DecodedCars2013 Nissan Xterra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD S/Pro-4x/Sv
- Engines
- 4.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 178.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,370 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints3 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 139 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 22% below the 2013 small SUV average of 23 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Nissan Xterra is a small SUV offered with a 4.0L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 178 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,370 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), 22% worse than the 2013 small SUV average of 23 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2013
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Xterra — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Xterra →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD S/Pro-4x/Sv | 178.3 in | 72.8 in | 74.8 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 4,370 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xterra 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -22% | $3,700 | 489 |
| Xterra 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -21% | $3,950 | 530 |
| Xterra 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 20 / 17 | -21% | $3,950 | 516 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Nissan Xterra.
Similar 2013 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Nissan Xterra (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Toyota RAV4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Honda CR-V | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2013 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Subaru Forester | 23 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2013 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Nissan Xterra.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2013 Nissan Xterra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Nissan Xterra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Nissan Xterra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Xterra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Xterra | 18 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 10 |
| 2014 Xterra | 18 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 9 |
| 2012 Xterra | 18 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 12 |
| 2011 Xterra | 18 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 16 |
| 2010 Xterra | 18 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 27 |
| 2009 Xterra | 18 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 11 |
| 2008 Xterra | 17 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 74 |
| 2007 Xterra | 17 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 226 |
| 2006 Xterra | 17 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 221 |
| 2005 Xterra | 17 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 159 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →