Nissan Xterra vs. Toyota Highlander
When we compare the Nissan Xterra to the Toyota Highlander, the Nissan Xterra has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars and base engine power. The Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Xterra versus the Toyota Highlander, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Nissan Xterra vs. Toyota Highlander Pricing
A used 2015 Nissan Xterra ranges from $13,489 to $28,207 while a used 2015 Toyota Highlander is priced between $16,998 to $28,291.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Nissan Xterra’s base engine makes 261 horsepower, and the Toyota Highlander base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Xterra is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 464 miles. The Highlander is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 480 miles. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison
The Toyota Highlander has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Nissan Xterra has the advantage in the area of cargo space.
Safety Ratings Comparison
The Toyota Highlander has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$13,489 - $28,207
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$16,998 - $28,291
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
38.1%
Nissan Xterra Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.9 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Nissan Xterra Rankings
Not yet available
Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 61Ranking
1 out of / 61Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 61Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 21Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 61Ranking
35 out of / 61Summary Review
The Nissan Xterra is a rugged two-row SUV with plenty of cargo space and a suspension designed for those with adventurous lifestyles. The Xterra was discontinued after the 2015 model year.
Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
Pros and Cons
- Powerful engine
- Off-road capability
- Durable interior materials
- Unrefined on-road ride
- Short list of standard features
- Low fuel economy
Pros and Cons
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Poorly-rated headlights on L, LE, and XLE trims
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Nissan Xterra Trim Levels
PRO-4X, S, X
Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
LE, LE Plus, Limited, Limited Platinum, XLE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
261 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
281 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 4200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.045 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
1500 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 22 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
338 / 464 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 25 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
384 / 480 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Cargo Space:
36.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
136.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59.6 inches
Cargo Space:
13.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
83.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
158.8 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4148 lbs
Width:
72.8 inches
Height:
74.9 inches
Length:
178.7 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4134 lbs
Width:
75.8 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
109.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P265/70R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
