Auto Guide
2012 Nissan Xterra
Used

Review and specifications

2012 Nissan Xterra

The 2005 Xterra was larger in all dimensions and much more civilized, while retaining the off-road capability for which the model is renowned. Improvements include a refined engine and responsive, secure handling -- thanks to the addition of electronic stability control (ESC) as standard equipment. Side- and curtain airbags are standard with this generation. The strong 4.0-liter V6 engine delivers quick acceleration, but overall mileage is just 17 mpg. The four-wheel drive system remains part-time only. Folding the 60/40-split rear seats expands the cargo area to 45.5 cubic feet. Payload capacity is 920 pounds and towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. The cargo floor has a rail system for securing objects and a storage space underneath. Bluetooth was introduced to most trim levels for 2015, after which the model was discontinued.

Market value
$6,375
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2012
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door SUV
Drive type
4WD
Transmission
Automatic, 5-speed
Category
Compact SUVs
Generation began
2005

Pricing

Current retail median
$6,375
Retail value range
$5,675 - $8,150
Original MSRP range
$25,480 - $31,690
Trade-in range
$2,800 - $5,245

Ratings

Road test score
61/100

Fuel economy

EPA city
16 MPG
EPA highway
21 MPG
EPA combined
18 MPG
Tested city
12 MPG
Tested highway
23 MPG
Tested overall
17 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$2,320
Cruising range
355 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3 sec
0-60 mph
7.7 sec
60-0 mph braking
135 ft
Avoidance speed
50 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
179 in
Width
73 in
Height
75 in
Wheelbase
106 in
Weight
4,480 lb
Maximum load
920 lb
Towing capacity
5,000 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
4 in
Front leg room
41 in
Rear head room
4 in
Rear leg room
28 in
Cargo volume
45.5 cu ft

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
5/10
Greenhouse gas score
2/10
SmartWay
No

Brand context

About Nissan

Nissan’s varied lineup of SUVs, pickup trucks, and EVs usually perform well in our road tests, but their Overall Scores suffer because of up-and-down reliability and average to below-average owner satisfaction. Inconsistent quality across the brand means some Nissans are a better choice than others. Many of its gasoline vehicles use small turbocharged engines and continuously variable transmissions to give owners both competitive fuel economy and sporty performance. Most new Nissans come standard with a full suite of active safety and driver assist systems. It’s also one of the few remaining brands that sells a sub-compact sedan, the Versa. The compact Sentra, a mainstay within Nissan’s lineup, earned a high score in our road test and is recommended. Nissan was an early EV trailblazer with the Leaf hatchback, and now sells larger five-passenger EV SUVs. Used Nissans have average reliability according to our surveys.

Vehicle ID: 6031 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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