What To Know
- Both SUVs offer a range of comfort and convenience features, including heated seats, a sunroof, and a premium audio system.
- The Highlander has a more refined interior, while the Xterra has a more rugged and utilitarian feel.
- If you need a vehicle with serious off-road capabilities and a lower price point, the Nissan Xterra is a compelling option.
The Toyota Highlander and Nissan Xterra are two popular midsize SUVs that offer a blend of off-road capability and family-friendly features. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or a parent seeking a spacious and versatile vehicle, these two SUVs deserve your attention. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key aspects of the Toyota Highlander vs. Nissan Xterra to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Capability
- Engine: The Highlander offers a choice of two engines: a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid with 243 horsepower. The Xterra, on the other hand, is powered by a single 4.0-liter V6 with 261 horsepower.
- Transmission: Both SUVs come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. However, the Highlander also offers an optional eight-speed automatic.
- Fuel Economy: The Highlander hybrid delivers impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined. The V6 Highlander has an estimated 22 mpg combined, while the Xterra gets an estimated 19 mpg combined.
- Off-Road Performance: The Xterra is known for its rugged off-road capabilities, thanks to its standard four-wheel drive and a robust suspension system. The Highlander is less capable off-road, but it offers an optional all-wheel drive system for enhanced traction on slippery surfaces.
Interior and Comfort
- Seating Capacity: The Highlander can seat up to eight passengers, while the Xterra has a seating capacity of five.
- Cargo Space: The Highlander offers more cargo space than the Xterra, with 16.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row and 84.3 cubic feet with all seats folded down. The Xterra provides 10.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.5 cubic feet with the seats down.
- Features: Both SUVs offer a range of comfort and convenience features, including heated seats, a sunroof, and a premium audio system. The Highlander has a more refined interior, while the Xterra has a more rugged and utilitarian feel.
Safety and Technology
- Safety Features: The Highlander and Xterra have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both SUVs come standard with a suite of airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes.
- Infotainment Systems: The Highlander features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Xterra has a smaller 5.8-inch touchscreen with limited smartphone integration.
Price and Value
- Starting Price: The 2023 Toyota Highlander starts at $36,420, while the 2023 Nissan Xterra starts at $31,860.
- Trim Levels: Both SUVs offer a range of trim levels, with the Highlander having more options available.
- Resale Value: The Highlander typically holds its value better than the Xterra, making it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The Toyota Highlander is a more spacious, fuel-efficient, and family-friendly SUV. It offers a refined interior, a wider range of features, and better resale value. The Nissan Xterra, on the other hand, is a more rugged and off-road-capable SUV. It has a lower starting price and a more rugged interior.
Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you value space, comfort, and fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice. If you need a vehicle with serious off-road capabilities and a lower price point, the Nissan Xterra is a compelling option.
Beyond the Basics: Comparing Specific Aspects
Engine Power and Performance
The Toyota Highlander‘s 3.5-liter V6 engine provides more horsepower than the Nissan Xterra‘s 4.0-liter V6. This translates to better acceleration and towing capacity for the Highlander. However, the Xterra’s engine has a higher torque output, which can be beneficial for off-road driving.
Interior Refinement and Technology
The Toyota Highlander has a more refined and upscale interior than the Nissan Xterra. The materials used are of higher quality, and the fit and finish is more precise. The Highlander also offers a wider range of infotainment and connectivity features, including a larger touchscreen and more advanced navigation system.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Nissan Xterra is the clear winner in terms of off-road capabilities. It has a more robust suspension system, a higher ground clearance, and a standard four-wheel drive system. The Highlander’s optional all-wheel drive system is not as capable as the Xterra’s four-wheel drive, and it has a lower ground clearance.
Verdict: The Best SUV for Your Needs
The Toyota Highlander and Nissan Xterra are both excellent SUVs with unique strengths and weaknesses. The Highlander is a more spacious, fuel-efficient, and family-friendly SUV, while the Xterra is a more rugged and off-road-capable SUV.
Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you value space, comfort, and fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice. If you need a vehicle with serious off-road capabilities and a lower price point, the Nissan Xterra is a compelling option.
Information You Need to Know
1. Which SUV has better fuel economy?
The Toyota Highlander hybrid delivers the best fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined.
2. Which SUV has more seating capacity?
The Toyota Highlander can seat up to eight passengers, while the Nissan Xterra has a seating capacity of five.
3. Which SUV has the most cargo space?
The Toyota Highlander offers more cargo space than the Nissan Xterra, with 84.3 cubic feet of space with all seats folded down.
4. Which SUV is better off-road?
The Nissan Xterra is the better off-road SUV, thanks to its standard four-wheel drive system and a more robust suspension system.
5. Which SUV has a more refined interior?
The Toyota Highlander has a more refined and upscale interior than the Nissan Xterra. The materials used are of higher quality, and the fit and finish is more precise.