2011 Nissan Xterra PRO-4X, an AW Drivers Log - AutoWeek
EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: Nissan certainly has improved the Xterra since it was first launched about a decade ago. The ride is a bit more refined, the handling a bit less vague, and it comes in a better overall package. Driving the Xterra in a snowstorm was a good test. the thing never wavered in the snow. But, I do wonder whether engineers really take the time to figure out if wipers/defrosters will work to clear snow falling at the rate of about two inches per hour. My guess is that the Nissan engineers didn't think many Xterra drivers would encounter such conditions because, even with the defroster on high, the wiper blades continually froze up, wiping slush across the windshield with each pass. I like Nissan's 4. 0-liter V6. It's plenty torquey in this application, with enough oomph to move things along. I also liked the PRO-4X goodies, which added a nice, custom look to the vehicle. ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR CHERYL L. BLAHNIK: I've always liked the rugged external looks of the Xterra. It's an SUV that looks as if it would have no problem going up a mountain pass or getting to a destination that would be impossible in most other vehicles. I had the Xterra over the weekend, and sadly, I did not get to any mountain passes. Source: autoweek.com
