Swiss Army knife

It says a lot for how far SUVs have strayed from the original purpose they were intended to serve that Nissan had to make a special off-road version of the Xterra, and also badge it as such.

Naturally. Look around the streets everywhere. Almost every second vehicle is a SUV, or at least a wannabe.
Time was when off-road vehicles were the mainstay of people who worked outdoors. Others would use them just to have fun off-road. Now apparently most people's idea of fun is to intimidate those in saloons and hatchbacks on the roads. Nissan with its Xterra is just reminding us that off-roaders are meant for that kind of fun you had as a kid — making mud pies, the splashing, stomping fun you had in the rain. The fun that comes with the great outdoors.

The 2009 Nissan Xterra fits the role to a 'T.' This trail-capable and highly configurable hauler was made with fun-seekers in mind. But unlike some off-road-capable trucks and SUVs, the Xterra is also at home in urban settings, with a suspension compliant enough for a comfortable ride.
The Off Road version that we drove was clearly intended to wander far from civilisation — and return safely. In addition to the mandatory four-wheel drive for this model, the Off Road package includes an electronic locking rear differential, heavy duty Bilstein shock absorbers, BFGoodrich rugged trail tyres, and under-body skid plates. The exterior styling features include large flared fenders, a versatile roof rack with latchable lid and a rear bumper design with side steps for easy access to the roof rack. Add to that the competent 4-litre V6 under the bonnet, and the Xterra is ready to scale steep rocky hills as easily as it can roars across highways.

Apparently, it has the power to move even while standing still. "It's huge, it's like a monster from 'Transformers'!" exclaimed my 8-year-old son. My highly critical 15-year-old smiled. High praise indeed. Not surprising as the Xterra looks big, tough and powerful; especially at the front, where the massive bumper and the grille conspire to add bulk and menace in rear-view mirrors.
A largely tubular roof rack adds size and a no-nonsense look. Side steps provide easy access to the roof rack. It also features Nissan's signature high-mounted rear door handles, familiar from the Pathfinder and the Armada.
The Xterra is roomy inside, roomier than other SUVs in this price range. It works well for four large adults and their sporting gear. Second-row seating is stadium-style, meaning that the rear passengers sit higher so they can see over the front-seat occupants. An advantage if you have a pushy 8-year-old who wants to see it all!

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The controls are within easy reach and ergonomically placed. Because of the Xterra Off Road's taller ride height, climbing in and out of the cabin may be inconvenient for shorter passengers. The rear seats prove even harder to gain access to, due to the rear wheel well intruding on an already narrow door.
Cargo space is certainly the priority here. The plastic surfaces are easy to clean and allow objects to slide freely, but they also show loading scars easily. The cargo area has four moveable hooks in the floor, plus four stationary hooks in the ceiling and two more in the side panels. There is an adjustable channel system on the cargo floor making it easier to secure bike racks. Anything from a motorbike to a kayak can be secured safely.
The rear seat can be folded down flat. On the Off Road version the front passenger seat also folds flat, so lengthy recreational gear (a kayak, anyone?!) can be accommodated. Total cargo capacity with the rear seats folded is 1,861 litres.

The utilitarian control layout makes for fairly easy operation. The steering-wheel controls for audio, Bluetooth and cruise control are easy to operate and intuitive. What was missing was night-time illumination.
Our Off Road test vehicle was powered by a 4-litre V6 that propels it with 261 horsepower and 381 Nm of torque. Power gets routed through a five-speed automatic transmission. Technically, you can accelerate the Xterra from 0 to 100 kmph in around 8 seconds, and then come to a full stop within only 131 feet on hard braking.

The Xterra takes off enthusiastically, with the V6 pulling consistently all the way up. And it doesn't fade either as speeds climb. Up shifts are quick and surprisingly smooth, but during passing manoeuvres the automatic transmission down shifts awkwardly, with a pause on acceleration.
The speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering feels sufficiently weighted. The Xterra is equipped with 4-wheel vented disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brake force Distribution. Although braking is adequate, the brake pedal felt a little soft, nearly flooring when applied aggressively.

Being an Off Road version, I expected a stiff ride. It was certainly firm, but not uncomfortably so. On road, the Xterra felt relatively planted and secure, almost sporty in spite of its weight, high ground clearance and the off-road-oriented tyres. Around town, the Xterra was sure-footed. Parking was relatively easy.

Off-road, the Xterra made small work of the rocks and mud that the rain had strewn over Wadi al Wuraiyah. We initially approached obstacles with caution, but the Xterra climbed and conquered, barely acknowledging the tough terrain, thanks to its 9.5 inches of clearance. Pushing harder over more challenging inclines, the low-range 4WD proved its worth with an uninterrupted and steady crawl over the top, while the hill ascent control ensured no loss of ground in case of a break halfway up a difficult climb. Despite the truck-based underpinnings and additional off-road features, the Xterra was surprisingly smooth over potholes and bumps. Wind noise was minimal despite the blocky exterior styling, as was road noise, in spite of the heavy off-road tyres. Long road trips won't tire you.

At what price? The Off Road Xterra costs Dh112,000. The normal versions start at Dh98,000.
Finally, does the package work? Crossover owners may not like it but those who enjoy off-roading, or have tons of cargo or sporting gear to transport will love it. F
Shiva Kumar Thekkepat is Feature Writer, Friday

It says a lot for how far SUVs have strayed from the original purpose they were intended to serve that Nissan had to make a special off-road version of the Xterra, and also badge it as such. Naturally. Look around the streets everywhere. Almost every second vehicle is a SUV, or at least a wannabe.
Time was when off-road vehicles were the mainstay of people who worked outdoors. Others would use them just to have fun off-road. Now apparently most people's idea of fun is to intimidate those in saloons and hatchbacks on the roads. Nissan with its Xterra is just reminding us that off-roaders are meant for that kind of fun you had as a kid – making mud pies, the splashing, stomping fun you had in the rain. The fun that comes with the great outdoors.
The 2009 Nissan Xterra fits the role to a 'T.' This trail-capable and highly configurable hauler was made with fun-seekers in mind.

But unlike some off-road-capable trucks and SUVs, the Xterra is also at home in urban settings, with a suspension compliant enough for a comfortable ride.
The Off Road version that we drove was clearly intended to wander far from civilisation — and return safely. In addition to the mandatory four-wheel drive for this model, the Off Road package includes an electronic locking rear differential, heavy duty Bilstein shock absorbers, BFGoodrich rugged trail tyres, and under-body skid plates. The exterior styling features include large flared fenders, a versatile roof rack with latchable lid and a rear bumper design with side steps for easy access to the roof rack. Add to that the competent 4-litre V6 under the bonnet, and the Xterra is ready to scale steep rocky hills as easily as it can roars across highways.

Apparently, it has the power to move even while standing still. "It's huge, it's like a monster from Transformers!" exclaimed my 8-year-old son. My highly critical 15-year-old smiled. High praise indeed. Not surprising as the Xterra looks big, tough and powerful; especially at the front, where the massive bumper and the grille conspire to add bulk and menace in rear-view mirrors.
A largely tubular roof rack adds size and a no-nonsense look. Side steps provide easy access to the roof rack. It also features Nissan's signature high-mounted rear door handles, familiar from the Pathfinder and the Armada.
The Xterra is roomy inside, roomier than other SUVs in this price range. It works well for four large adults and their sporting gear. Second-row seating is stadium-style, meaning that the rear passengers sit higher so they can see over the front-seat occupants. An advantage if you have a pushy 8-year-old who wants to see it all!

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The controls are within easy reach and ergonomically placed. Because of the Xterra Off Road's taller ride height, climbing in and out of the cabin may be inconvenient for shorter passengers. The rear seats prove even harder to gain access to, due to the rear wheel well intruding on an already narrow door.
Cargo space is certainly the priority here. The plastic surfaces are easy to clean and allow objects to slide freely, but they also show loading scars easily. The cargo area has four moveable hooks in the floor, plus four stationary hooks in the ceiling and two more in the side panels. There is an adjustable channel system on the cargo floor making it easier to secure bike racks. Anything from a motorbike to a kayak can be secured safely.
The rear seat can be folded down flat. On the Off Road version the front passenger seat also folds flat, so lengthy recreational gear (a kayak, anyone?!) can be accommodated. Total cargo capacity with the rear seats folded is 1,861 litres.

The utilitarian control layout makes for fairly easy operation. The steering-wheel controls for audio, Bluetooth and cruise control are easy to operate and intuitive. What was missing was night-time illumination.
Our Off Road test vehicle was powered by a 4-litre V6 that propels it with 261 horsepower and 381 Nm of torque. Power gets routed through a five-speed automatic transmission. Technically, you can accelerate the Xterra from 0 to 100 kmph in around 8 seconds, and then come to a full stop within only 131 feet on hard braking.

The Xterra takes off enthusiastically, with the V6 pulling consistently all the way up. And it doesn't fade either as speeds climb. Up shifts are quick and surprisingly smooth, but during passing manoeuvres the automatic transmission down shifts awkwardly, with a pause on acceleration.
The speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering feels sufficiently weighted. The Xterra is equipped with 4-wheel vented disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brake force Distribution. Although braking is adequate, the brake pedal felt a little soft, nearly flooring when applied aggressively.

Being an Off Road version,
I expected a stiff ride. It was certainly firm, but not uncomfortably so. On road, the Xterra felt relatively planted and secure, almost sporty in spite of its weight, high ground clearance and the off-road-oriented tyres. Around town, the Xterra was sure-footed. Parking was relatively easy.
Off-road, the Xterra made small work of the rocks and mud that the rain had strewn over Wadi al Wuraiyah. We initially approached obstacles with caution, but the Xterra climbed and conquered, barely acknowledging the tough terrain, thanks to its 9.5 inches of clearance. Pushing harder over more challenging inclines, the low-range 4WD proved its worth with an uninterrupted and steady crawl over the top, while the hill ascent control ensured no loss of ground in case of a break halfway up a difficult climb. Despite the truck-based underpinnings and additional off-road features, the Xterra was surprisingly smooth over potholes and bumps. Wind noise was minimal despite the blocky exterior styling, as was road noise, in spite of the heavy off-road tyres. Long road trips won't tire you.

All this at what price? The Off Road Xterra costs Dh112,000. The normal versions start at Dh98,000.
Finally, does the package work?
Yes.