Desert Cruiser
2008 Nissan Xterra OFF ROAD Model?
I am seeing all these posts of the Xterra getting18 to 23 MPG. The Government fuel MPG tests say 16 to 20. I bought a 2008 OFF ROAD model which has transfer case, locking rear differential, hill descent control and other mileage robbers the other models don’t have. I get 11 MPG on dirt road and 15 on the highway. I live in the Arizona hot desert rural community so I don’t get city driving. I never had a six cylinder get such poor mileage. Every thing else I like. Runs good on the highway. Good suspension and steering for being a true off road machine, I say off road because it truly has a truck type ladder frame… only Toyota FJ Cruiser and the Xterra have ladder frames in SUV’s. The question I have, comparing apples to apples does every one with the OFF ROAD Model with the 4.0 liter 5 speed automatic get such poor mileage?
Thanks,
pdclay
Just depends how heavy your right foot is. I get complaints all the time and take the customer for a highway only economy run. Things on the roof really kills mileage driving in lower gears also kills mileage. EPA and Government gas mileage is done on a dynometer however the latest government mileage is closer to reality. Most the time I do a Highway economy run 2005 to 2008 Xterrias get 20 to 21 MPG driving with the cruise control. The power you have to have for climbing rough terrain and lack of aerodynamic wind resistance at high speed also kills off gas mileage. P.S. My cousin has a GMC Jimmy 4×4 full time AWD and it gets approx 13 miles a gallon on the highway at 70 mph. Allow the engine and drive line break in and at about 10,000 miles change engine oil to 10/30 Mobil one full synthetic you may gain another mile or two a gallon. Everything sounds about normal with your Nissan Mountain Goat Xterria.
Truckfighters – Desert Cruiser