In the realm of off-road SUVs, many choices await the enthusiast. For those with a special affinity for Japanese automakers, the selection often narrows to a decision between the Nissan Xterra and the Toyota 4Runner.
In the quest for impartiality, the present comparison of the 2015 iterations of the Nissan Xterra and the Toyota 4Runner serves as our focal point, given that the Xterra ceased production in 2015. Below, the two contenders stand toe-to-toe.
External Characteristics
The 2015 Toyota 4Runner possesses an iconic visage, a design that has stood resolute through the passing decades. In line with the 4Runner’s traditional sport-utility heritage, the 2015 model adorns a wagon-style body with a robust truck-like front end. The inclusion of chrome accents further amplifies the classic 4Runner silhouette.
While rivals such as the Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer lean towards a sleeker SUV aesthetic, the 4Runner retains its sturdiness, notably with its assertive front-end design. The addition of angular wheel wells and a broad stance accentuates the 4Runner’s rugged, unapologetically utilitarian appearance.
The Xterra, on the other hand, is an unpretentious, formidable SUV driven by a pragmatic design philosophy. Lacking the typical trappings of a sleek SUV, it boasts a commanding posture with bulging fenders contributing to its robust aesthetic. In parallel with this rugged appearance, the 2015 Nissan Xterra is a genuine off-road adventurer, visually harmonizing with its intended purpose.
While somewhat understated, the Xterra’s front end features a prominent front grille and heavy-duty front bumpers. The rear liftgate exhibits certain design echoes reminiscent of the Land Rover LR4. As anticipated from an off-road SUV, the Xterra boasts exceptional ground clearance, measuring in at an impressive 9.5 inches.
Verdict: Both vehicles share a common heritage of rugged design from that era, making it a draw in exterior aesthetics.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The 2015 Xterra arrives with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, virtually unchanged from the preceding year. Tuned to generate 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque, it pairs with a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. The engine’s substantial torque bestows the Xterra with commendable off-road capabilities.
The six-speed manual gearbox offers seamless shifts with minimal exertion. According to independent assessments, the Xterra accomplishes a 0-60 mph sprint in 7.7 seconds—an average feat for a mid-size SUV. Conversely, its towing capacity, capped at 5,000 lbs, may leave some desiring more.
In contrast, the 2015 Toyota 4Runner has a 4.0-liter V6 engine delivering 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. This engine collaborates with a five-speed automatic transmission that surprisingly exhibits swift shifts. Regarding acceleration, the 4Runner falls short, requiring more than 8 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill.
The 4Runner adopts a body-on-frame construction, contributing to its distinctive driving dynamics. Unlike most modern SUVs featuring unibody construction, the 4Runner exhibits a truck-like, robust ride quality. The SR5 edition incorporates tall tire sidewalls to enhance ride comfort. Towing capacity stands at 4,700 lbs, complete with standard trailer sway control.
For fuel economy, the Nissan Xterra secures an EPA-estimated rating of 16/22/18 mpg in city/highway/combined driving, thanks to a 21.1-gallon fuel tank. Meanwhile, the Toyota 4Runner achieves 17/21/18 mpg, supported by a 23-gallon fuel reservoir.
Verdict: The Xterra holds an edge in terms of performance, but both share parity in fuel economy.
Interior and Cargo Capacity
The interior of the Toyota 4Runner melds utility and refinement seamlessly. It employs textured materials designed to withstand the rigors of the SUV’s adventurous pursuits. The Limited trim level introduces upscale elements, including wood accents, leather upholstery, and the option for third-row seating—a boon for families with children and adolescents.
Standard seating in the 4Runner accommodates five passengers, with the SR5 and Limited trims offering the capacity for up to seven occupants. Ample front legroom measures 41.7 inches, accompanied by a headroom of 38.6 inches. The rear seating area, however, presents relatively limited legroom at 32.9 inches and similar headroom at 38.6 inches.
While the Toyota 4Runner may not classify as a definitive family transporter, it excels as a cargo workhorse. The two-row 4Runner configuration provides 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to a cavernous 89.7 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. The SR5 model introduces additional storage solutions, such as a sliding cargo deck and under-floor storage compartments.
In contrast, the Nissan Xterra’s cabin is characterized by a functional, no-frills approach. The extensive use of hard plastic surfaces and cloth upholstery may deter those searching for luxury, but it aligns seamlessly with the SUV’s rugged ethos. This interior is engineered to withstand the demands of muddy boots, the presence of children, and the carriage of heavy-duty cargo.
Distinctly, the Xterra stands as a five-seater SUV exclusively. Front seats offer 42.4 inches of legroom and 39.9 inches of headroom. Rear seats, in contrast, provide less generous dimensions, with 34.4 inches of legroom and 39.3 inches of headroom.
Regarding cargo capacity, 36.3 cubic feet of space is behind the rear seats, expanding to 65.7 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The Easy Clean cargo hold incorporates ceiling hooks and tie-down cleats, enhancing the Xterra’s versatility. An under-floor storage compartment is a practical solution for storing tools and essential emergency kits.
Verdict: The 4Runner excels in cabin quality and comfort while offering greater space and cargo flexibility than the Xterra.
Infotainment and Safety Features
The Xterra integrates a 5-inch infotainment display equipped with NissanConnect smartphone app integration, offering an array of in-car entertainment options. Features encompass AM/FM radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth streaming, CD playback, and AUX audio input. The premium 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system is exclusive to the PRO-4X model.
Regarding safety, the 2015 Xterra does not possess an NHTSA rating but has received commendable “Good” safety scores from the IIHS. Standard safety provisions include stability control, anti-lock disc brakes, front-side airbags, and traction control.
Conversely, the 4Runner features a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, surrounded by an array of buttons for user interface. The placement of controls is intuitive, which is advantageous as the touchscreen interface exhibits less responsiveness compared to rivals. Standard in-car entertainment offerings include AM/FM stereo, CD player, HD radio, MP3 compatibility, and AUX audio input.
The 2015 4Runner upholds Toyota’s reputation for safety and reliability, securing a 4-star rating from the NHTSA and predominantly “Good” safety evaluations from IIHS. The 4Runner includes many standard safety features, encompassing brake assist, daytime running lights, child safety locks, turn signal mirrors, electronic stability control, and more.
Verdict: Both contenders provide comparable in-car entertainment and safety features, with a slight edge favoring the Xterra regarding infotainment offerings.
Nissan Xterra vs. Toyota 4Runner: The Conclusion
In concluding this comparison between the Nissan Xterra and the Toyota 4Runner, the aspect of price range warrants consideration. Acquiring a used 2015 Nissan Xterra typically demands an investment ranging from $18,081 to $25,478. In contrast, securing a used 2015 Toyota 4Runner may require a budget from $28,437 to $37,995.
Both vehicles exhibit commensurate performance attributes, features, and utility, intensifying the challenge of disregarding the substantial price differential. In this evaluation, the 2015 Nissan Xterra emerges as the selection, owing to its exceptional overall value proposition.