2011 Nissan Xterra Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$24,260 to $29,670

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.2

avg user rating

(12 reviews)
2011 Nissan Xterra Preview summaryImage

Nissan simplifies its lineup for the Xterra SUV this model year, eliminating the SE trim and offering only three trim levels: the base X, midrange S, and off-road-ready Pro-4X (formerly known as the Off-Road trim). Even the options have been simplified, with only one available options package, which adds leather and a seatback pocket to the Pro-4X. New features and enhancements are minimal in 2011, with side body moldings added to the S trim, a standard first aid kit and rear tire deflector for the rear-wheel-drive S, white-faced gauges in the Pro-4X, and two new paint colors: Lava Red and Metallic Green.

The 2011 Xterra uses the same engine regardless of the trim: a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 with 261 hp at 5,600 rpm, 281 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The base X comes with a standard five-speed automatic transmission, while the other trims offer either a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed automatic. With rear-wheel-drive automatic mileage estimates of 16 mpg city/22 highway, and all-wheel drive estimates of 15 (automatic) to 16 mpg (manual) city/20 highway, good fuel efficiency is definitely not a selling point for the Xterra. The off-road capability of the Pro-4X, however, is a strong suit. While the X and S trims are available with either rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive, the Pro-4X offers only standard part-time four-wheel drive with an electronic locking rear differential. The 4WD automatic version of the Pro-4X adds standard hill descent control (which helps modulate speed and brake pressure during a descent) and hill start assist (to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting up a hill from a complete stop). In addition, the manual Pro-4X has a clutch start/cancel feature to start the car from a stop without using the clutch.

All three trims use the truck-based “F-Alpha” platform with a fully boxed, steel, ladder-frame construction shared with the Nissan Titan pickup and Armada SUV. The double wishbone front suspension and solid axle leaf spring rear suspension, with rear and front stabilizer bars, ease the bumps when on rough terrain. The Pro-4X also provides Bilstein gas shocks.

The Xterra is recognizable, as in years past, by its angled strut grille, short front overhang (despite its long wheelbase), oddly shaped rear window, and tubular roof rack with air dam. Other standard features for all trims include rear bumper steps to make the roof more accessible. The accessibility of the interior of the car may provide more of a challenge. Reviews of the 2010 note that the high clearance of the Xterra, while good for off-roading, makes access difficult for shorter drivers and passengers (although side step rails are available for the X and S trims).

The S and Pro-4X vary their standard exterior features, with both trims including roof-rack crossbars and a covered gearbox in the 4WD trims. The Pro-4X is further distinguished by standard roof-rack-mounted off-road lights, silver inner headlights (rather than the black found on the S and X trims), and front foglights. Skid plates protect the Pro-4X's oil pan, fuel tank, and 4x4 transfer case (although all trims feature a standard skid plate on the lower radiator). The S and Pro-4X 4WD also come with a standard front tow hook, splashguards, black side-body moldings (available as an individual option for the base X trim), and dual power outside mirrors.

Tires and wheels are tailored by trim on the Xterra, with the base X riding on 16-inch steel wheels, the S trim using 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels with Goodrich Long Trail tires, and the Pro-4X ready to leave paved roads with six-spoke 16-inch machine-finished aluminum alloy wheels with Goodrich Rugged Trail tires. Each trim includes a full-size spare.

Designed to seat five adults, the 2010 Xterra got mixed reviews for seat comfort. The 2011 continues to offer reclining front bucket seats and 60/40-split folding rear seats with removable rear seat cushions. When rear seats are completely folded, the Xterra gives almost 66 cubic feet of storage space. The Pro-4X has a standard fold-flat front passenger seat as well to haul a surfboard or other long gear. The X and S trims cover their seats with cloth, while the Pro-4X uses a trim-specific fabric (or available leather in the optional package). While the base X trim includes a four-way manual driver’s seat adjustment, the S and Pro-4X offer an eight-way manual driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support for additional comfort.

Standard interior features for all 2011 Xterra trims include air conditioning, power windows and locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, three 12-volt power outlets, and luggage side nets. However, last year’s Xterra drew criticism for an interior that looked, to some, dated and cheap with its hard plastic, skimping on luxury and letting in excessive road noise. Since little has changed for this model year, these could continue to be issues with the interior.

Cargo is king in the Xterra and one of the areas where its spaciousness and versatility shine. All trims provide an under-floor cargo storage area. The S and Pro-4X trims go even further, with a total of ten cargo hooks, Nissan’s Easy Clean cargo area, and the Utili-Trak Cargo Channel system, which makes it easier to tie down cargo using the four adjustable cleats mounted in two channels in the floor. Although the hard plastic of the cargo area is easy to keep clean, 2010 reviews found that items not tied down could slide around, and the plastic too easily showed scuffs and scars. Other cargo options (available as individual additions) for all three trims include a sliding cargo organizer to compartmentalize the storage area and a retractable cargo cover to hide the contents from view.

Technology in the Xterra is somewhat lean. A 2010 review noted that, despite poor rear visibility, no backup camera is available, nor has one been added to the lineup of available features for 2011. The X and S trims come with an AM/FM/CD with six speakers. Higher-end technology is standard only in the Pro-4X, including Bluetooth technology for hands-free phone use, a Rockford Fosgate audio system with AM/FM and a 6-CD changer and nine speakers, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, an auxiliary audio input jack, MP3/WMA playback, speed-sensitive volume control, and XM satellite radio (with subscription in the automatic-transmission Pro-4X only). Since the Pro-4X is the only trim to have a 6-CD changer, it is also the only trim that offers an optional dockable portable DVD player to entertain rear seat passengers.

Although the National Highway Transportation Safety Board’s criteria for assessing the safety of vehicles is changing in 2011, the 2010 Nissan Xterra received four out of five stars for front driver and passenger crashes, and a perfect five stars for side impact crash tests. It received middling ratings for rollovers, however, earning only three stars for both the rear-wheel- and four-wheel-drive Xterra. The Insurance Institute for Highway safety rated the 2010 Xterra as Good (its highest rating) for front and side impact crashes, but only Acceptable for its roof strength test, which measures how the car will stand up to a rollover. All 2011 Nissan Xterras come with an advanced airbag system, featuring dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags for side-impact and rollover protection. Additional standard safety features include Vehicle Dynamic Control with a traction control system to improve stability and a tire pressure monitoring system, as well as antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution.

The 2011 Nissan Xterra should continue to offer a truck-based off-road SUV to compete with the likes of the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota FJ Cruiser. The Xterra offers plenty of cargo space and versatility, combined with a powerful V6 engine. For those looking for an around-town SUV, however, its stiff suspension and truck-like ride, road noise, poor fuel economy, and dated interior may lead buyers toward a car-based vehicle, such as the Honda CR-V or Toyota Rav4.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2011 Nissan Xterra

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User rating:
by Nieves N
Aug 09, 2023
Es el mejor coche que he tenido y lo voy a comprar de nuevo, es duradero, fiable y es un tanque, 100 % recomendado.Aug 09, 2023
by INGLOVEN U
Aug 09, 2023
The time whit this car was so sweet, I wish to keep it for long time…Aug 09, 2023
by Ryan R
May 18, 2023
The pictures are a grave misrepresentation of the actual car! We looked at it and for the miles and condition, they are asking way to much!May 18, 2023

2011 Nissan Xterra Pricing

Original MSRP
$24,260 to $29,670
Price range
$8,721 to $9,216
Average price on CG
$8,801
YoY price change
$9,173 to $8,801

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.7 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.13

Engine

Battery: 550 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: two tone · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: two tone · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 20.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.5

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 33 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-leaf

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class III

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.7 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.13

Engine

Battery: 550 CCA

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: two tone · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: two tone · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 20.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.5

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 33 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-leaf

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class III

Truck Features

Running boards: tube

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.7 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: grocery bag holder

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.13 · Transfer Case: manual hi-lo gear selection

Engine

Battery: 550 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: two tone · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: two tone · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 20.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.5

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 33 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-leaf

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class III

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.7 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: grocery bag holder · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.69 · Transfer Case: manual hi-lo gear selection

Engine

Battery: 550 CCA

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: two tone · Mirror color: black · Mudguards: front · Rear bumper color: two tone · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 20.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.5

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 33 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-leaf

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Tow hooks: front · Trailer hitch: Class III

Truck Features

Running boards: tube

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.7 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.36 · Locking differential: rear · Transfer Case: manual hi-lo gear selection

Engine

Battery: 550 CCA

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: two tone · Mirror color: black · Mudguards: rear · Rear bumper color: two tone · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 20.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.5

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 33 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-leaf

Telematics

Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Tow hooks: front · Trailer hitch: Class III

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 6

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

See all trims (5)