Nissan Xterra

Name: 2006 Nissan Xterra
Brand: Nissan

EPA MPG: 18 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 18 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

See All Ratings & Specs

Road Test

The Xterra shares components with Nissan's Frontier pickup and previous-generation Pathfinder SUV. Improvements over the years have included a refined engine and responsive, secure handling -- thanks to the standard electronic stability control (ESC). Off-road capability is excellent. Side- and curtain airbags are standard with this generation. Bluetooth was introduced to most trim levels for 2015 and the Xterra was discontinued after that model year.

2006 SUVs Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Nissan Xterra

vs. Similar Cars

Ford Escape

Honda CR-V

Honda Element

Hyundai Tucson

Jeep Liberty

See All Models Reliability

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2006 Compact SUVs Ratings

2006 Nissan Xterra

$3,700 - $4,850

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Chevrolet Equinox

$2,875 - $3,000

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Ford Escape

$3,200 - $3,750

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid

$3,200 - $3,750

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Honda CR-V

$5,225 - $5,625

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Honda Element

$4,825 - $6,375

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Hyundai Tucson

$3,325 - $3,850

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Jeep Liberty

$3,400 - $4,100

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Kia Sportage

$3,000 - $3,925

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Mazda Tribute

$3,275 - $3,750

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Mercury Mariner

$3,225 - $3,750

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Mitsubishi Outlander

$3,025 - $4,275

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Pontiac Aztek

$ NA

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Pontiac Torrent

$3,500 - $3,700

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Saturn Vue

$3,075 - $3,650

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Subaru Forester

$4,125 - $5,325

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara

$4,075 - $4,175

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Toyota RAV4

$5,550 - $5,875

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Compact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

4WD, Rear

4-liter V6 (261 hp)

5-speed automatic
6-speed manual

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

See All Ratings & Specs

Model History

2005-2015

2005 Redesign Year

The 2005 Xterra was larger in all dimensions and much more civilized, while retaining the off-road capability for which the model is renowned. Improvements include a refined engine and responsive, secure handling -- thanks to the addition of electronic stability control (ESC) as standard equipment. Side- and curtain airbags are standard with this generation. The strong 4.0-liter V6 engine delivers quick acceleration, but overall mileage is just 17 mpg. The four-wheel drive system remains part-time only. Folding the 60/40-split rear seats expands the cargo area to 45.5 cubic feet. Payload capacity is 920 pounds and towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. The cargo floor has a rail system for securing objects and a storage space underneath. Bluetooth was introduced to most trim levels for 2015, after which the model was discontinued.

2000-2004

2000 Redesign Year

The Nissan Xterra debuted as a 2000 model. Based on Nissan's Frontier pickup, it was made to be a rugged, basic, truck-ish SUV to serve as a less-expensive alternative to the Pathfinder. Highs include good off-roading and towing capacity. The cockpit has a clean, no-frills look. Storage includes bins, cubbies and deep pockets in the front doors. Gauges are clearly legible and the controls generally work well. With the rear seat folded, Xterra holds an enormous amount of cargo for a vehicle in this price range. Payload capacity is 885 pounds, 125 of which can be loaded onto the roof. However, ride, handling, braking, and fuel economy are subpar. If on-road performance is more important to you, you'll find better dynamics in other vehicles.