DecodedCars2015 Nissan Xterra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD S/Pro-4x
- 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
- 4,387 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints10 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 304 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 25% below the 2015 small SUV average of 24 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 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 4,387 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), 25% worse than the 2015 small SUV average of 24 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 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 Xterra — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Xterra →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD S/Pro-4x | 178.3 in | 72.8 in | 74.8 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 4,387 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 | -25% | $3,700 | 489 |
| Xterra 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -25% | $3,950 | 529 |
| Xterra 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -25% | $3,950 | 526 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Nissan Xterra.
Similar 2015 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Nissan Xterra (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Toyota RAV4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2015 Honda CR-V | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2015 Subaru Forester | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2015 Nissan Xterra.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2015 Nissan Xterra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Nissan Xterra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Power Train — 6 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Suspension — 2 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 66,000 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 2015 Nissan Xterra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Xterra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Xterra | 18 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 9 |
| 2013 Xterra | 18 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 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 →