2009 Nissan Xterra Spied!

How many X-terra’s are they selling these days?

That is so 5 years ago.

Not a bad looking car, but won’t move the needle b/c it still looks very similar to the current model. Also, i hope that they will improve on the cheap interior and rough ride. if i’m going to get bounced around, i would much rather do it in a 4-door Jeep Wrangler Hardtop.

doesn’t look like much has changed, but they certainly could be testing just a new engine front end and drivetrain. The rest of the body could follow later.

It is time to trash this model and bring in the X-Trail.

yawn

I liked the previous body style better. The current one seems bulky and looks heavier. I think that people will b emore attracted to a slimmer looking model with better fuel economy. I would be willing to sacrifice some performance for economy and still have the versatality of a 4×4

People who buy this type of car aren’t really worried about the fuel economy since they get average of 15mpg to 18mpg. They care about functionality and ruggedness. If you want a fuel economy, you can get Toyota Matrix, Kia Rondo, Mazda 5, or others… Lower powered SUVs simply don’t move well. For people who live in many coastal cities, these vehicles are very handy because curves are built steep for passenger cars..

Also, if you are living in USA and have to worry about fuel prices, you are doing something wrong with your life. If you are earning less than $40K (US per capita income) a year, no body is forcing anyone to purchase these SUVs. There are also Toyota Echos, Hyundai Accents, and Nissan Verssa.

Look, Ma! A breadvan on stilts!

I agree with Jeff.

I liked the first generation 2000-2004 body style a lot. The second generation 2005-2008 seems too stylized and bulky. The first gen was plain but attractive; a no-nonsense SUV.

If I had it my way, this third generation 2009- would look slimmer and simpler, removing those goofy-looking wide body panels that stick out around the rear of the truck.

I wish there more options for a smallish/youthful/outdoorsy SUV. It seems to me that the industry took a turn for over-the-top soccer mom styling about five years ago.

IMO.

As the owner of a 1st gen Xterra it actually makes me somewhat sad to see these pics. The bloat that Nissan put on the Xterra took away the fun simplicity of the vehicle. All they really needed to do was make the 1st gen model 6 inches longer so that it could have some rear leg room and it would be set. The engine upgrade would be a given but the Xterra is definitely moving away from what it used to be.

I also find it ridiculous how Nissan covered up their logos and designs when the thing flagrantly screams “I’m an Xterra”. They’ve atleast done well at making that vehicle iconic.

ick on the front end, still liken the rear, love the high hips

If they are looking at the V8 in these, then they’ll have a winner for sure. If they’re planning on keeping the 4.0 as the sole powerplant, then the sales won’t increase with a minor change in body panelling.

Both the Xterra and the Frontier need the V8 option, as the Pathfinder has already received.

Fixing the rear suspension for the bottoming out issue would be paramount as well.

I guess the bean counters will have the last say, as always.

i bought the first 2000 xterra in wilmington ,nc.i pre-ordered it and waited nine months. it was a great truck, i kept it for five years and never spent a penny on it. i have a 2005 now and was looking forward to the new model, but these spy photos of the 2009 seem too little, unless they have a lot of new features, we haven’t seen yet. also there is no way i’m going to give up what i have now for a new model that gets the same mediocre gas mileage.

Man…this better be a d@mn test mule, that’s all I know! You can’t tell me that the next generation Xterra is basically the same truck. That’s like electing McCain to office. It’ll be four more years of the same d@mn sh!t. We need Obama in the office, and all new make-over for the Xterra!

Heck, with the exception of the front end, it’s a ringer for my 05. The 4.0 liter VQ V6 has plenty of power; the Titan’s V8 would be awesome but is totally unnecessary. The 00-04 Xterra compared to 05+ is crap. It rides like hell, is underpowered even with the V6, just….ugghh. The 05 and up is a logical progression of styling, it definately looks bulkier but honestly isn’t a whole lot heavier, the old Xterra had iron block engines, whereas the 05 and up VQ engine is an aluminum block. The interior is still quasi-cheap, but durable….

the best off road vehicle i’ve seen since the FJ40 & FJ80 w/lockers.> XTERRA is strong, simple, offers 6 spd w/choice of 2 or 4 wd so rare and valued a proven system…sized right comfortable w/useful torque, ac, strong frame, built by insightful, real-world saavy folks who have offered us an amazingly affordable, durable package of what has worked since 1943…WITH modern thoughtful reliability, great tunes, satellite radio, trouble-free,advanced engine management systems, vvt twin cam, 4 valves /cyl, cross-flow heads durable, capable simple, functionally elegant even has a place for my go mug,Engle’s 12V refrigerator/freezer, Kenwood TS50S, room up top for 4 gas cans and soft stuff…get one of these OFF ROAD models while they are still available NOTHING like it for the money…. jtf ‘

I have a 2006 and I love it…I had borrowed a 2002 for a weekend and found it underpowered.

The styling is definitely punchy and a bit futuresque…but my first drive off the lot confirmed how much more I prefferred the tight sterring, stiffer suspension and 265hp engine.

I will get a new model if they change it enough otherwise, I’ll ride mine into the ground.

Cheers

Does anyone know when the 2009 is available? I think I prefer the 05-08 but I was just curious.

Well, it still looks pretty much like my 2006 SE, which is fine with me. With the exception of the cost to fuel my XTerra, I am still very happy with it. I have put 50000 miles on it and it still runs like new. It is a great vehicle and it does what I need. I would not trade it for anything else.

I have a 2005 Yellow Xterra, and its great!!. Full equipment. totally Off road. Im from Mexico, and i really know, that is better that the new rubicon and the Fj Crusier. I wanna changue my truck but another Xterra, but they have to make a real change, not this!!.

Dont know where some of you live, but Xterras in the Mid-Atlantic Region sell like Hotcakes. Given any SUV wont be cheap to fill up but No SUV beats A base Xterra for the Price. I prefer the 05-08 models. I just Purchased a 07 6 Spd and the Local Dealer marked it down to a Mind Boggling $16,000. Just because these later models Look bulky doesnt mean they are. The V6 has plenty of power, deosnt feel small and Vulnerable like A Rav 4, Escape, or Equinox, and it can get the Job done off Road as well. Nissan hit the mark with this Suv Plain, Cheap, and Gets the job done. Didnt it Get Suv of the Year twice its first 2 Generations??

And i can Fit a 32 Oz in the Door. Thats money well spent.