It makes sense for the speed-control switch to be with or near the control settings. It also has a low range. Xterra's wide stance and fender flares give it a muscular, broad-shouldered appearance, and it weighs 4,100 pounds. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. Suspension is similar to that in the Frontier pickup, with double-wishbone in front, sold rear axle and dual leaf springs at the rear, and stabilizer bars front and rear.
Brakes are four-wheel antilock, disc in front and drum at the rear.
Steering is of the recirculating-ball type. Park brake lever is Nissan's old style, requiring the handle to be pulled out from under the dash at the right of the steering column. A raised roofline over the rear passenger and cargo area opens up headroom and visibility, and provides stadium-style rear seating. The rear seat cushions are removable, providing a large cargo area, with the rear seat folded down. Cargo space is accessed by a liftgate at the rear.