as is a CD changer. Owners of the 2005 Xterra Off-Road 4WD don't like all the ugly interior plastic or the gas mileage (15/21) or the lack of standard side airbags. But they do like the power, interior functionality, and spirited handling.

The base model for this youth-oriented compact SUV is the 2005 Nissan Xterra S. The rear-wheel drive utility vehicle gets a new chrome grille, more head and legroom, a more durable cargo area, and a new 4.0-liter, 265-hp V6 engine with 284 lb-ft of torque and choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed auto tran. The 2005 Xterra S is minimally equipped convenience, wise, lacking standard power features (available as a Power Package), but it does have dual front airbags, 4-wheel ABS brakes, skid plates, a tire monitor, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Traction and stability control, side impact airbags, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are optional.

Other standard features include a CD player, intermittent front and rear wipers, air conditioning, a tachometer, tilt steering wheel, and split-folding rear seats that expand 33 cubic feet in to 66 cubic feet for cargo versatility. Channels in the cargo bed come with tie-downs, and there is also a standard roof rack. Cargo nets and a cover are extra, as is a trailer hitch if you want to tow up to 5000 pounds. Cruise control, a security system, and running boards and side steps can also be added. Drivers love the extra power in the second generation 2005 Xterra S, along with the increased interior space and cargo capacity. They also say it's a lot of fun to drive, though the ride can feel a bit harsh, adn the 15/21 mpg is not the greatest.

On-demand 4WD adds more capability to the 2005 Nissan Xterra S 4WD, the base model of the revamped rugged compact SUV aimed at the youth market. With a 265-hp, 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine and choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic, the 2005 Xterra S 4WD sits on 16-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires and comes standard with dual front airbags, 4-wheel ABS brakes, a tire monitor, skid plates, and traction control. Side airbags for both rows of seats are available, along with stability control and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Plastic covers the cargo area, for easier cleaning, and with the rear seats folded, you can fit up to 66 cubic feet of cargo. Bed rails and tie-downs help secure, and a standard roof rack adds more space. The 2005 Xterra S 4WD is minimally outfitted with air conditioning, CD player, tachometer, and intermittent front and rear wipers. Add-ons include a full power package, cruise control, remote entry, a security system, and side rails for easier access to the roof. Owners say the rugged SUV is a lot of fun to drive, and the extra power is noticeable. The 4WD also performs well. Drawbacks focus on too much plastic and lack of features.

The second generation of the 2005 Nissan Xterra SE gets more head and legroom, better cargo versatility and a new 4.0-liter, 265-hp DOHC V6 with 284 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the other trims, the 2005 Xterra SE comes only with a 5-speed auto tran. The rear-wheel drive compact SUV is rugged and geared towards adventure, with up to 66 cubic feet of cargo room, supplemented with a roof rack, cargo tie-downs, and tracks. A trailer hitch to tow up to 5000 pounds can be added.

Skid plates, a tire monitor, traction and stability control, foglights, 4-wheel ABS brakes, and dual front airbags are standard on the more luxurious SE. Features beyond the base S model include a full power setup, cruise control, keyless entry, wheel-mounted audio controls for the CD changer/MP3 player, a trip computer, and leather trim. Cupholders, a front power outlet, and storage compartments provide extra convenience. There are also more options for the 2005 Xterra SE, including side impact airbags for both rows, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Low 15/21 mpg, difficult access to the backseat, and unattractive plastic materials are minor nuisances, but most drivers love the power, maneuverability, and cargo versatility.

The 2005 Nissan Xterra SE 4WD combines rugged 4WD capability with interior comfort and convenience. The focus is always on outdoors adventure, however, and the four-passenger compact SUV comes standard with a roof rack, cargo area with tie-downs, running boards, and skid plates. A trailer hitch and towing package can be added. A locking rear differential is added into the mix on the 2005 Xterra SE 4WD, which is powered by a 4.0-liter, 265-hp DOHC V6 and 5-speed automatic. 16-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires tackle both smooth and rough roads.

Standard equipment includes foglights, 4-wheel ABS brakes, traction and stability control, a tire monitor, and dual front airbags. Side impact bags and an auto-dimming rearview mirrors are extra. With a focus on younger drivers, the SE comes with a CD changer/MP3 player, a trip computer, leather trim, full power setup, and intermittent front and rear wipers. Utilitarian, yet great fun to drive, the 2005 Xterra SE 4WD also rates high on power, style, and easy handling. More options, less, plastic, and higher fuel economy would be appreciated.