2015 Nissan Xterra Brings Body-on-frame Construction for $23,660

nissan xterra outdoor

The 2015 Nissan Xterra will remain on the special teams roster for another year for Nissan, providing the strength of body-on-frame construction and the kind of true-truck capabilities missing from many of today's crossovers. For example, the 2015 Nissan Xterra boasts a full 5,000-lb. maximum tow rating and, especially in its Pro-4X configuration, it can serve up highly capable off-the-tarmac performance that the soft-roaders just can't match.

For the new selling season, the 2015 Nissan Xterra does see a price increase to $23,660, but that remains fairly competitive with the starting points of similarly sized crossovers. The Honda CR-V opens at $23,120, for example, with the Chevrolet Equinox north of $24,000, and both of those choices are fitted with four-cylinder engines that put an emphasis on efficiency instead of capability. The 2015 Nissan Xterra, on the other hand, holsters a standard 4.0-liter V6 that makes 261 hp and 281 lb.-ft. of torque; to put that into context, the 2015 Nissan Xterra antes up with more than 100 extra lb.-ft. of torque as compared to the CR-V, as well as almost 80 more horsepower.

Of course, the advantage does go the other way in terms of fuel economy, since the 2015 Nissan Xterra tops out at 22 mpg highway and the crossovers routinely break 30 mpg in that measure.

But that's just part of the SUV/crossover tradeoff, and Nissan helps mitigate that difference by loading the 2015 Nissan Xterra S model—the mid-level choice—with a tech upgrade that includes NissanConnect with Mobile Apps, complemented by a 5-inch color display, USB port, Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and hands-free text-messaging assistance, all with a new price of $25,670 (marking a $370 jump versus the 2014 model).

The price of admission for the 2015 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X off-road high performer advances by $270, to $30,590 but does include standard features like:

• Bilstein gas shocks for enhanced off-road capability
• Audio by Rockford-Fosgate, highlighted by nine speakers (including an 8-in. subwoofer)
• NissanConnect with navigation, 5.8-inch screen and voice recognition
• Heated front seats
• Electronic locking rear differential

The 2015 Nissan Xterra should be reaching Autobytel.com Nissan dealers any second now.