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The Nissan Xterra is one of the most beloved vehicles from the automaker. However, after debuting for the 2000 model year, the vehicle left production after the Nissan Xterra 2015. Unfortunately, sales were pretty low for the Nissan SUV. However, since then, the off-roading SUV has gained quite the following, and more people are interested in purchasing used Nissan Xterra models. 

Here are the 3 best used Nissan Xterra models and the worst. 

The Nissan Xterra 2015 is one of the best

a 2015 Nissan Xterra
2015 Nissan Xterra | via Nissan

Most people agree that the final model of the Nissan Xterra is the absolute best of the lineup. According to Edmunds, this model comes standard with a 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 261 horsepower. It has four-wheel and all-wheel drive options and uses a five-speed automatic transmission to deliver the power. This Nissan Xterra accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.5 to 7 seconds. 

The Nissan Xterra has never been known for its fuel economy, but the 2015 model isn’t bad. The Nissan Xterra 2015 gets 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway. One of the highlights of the final Nissan Xterra is that it is a reliable vehicle. Consumer Reports gave the SUV four out of five stars in the category. 

The 2014 Xterra is excellent 

2014 Nissan Xterra
2014 Nissan Xterra | via Nissan

Another used Nissan Xterra that’s an excellent choice for SUV buyers is the 2014 model. This used Nissan Xterra model also has a 4.0-liter V6 under its hood with similar performance to the 2015. It can be rear or all-wheel drive and uses a five-speed automatic transmission. The Nissan Xterra 2014’s acceleration time is also identical to that of the 2015 model. 

Regarding reliability, the Nissan Xterra 2014 is also a great choice. It’s not as solid as the 2015 model in this category, but JD Power gave it three and a half stars out of five, which is above average. In addition, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which can come in handy for an off-roading SUV. Regarding used Nissan Xterra models, this is one of the best. 

2012 model is solid

Blue 2012 Xterra model
2012 Nissan Xterra | via Nissan

The 2012 is another excellent used Nissan Xterra model year. It has identical performance to the other two models on this list but still stands out as one of the best from the lineup. In addition, it’s also a reliable vehicle, which means buyers can enjoy its off-road capabilities for years to come. Regarding fuel economy, it gets 15 miles per gallon in the city and 20 on the highway. 

Many people also appreciate this vehicle for its interior. It may not have all the bells and whistles, but it was pretty good for the time. Also, the Nissan Xterra is perfect for people who use their vehicles for off-roading, as it has a rugged look on the inside. 

Avoid the 2005 Nissan Xterra 

2005 Nissan model
2005 Nissan Xterra | via Nissan

Overall, the Nissan Xterra is a great lineup of vehicles. However, the 2005 Nissan Xterra is not a great used model. Of course, people knew this when the SUV was still on the market. It delivers the same performance as the other models but has problems. 

One of the biggest problems with the 2005 Nissan Xterra is that owners sometimes have trouble getting the engine started. Many believe this to be a problem relating to the valves. Besides the non-starting issues, this is less reliable overall than the other model years. Making matters worse, the Nissan Xterra is a reasonably expensive vehicle to fix when things go wrong. 

The Nissan Xterra is an SUV that many wish the automaker still made. It may not have been super popular while in production, but the world now appreciates it for being ahead of its time. While not every model is perfect, it adds significantly to the automobile world. 

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