Nissan Xterra vs. Toyota Highlander
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Xterra and Toyota Highlander contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Nissan Xterra and the Toyota Highlander.
In comparing the Nissan Xterra's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, 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's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2015 Nissan Xterra ranges from $10,213 to $25,498 while a used 2015 Toyota Highlander is priced between $14,840 to $25,496.
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. This gives the Toyota Highlander the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Xterra. 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: The Toyota Highlander has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,660
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,173
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,150 - $26,255
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$29,765
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$28,869
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$20,695 - $33,975
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$17,781
Price Range:
$10,213 - $25,498
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$13,241
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$10,060 - $17,781
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
40
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
116,994
# Good or Great Deals:
19
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$20,089
Price Range:
$14,840 - $25,496
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$15,966
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$10,496 - $24,772
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
519
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
124,199
# Good or Great Deals:
224
Nissan Xterra Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Xterra
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
1.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.8 - 4.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
38%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.1 - 4.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
67.9%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
0.9 - 10
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.8 - 9.6
Nissan Xterra Rankings
Not yet available
Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 16Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 28Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 39Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 59Summary 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
- Third-row space a bit cramped
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
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 Specs
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
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
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 Features
Backup camera:
Standard
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:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Metallic Blue
Gray
Night Armor
Red
Cayenne Red / Lava Red
Silver
Brilliant Silver
White
Glacier White
Yellow
SolarFlare Yellow
Beige
Not available
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Attitude Black Metallic
Blue
Nautical Blue Metallic / Shoreline Blue Pearl
Gray
Predawn Gray Mica
Red
Ooh La La Rouge Mica
Silver
Silver Sky Metallic
White
Blizzard Pearl
Yellow
Not available
Beige
Creme Brulee Mica
Green
Alumina Jade Metallic
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Ash
Black
Black