2013 Nissan Xterra Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

IIHS Crash Test

Good

Source IIHS.org

MPG (up to)

16 City / 20 -22 HWY

Source FuelEconomy.gov

Horsepower

261

Seats

Positive Owner Reviews

Kevin C

2013 Nissan xterra off-road SUV.

Great vehicle for the outdoorsman and off-road camper it's been a great SUV no problems so far only bad thing is not great gas mileage.

Sierra C

Perfect for me and for whatever weather.

I bought my Nissan xterra pro4x second hand to replace my 2006 ford explorer. It is an amazing SUV that fits my aesthetic, it handles great in the co snow, and I have taken it off-roading several times (once to a secluded trail for my wedding!). Very reliable - I plan to drive it for years to come.

Macey H

My car is one of the best investments that I have ever made. It is super reliable and fun to drive.

My vehicle is great for off-roading purposes. It handles well in snow. It has power and does great driving on interstates.

ELYSE A

Great for young adult, maybe not for older more sophisticated buyers.

The Nissan xterra has been perfect for moving and carting around cargo. Though it is perfect for my lifestyle (twenties) it is not very comfortable to my older parents for long car-rides. Some elements to note - the s model does not have 4-wheel drive, and being a top-heavy vehicle this is really not ideal in snow. I have not had much issue in rain, but snowy conditions do prove treacherous. The audio connection via USB is great, though the computer in my vehicle will someone's glitch and say 'check device' despite being plugged in. I have this issue mostly when driving at speeds over 75 mph with windows down so may be due to the wind and bumps. Hoping to drive this until it breaks down, so far at 75,000 miles and believe I should still have a good 2-3 years left.

lauren C

It's a shame but Nison has stopped making the Xterra, they are great cars

I love it It's comfortable, has good pick up, has a smooth ride. I like how it looks both inside and out , the only thing I don't like is it has a big blind spot , the back up camera does help though

Toby S

With regular maintenance, this car will run for many years!

I have never had a problem with its reliability. After this many years, my radio, ac and every other feature still works just as well as the day I drove it off the lot. This car is great for kids, dogs, camping and day to day commute or errands. I bought this knowing this car would be the one I would keep as long as it would run.

Amber A

A spacious & utilitarian choice.

The xterra is a versatile vehicle that is great as a work truck, but also for families & outdoor adventures. The 2013 is a no-nonsense vehicle, meaning nothing wasted on frivolous extras. The trunk space capacity is huge, and folding down the back seats creates a massive space for hauling equipment or moving. The height of the vehicle is great for tall drivers, and the interior feels roomy and open. Plus, this vehicle will stand out in a parking lot!

Dee H

Xterra - safe and secure ride.

I have not incurred any problems with my Xterra. It has a solid build leaving me feeling safe during daily commutes or long trips. It is reliable and handles well in all types of weather. The only complaint comes from passengers in the rear seat who complain seats and ride is uncomfortable.

Negative Owner Reviews

Kelli M

The Nissan tera gets good gas mileage for an SUV.

I do not care for the dimness in the headlights. It is starting to cost me money for repairs. I wish it were four wheel drive.

Brendan C

The Nissan xterra is quality car that meets all my needs in a car.

The Nissan xterra drives really well and like almost all the features on the car. The one thing I dislike about the Nissan is that the gas and brake pedal are very touchy compared to other cars. Other than that I cannot think of anything I dislike about the car. It is all around a quality car.

Sandra M

It is smaller in the front but spacious in the back.

The four wheel drive is not so great, the interior is made out of hard plastic, and it does have a lot of cup holders around the car, the back of the car is very spacious, and it also has different storage compartments. The seats are comfortable, but the inside of the car is not very spacious. Acceleration is great, gas mileages are good if you do not live in a big city.

Zach T

Lots of space, comfortable, and secure.

It is very handy for transporting items since the back seats can fold in. The design is also really nice and feels secure to ride in. The seats are also comfortable. As for problems, I think it might put too much pressure on the tires since we've had a few tires leaking air.

Nissan Xterra Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

261 HP 18 MPG 5 Seats

Pro-4X

261 HP 17 MPG 5 Seats

Photos may not match model

2013 Nissan Xterra Owner Reviews

4.61

54 Reviews

Write Review

5 stars

69%

4 stars

24%

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Ava D on June 16, 2021

My vehicle is a 4-wheel drive that is perfect for me.

I have not had any issues with my car. It drives good and is very comfortable. I do not mind long trips in my car as the seats are very comfortable. The speakers work great and I have never had an issue with the sound system. I would love if my car had leather seats, but the fabric seats are not horrible. They are just hard to keep clean.

Greg C on June 11, 2021

Xterra review: very reliable and great in all terrain.

Xterra is very reliable, great for all types of terrain. I take it on trails in the mountains. I would recommend getting one with 4 wheel drive, it really makes me feel more confident when in tough terrain. It handles really well in the snow as well. Would 100% buy again.

View All Reviews (54)

Pros from Owners

Lorie K.

The Nissan Xterra has a lot of cargo space, great towing capabilities, a lot of headroom and legroom, better turn radius than a truck, folding rear seats to add to the cargo space, roof rack, nice ground clearance, so does not get stuck.

Dee H.

The Nissan Xterra has many good features. Some of these features include good visibility, durability, and safety. The Xterra has compartment storage in the rear as well as in both sides of the rear of the vehicle. It also allows for a large area for luggage, camping gear, firewood, or shopping bags. The top of the Xterra also provides a convenient place to carry a kayak or other luggage or sports equipment. I have also found that it tows easily. I can hook up and drive feeling that there is nothing behind me.

Tiana G.

The xterra has high clearance and a rugged 4 wheel drive for going off road and in snow. Big windows give good visibility and the heavier frame makes it feel safer on ice and snow. The coated cargo bed makes for easy cleanup from wet muddy dogs.

Cons from Owners

Lorie K.

The gas mileage of the Nissan Xterra is not good in city, and is just okay on highway. It rides stiffly on curvy roads. Due to it is tall height, when it is windy, the wind will catch it, and make it harder to drive straight. Maintenance costs are high. Not the greatest going up hills.

Dee H.

I purchased the bare minimum Xterra so it does not have a lot of options. I do not have overhead lights in the front seat making it difficult to see inside at night. There was no vanity mirror on the driver's seat or passenger's seat. The vehicle really has klno bells or whistles. The biggest con to the Xterra is accessing the rear seat. Passengers have to climb in over the rear tire wheel. I have also been told the backseat is not comfortable and does not ride well.

Tiana G.

The lift up hatch. Would be nice to have a split hatch where you could lower the top half window and still have the tailgate party up. It does not get the best mileage (currently 18.6 mpg) but for a mid-size SUV it is not bad.

Ranks #3 Midsize SUV by Owners

The 2013 Nissan Xterra has an average owner rating of 4.67 out of 5 which ranks it #3 of 21 other Midsize SUVs.

2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser

4.84

Tie

2013 Jeep Wrangler

4.62

Tie

2013 Toyota 4Runner

4.62

2013 Nissan Xterra

4.61

Ranks #9 Midsize SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2013 Nissan Xterra has a combined MPG of 25 which ranks it #9 of 21 other Midsize SUVs.

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek

33 MPG

2013 Subaru Outback

30 MPG

Tie

2013 Nissan Xterra

22 MPG

Is The 2013 Nissan Xterra A Good Car?

Yes. No major issues, easy to drive, easy to see out of, not a lot of unnecessary features. The color is nice and there is a lot of room.

Lindsay T.

Yes. I love my xterra. I think it drives well, is easy to handle and looks great. Overall I have had a very good experience with this vehicle.

Sharon R.

Yes, it's comfortable, reliable and roomy it had always been without problems. It has good pick up it's responsive when you drive, it feels safe

Sky M.

How Reliable Is The 2013 Nissan Xterra?

It is very reliable. No major issues so far. I have only had to get oil changes and regular maintenance.

Lindsay T.

My xterra has been very reliable. I do not currently have any problems with it. I bought it used and have been very happy with it.

Sharon R.

It is very reliable we have not had any problems with it at all. I have heard other people say there were problems with older models but mine has been very good

Ashley H.

Is The 2013 Nissan Xterra A Good Value?

It cost 23000. I believe it is a good value since I have not had any issues so far. It gets me from place to place.

Lindsay T.

As with most cars these days it was very expensive. I bought it used. I have had it for four years now but I would say it is a good value.

Sharon R.

I not positive but I believe it was $13,000 we bought it used. I think it was a very good value, have been happy

Anton P.

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Crash Test

(Not Rated)

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated

*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety