Toyota Highlander Vs Nissan Xterra: Battle Of The 3-row Suvs
What To Know
- The four-cylinder Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the V6 model gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
- The Highlander earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, while the Xterra earned a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.
- The Highlander has a more spacious interior, better fuel efficiency, and a longer list of standard features, while the Xterra is more affordable and has a more rugged design.
The Toyota Highlander and Nissan Xterra are two popular midsize SUVs that offer a spacious interior, versatile features, and capable performance. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Toyota Highlander against the Nissan Xterra in several key categories to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Under the hood, the Toyota Highlander offers a choice of two powertrains: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is available on both trims.
The Nissan Xterra, on the other hand, comes standard with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive is standard on all models.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander has the edge over the Nissan Xterra. The four-cylinder Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the V6 model gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Nissan Xterra, on the other hand, gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Cargo Space
The Toyota Highlander offers a spacious and comfortable interior with seating for up to eight passengers. The front seats are supportive and offer plenty of adjustment, and the second row is spacious enough for adults to sit comfortably. The third row is best suited for children or occasional use.
The Nissan Xterra has a more rugged interior with seating for up to five passengers. The front seats are comfortable, but the second row is a bit cramped, especially for taller passengers. The Xterra also has a smaller cargo area than the Highlander, with just 18.5 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 65.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.
Features and Technology
The Toyota Highlander comes standard with a long list of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and a suite of safety features. Available features include a panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system, and a navigation system.
The Nissan Xterra comes standard with fewer features than the Highlander, but it still offers a respectable amount of equipment, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Available features include a sunroof, a premium audio system, and a navigation system.
Safety
Both the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Xterra have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Highlander earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, while the Xterra earned a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.
Price
The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,850, while the Nissan Xterra has a starting price of $29,990. However, the Highlander offers more standard features than the Xterra, so the price difference is somewhat justified.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Toyota Highlander and Nissan Xterra are both excellent midsize SUVs with a lot to offer. The Highlander has a more spacious interior, better fuel efficiency, and a longer list of standard features, while the Xterra is more affordable and has a more rugged design. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Recommendations: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs
Whether you choose the Toyota Highlander or the Nissan Xterra, you’re sure to get a capable and versatile midsize SUV that will meet your needs. Take the time to test drive both vehicles and compare their features and performance before making a decision.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander or the Nissan Xterra?
A: The Toyota Highlander has better fuel efficiency than the Nissan Xterra. The four-cylinder Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the V6 model gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Nissan Xterra, on the other hand, gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space, the Toyota Highlander or the Nissan Xterra?
A: The Toyota Highlander has more cargo space than the Nissan Xterra. The Highlander offers 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows folded down. The Xterra, on the other hand, offers just 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 65.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.
Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating, the Toyota Highlander or the Nissan Xterra?
A: Both the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Xterra have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Highlander earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, while the Xterra earned a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.