2012 Nissan Xterra

The 2012 Nissan Xterra is a compact two-row SUV that can seat up to five people. It’s meant for small families that need a rugged SUV with easy-to-clean materials and a decent amount of cargo capacity or commuters who want an SUV that can go off-roading on the weekends. With body-on-frame construction, low-range gearing, and an available four-wheel-drive (4WD) system, the Xterra is one of the more capable off-roaders in the class. Fitting in with the off-roading motif, the Xterra’s cargo area also has nifty features such as multiple tie-down points and a cargo floor that’s easy to clean.

The Xterra separates itself from the pack with its rugged design, off-roading capability, brawny V6 engine, and intuitive interior design. Keep in mind, though, it trails key rivals when it comes to fuel economy, ride quality, interior materials, and available convenience features. As a rugged SUV with a durable frame and punchy V6 engine, the Xterra has a harsh ride and gets poor fuel economy. While it has durable interior materials that are easy to clean, this SUV doesn’t have the same upscale look as rivals. And most of the Xterra’s competitors are available with high-end convenience features that Nissan doesn’t offer on its compact SUV.

Nissan Xterra Changes for 2012

• No notable changes.

Where the Xterra Sits in the 2012 Nissan Lineup

Nissan’s vehicle lineup includes SUVs, cars, pickup trucks, commercial vans, sports cars, and a minivan called the Quest. The Xterra is positioned in the middle of Nissan’s lineup, sitting above the Juke and Rogue, but below the Pathfinder, Murano, and Armada.

2012 Nissan Xterra vs. the Competition

A rugged compact SUV such as the Xterra is an ideal choice for shoppers who need a vehicle with a strong engine, serious off-roading capability, and a durable cabin. The Xterra competes with these rivals:

• Jeep Wrangler: Iconic design, excellent off-roading capability, available two- and four-door body styles, and removable body parts.

• Toyota FJ Cruiser: Great off-roading capability, distinctive styling, a 260-horsepower V6 engine, and a roomy cargo area.

• Subaru Forester: Standard all-wheel drive, a comfortable ride, a peppy turbocharged engine, and a roomy interior.

What’s the Best 2012 Nissan Xterra Trim for You?

Which Trim Is the Best Value

With features such as power exterior mirrors, six audio speakers, a CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, and an eight-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, the Xterra S has a lot of modern features. Its list of standard features also includes cloth upholstery, power windows and door locks, a tilt steering column, an under-floor cargo storage compartment, 16-inch alloy wheels, and off-road tires.

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Best Trim for Fuel Economy

The Xterra has a 4.0-liter V6 engine that makes 261 horsepower and rear-wheel drive. With its available 5-speed automatic transmission, the SUV can achieve up to 18 mpg combined.

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Best Trim for Cargo Space

The Xterra has up to 36 cubic feet of cargo space behind the backseat and 66 cubic feet of total cargo space with the backseat folded.

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Best Trim for Towing

When properly equipped, the Xterra has up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity.

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Best Trim for Off-Roaders

The Pro-4X trim is the best choice for drivers looking to go off-roading. It has an electronic locking rear differential, hill descent control, hill start assist, skid plates, unique 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, roof-mounted off-road lights, upgraded off-road tires, distinctive cloth upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a fold-flat front passenger seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

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Top-of-the-Line Trim

While the range-topping Pro-4X trim is the best option for maximum off-roading capability, it’s also the most well-equipped trim. In addition to a long list of off-roading equipment, it has a six-disc CD changer, Bluetooth, a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system, satellite radio, steering-wheel audio controls, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, unique cloth upholstery, an auxiliary audio input jack, and white-face gauges.

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Should I Buy an Older Nissan Xterra Instead?

The 2012 Xterra is in its second generation, which was introduced with the 2005 model year. Any older second-generation model (2005-2015) will be broadly similar to the 2012 Xterra. You could save money by purchasing a used Xterra that’s older than the 2012 model.

You can find a used Nissan Xterra with Carfax used car listings. Each used car comes with a free Carfax vehicle history report.

Research the Xterra from other model years