Nissan Xterra vs. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Hardware02 · 11-12-2012, 05:09 PM

Mrs. Hardware is thinking about trading the Nissan Rogue in on a new SUV. We're very happy with the Rogue and it's been 100% reliable (only routine maintenance so far).

What we want the new vehicle to do better than the Rogue:

- larger rear cargo area for our two labs;

- increase in power;

- slightly larger tires and more robust truck based suspension (local roads suck and the Rogue feels like it takes a lot of abuse even though we don't drive it hard);

- better rearward visibility (the Rogue's notorious for its huge rear blind spots) and higher ride height;

- ~5000 lb towing capacity; and

- primarily rear wheel drive with part time four wheel drive.

She's always liked Wranglers and we've considered buying one before. Now with the new Pentastar engine it's back in the running.

We'd be looking at buying new and in terms of trim levels, it's down to either the Unlimited Sahara or the Xterra S.

Any personal experience with either, good or bad would be appreciated.

Hannda · 11-12-2012, 05:33 PM

Neither, get the Pathfinder.

Doc.Snyder · 11-12-2012, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hannda

Neither, get the Pathfinder.

Are you serious??

Hannda · 11-12-2012, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc.Snyder

Are you serious??

That crossover thingy isn't what I had in mind. Up through 2012 they were on the same chassis as the Titan and Frontier. No, I wouldn't get that new one. But I liked the size, especially inside, of the >2012 Pathfinder over the Xterra.

broncobowsher · 11-12-2012, 05:35 PM

Xterra. More civilized on the street where you will do most of your driving.

broncobowsher · 11-12-2012, 07:20 PM

I do like the '12s. With the '13 out you should be able to get a decent deal on that old, outdated '12. You just can't get it with a stick shift (at least here in the states).

a1fa · 11-12-2012, 07:35 PM

My brother in law has a diesel Pathfinder with 5speed manual transmission, and 4x4.

Andrew · 11-17-2012, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a1fa

My brother in law has a diesel Pathfinder with 5speed manual transmission, and 4x4.

Shame it's not imported to the U.S.

wibornz · 11-12-2012, 08:48 PM

You are aware that the jeep wrangler has the Highest resale value of just about any vehicle.

Deuce · 11-13-2012, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wibornz

You are aware that the jeep wrangler has the Highest resale value of just about any vehicle.

And shitty reliability. Xterra beats the Jeep hands down. We had the same dilemma two years ago. Tested both. The Jeep felt cheap, was totally gutless and was not worth the money they were asking. Xterra was miles ahead in ride quality, power, and quality of workmanship. Plus it's made in Amurica for all you patriots. We bought the Pro4X model with 6 speed manual. Comes with Bilstien shocks, bash plates etc. Did the McGruder Corridor with it last year. So glad we didn't buy the Jeep. We have put 50k kms (30k miles) on it in just two years. Nothing but regular maintenance and service.

broncobowsher · 11-13-2012, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wibornz

You are aware that the jeep wrangler has the Highest resale value of just about any vehicle.

How does that account after you figure that the Jeep also has the most sunk into it in aftermarket products. Let's see, buy for $30k, add another $10k in add ons (tires, wheels, lift, nets, bumpers, crap) and realize it is a money pit and sell it in 2 years for $25k. 25K on a 30K purchase is good resale, but if you figure that the real return of 25k on a 40k total investment and it sucks. the only Jeeps with high resale value around here are ones that have had a lot of money dumped into them.

moodfart · 11-13-2012, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by broncobowsher

How does that account after you figure that the Jeep also has the most sunk into it in aftermarket products. Let's see, buy for $30k, add another $10k in add ons (tires, wheels, lift, nets, bumpers, crap) and realize it is a money pit and sell it in 2 years for $25k. 25K on a 30K purchase is good resale, but if you figure that the real return of 25k on a 40k total investment and it sucks. the only Jeeps with high resale value around here are ones that have had a lot of money dumped into them.

Not my experience at all. Around here at least, stock, well kept Jeeps seem to draw more than those built up to their owner's content.

I've probably put $5k into my Jeep in aftermarket stuff, but in the end I pulled it all back down to stock. You think the stocker rides bad; throw a lift and mud terrains on it and see what you think. Not sure your plans, but I would keep it stock one way or another. Plenty of off road capability stock, and if you want to really wheel, buy an old YJ for $3k and build that.

Also, I'm too lazy to look it up, but I know the Unlimiteds have higher tow ratings than the standard SWB Jeeps. My 4.0 can pull a tree out of the ground, but the issue with towing really comes from the SWB. My small boat makes it's presence known, and it's way less than what my Jeep is rated for.

oomis · 11-13-2012, 06:54 AM

FWIW, as the OP pointed out, the new 3.6 Pentastar motor is heads and shoulders better than the old 3.8 V6. Torque is up slightly, HP is WAY up from ~205 - 210 hp to 285 hp, mostly in the mid-range and top end, and fuel economy is better by about 10%.

I have a 6 speed manual sahara with the 3.6L, and I love it. However, the OP was looking for something that could tow ~5000 lbs, and IIRC the Wranglers, even with factory tow packages, are limited to a max of about 3500 lbs. The reading I did said that this is due to the way the tow bar is connected to the frame, rather than the ability of the motor and brakes...

For anyone considering a Jeep as a daily driver and comparing it to an SUV, they're really apples and oranges for the most part. The Jeep is... well, it's a Jeep. You give up creature comforts, and not all the amenities are there. If you don't look at a Jeep, get into one and drive it and think "Man, this is cool" then you probably shouldn't own one. If owning a giant Lego set on wheels doesn't appeal to you, there are better choices.

Personally, I think there are huge comparisons between riding a motorcycle and driving a Jeep. The lack of refinement, the utilitarian nature, the function over form, and the fact that I can take the top off and not look like a bear stuffed into a Miata all appealed to me... most SUV's are boxes on wheels and don't have much character to me. The Jeep oozes character, and after I checked all the boxes that were important to me, the character piece was what put it over the top when compared to other choices I could have made.

Your mileage may vary.

Crocker · 11-13-2012, 07:08 AM

huh, I got 125k miles on my 05 unlimited with nothing but normal maintenance. Sold it for $9,000. Only regret I had was selling it. Unless towing 5000 lbs is mandatory, I'd go with the jeep.

Grainbelt · 11-13-2012, 07:32 AM

Loved my Pathfinder of the era that spawned the XTerra. Have friends with Xterras, universally loved.

Perhaps more practical and less fun, but the packaging is done well. If I ever decide a real SUV is required again, they will be my top pick. For now, city boy rolls in a hatchback.

View Results: Which 4x4 SUV?
Nissan Xterra S	49	55.06%
Jeep Sahara Unlimited	40	44.94%
Voters: 89. You may not vote on this poll

11-12-2012, 05:09 PM	#1
Hardware02 ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2011 Location: The Rock Oddometer: 1,432	Nissan Xterra vs. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Mrs. Hardware is thinking about trading the Nissan Rogue in on a new SUV. We're very happy with the Rogue and it's been 100% reliable (only routine maintenance so far). What we want the new vehicle to do better than the Rogue: - larger rear cargo area for our two labs; - increase in power; - slightly larger tires and more robust truck based suspension (local roads suck and the Rogue feels like it takes a lot of abuse even though we don't drive it hard); - better rearward visibility (the Rogue's notorious for its huge rear blind spots) and higher ride height; - ~5000 lb towing capacity; and - primarily rear wheel drive with part time four wheel drive. She's always liked Wranglers and we've considered buying one before. Now with the new Pentastar engine it's back in the running. We'd be looking at buying new and in terms of trim levels, it's down to either the Unlimited Sahara or the Xterra S. Any personal experience with either, good or bad would be appreciated. __________________ "These instructions are at our present level of knowledge. Legal requirements do not exist. Technical issues subject to change."

11-12-2012, 07:35 PM	#7
a1fa Riding Nomad™ Joined: Nov 2006 Location: Arkansas Oddometer: 12,788	My brother in law has a diesel Pathfinder with 5speed manual transmission, and 4x4. __________________ Learn to ride. Ride to learn.

11-12-2012, 08:48 PM	#9
wibornz Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2008 Location: Mid-Michigan Oddometer: 382	You are aware that the jeep wrangler has the Highest resale value of just about any vehicle. __________________ Ride ride ride, get gas, ride ride ride ride, get gas, ride ride ride, get gas, ride ride ride ride, get gas, ride some more stop for the nigt.... Repeat.

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11-12-2012, 05:33 PM	#2
Hannda Short, fat, bearded, slow Joined: Apr 2005 Location: Studiously avoiding the cookie jar Oddometer: 23,920	Neither, get the Pathfinder.

11-12-2012, 05:35 PM	#5
broncobowsher Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Apr 2010 Oddometer: 472	Xterra. More civilized on the street where you will do most of your driving.

11-12-2012, 07:20 PM	#6
broncobowsher Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Apr 2010 Oddometer: 472	I do like the '12s. With the '13 out you should be able to get a decent deal on that old, outdated '12. You just can't get it with a stick shift (at least here in the states).

11-13-2012, 06:54 AM	#13
oomis What's a noob? Joined: Jul 2006 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Oddometer: 146	FWIW, as the OP pointed out, the new 3.6 Pentastar motor is heads and shoulders better than the old 3.8 V6. Torque is up slightly, HP is WAY up from ~205 - 210 hp to 285 hp, mostly in the mid-range and top end, and fuel economy is better by about 10%. I have a 6 speed manual sahara with the 3.6L, and I love it. However, the OP was looking for something that could tow ~5000 lbs, and IIRC the Wranglers, even with factory tow packages, are limited to a max of about 3500 lbs. The reading I did said that this is due to the way the tow bar is connected to the frame, rather than the ability of the motor and brakes... For anyone considering a Jeep as a daily driver and comparing it to an SUV, they're really apples and oranges for the most part. The Jeep is... well, it's a Jeep. You give up creature comforts, and not all the amenities are there. If you don't look at a Jeep, get into one and drive it and think "Man, this is cool" then you probably shouldn't own one. If owning a giant Lego set on wheels doesn't appeal to you, there are better choices. Personally, I think there are huge comparisons between riding a motorcycle and driving a Jeep. The lack of refinement, the utilitarian nature, the function over form, and the fact that I can take the top off and not look like a bear stuffed into a Miata all appealed to me... most SUV's are boxes on wheels and don't have much character to me. The Jeep oozes character, and after I checked all the boxes that were important to me, the character piece was what put it over the top when compared to other choices I could have made. Your mileage may vary.

11-13-2012, 07:08 AM	#14
Crocker just passing through Joined: Nov 2007 Location: Baltimore, MD Oddometer: 2,207	huh, I got 125k miles on my 05 unlimited with nothing but normal maintenance. Sold it for $9,000. Only regret I had was selling it. Unless towing 5000 lbs is mandatory, I'd go with the jeep.

11-13-2012, 07:32 AM	#15
Grainbelt marginal adventurer Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Minnyhappiness Oddometer: 25,088	Loved my Pathfinder of the era that spawned the XTerra. Have friends with Xterras, universally loved. Perhaps more practical and less fun, but the packaging is done well. If I ever decide a real SUV is required again, they will be my top pick. For now, city boy rolls in a hatchback.