All-New 2005 Nissan Xterra Follows the Trail of the Original — With More Power, Room and Ruggedness

Business Wire, April 6, 2004

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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 6, 2004

When it was originally introduced in 1999, the Nissan Xterra stood out in a crowd of nearly 40 competitive sport utility vehicles with its rugged truck frame, purposeful styling and "everything you need, nothing you don't" adventure positioning. As the all-new, second generation 2005 Xterra makes its world debut at the New York International Auto Show, the competitive field of SUVs has grown to over 70 models. Yet one thing remains unchanged -- the Xterra still stands alone as a segment of one.

The 2005 Xterra builds on the original's unique positioning with improvements on all functional and user attributes with more power, more roominess and more features, including enhanced off-road performance systems.

"The changes in the new Xterra are evolutionary, though with a capital E," said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "For 2005, we've made key improvements in the areas customers want most -- power, driveability, smoother on-road dynamics, more interior space and cargo versatility and, of course, greater off-road performance."

Two of the most significant changes to the new Xterra are the use of a version of the new "F-Alpha" platform, which was created for use on the new Nissan Titan full-size pickup and Nissan Armada full-size SUV, and the utilization of a new 4.0-liter version of Nissan's VQ-series V6 engine.

"Xterra was a cornerstone vehicle in launching Nissan's remarkable product revival in the late '90s, showing the automotive industry that good things happen when you focus on meeting customers' unmet needs, rather than following the competition. With this new generation design, Xterra still has no equals," said McNabb.

Evolved Exterior Styling

The styling of the new 2005 Xterra evokes that of the breakthrough original design -- with more of the same ruggedness and direct function that its designers express as "Xterra DNA." Larger in nearly every dimension, the new look is more exciting, more powerful and more functional.

Key exterior styling features include large, flared fenders, a new versatile roof rack with latchable lid and a new rear bumper design with side steps for easy access to the roof rack. It also offers a large, powerful hood and headlights and Nissan SUV signature angled strut-style grille.

The 2005 Xterra's wheelbase has been extended two full inches for a smoother ride and greater interior room, yet the overall length is only two-tenths of an inch longer due to a reduced front overhang -- which enhances maneuverability in off-road hill climbing and trail situations. The Xterra's width has also been increased by 2.5 inches, while height has increased 1.9 inches.

"Xterra has a very large, very loyal following -- owners who love the combination of purposeful styling matched with practical size and functionality. Our task with the new design, which I think we've accomplished, is to update the look without losing any of the original's distinctive character," said McNabb. "You should be able to tell with just a glance that this is the next Xterra."

A New Multi-Flex Interior Design

The concept for the first generation Xterra's interior was simple: everything you need, nothing you don't. For the new Xterra, the interior concept is also simple: everything you need, nothing you don't -- now truer than ever.

The "truer" comes in many areas, beginning with more room. Front leg room has been increased nearly an inch (0.9 inch) and front head room over half an inch (0.7 inch). But the real gain is in the second row, where leg room has increased 3.6 inches and head room has grown by 2.3 inches.

Interior flexibility has been enhanced a number of ways as well. The 60/40 split folding stadium-style rear seat is joined by an available fold-down front passenger seat, which creates added utility for hauling long recreational gear. The center console has been enlarged and the glove compartment is now a double deck design. There is also additional instrument panel storage. The Xterra Off-Road model includes unique blue seat fabric.

The cargo area is highlighted by an easy-to-clean luggage area flooring and a total of 10 cargo area utility hooks -- six on the floor/sides and four on the ceiling and sides (floor hooks can carry up to 110 pounds). A new adjustable channel system in the cargo floor, similar in design to the Utili-track(TM) system offered on the new Nissan Titan and 2005 Frontier pickups, makes it easier to secure bike racks and other accessories or gear. There's also an available built-in first-aid kit and space to securely carry up to one-gallon jugs. "The new Xterra's combination of thoughtful cargo area features creates an extremely versatile space for hauling all the things that accompany active lives," said McNabb.