The 2009 Nissan Xterra is the answer to all those middle income families and singles looking for a decent but budget priced SUV. While the 2008 version of the Xterra fell a little below many people expectations, the 2009 itteration is shaping up to be an exceptional purchase.

Built from the ground up to be an extremely competitively priced all-rounder for outdoor pursuits and off-road driving, the Xterra seems to have its work cut out in meeting both seemingly opposing requirements. Fortunately, Nissan possesses a certain ability to build well beyond the means of many competing manufacturers when it comes to producing decent budget vehicles.

The Xterra is equipped with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine which produces 261 horsepower. Quite a bit more than its former version; and certain to quieten the complaints about underpowered drive trains that plagued the 2008 version.

Nissan has managed to pack everything but the kitchen sink into the Xterra, even a cubby hole for a first aid kit has been thought of, a feature which reveals Nissans careful analysis of their target market.

Overall, the 2009 Nissan Xterra is much improved over earlier versions of the vehicle. Issues with handing and drive trains have been dealt with without much fuss from Nissan. They call the new Xterra an evolution, but a lot of people will see it as a revolution.