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Element vs xterra

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16K views 21 replies 17 participants last post by  Rob Dobbs  
#1 ·
I know it is heresy to ask but I am looking at these 2 vehicles and there is a window were I can get the xterra S for only about $800 more than the Element EX AWD. Has anyone owned both? Thanks in advance.
 
#2 ·
I have not owned or really spent much time driving an xterra but from what I know they are really good trucks/suvs. To advise you on what you should get I would say you really need to think about how you will be using your new SUV. Do you plan on towing or off-roading? While the E is good for small loads and forest roads the xterra will get you much more oomph. If you will be spending much of your time on the roads you may like the better mileage and ride comfort of the element. They are pretty different vehicles when you get down to it.

I looked into an xterra a while back when my local Nissan dealer was selling them at 40% off msrp. I just couldn't justify the big drop in gas mileage.
 
#4 ·
I had an Xterra before my Element. I bought a 2000 2WD Xterra brand new when I lived in El Paso, Texas. I looooooved that truck... it's awesome. And the forum is pretty good too... not as good as ours though (xterraownersclub.com). When we moved up to Massachusetts the 2WD was awful in the smallest amount of snow so we sadly had to sell it... and that's when we ended up getting our AWD Element.

So here's the deal... the Xterra is definitely a lot more rugged and capable in a lot of ways. It just seems more tough. The interior COMFORT is very comparable to the Element. I think what it's really going to come down to for you is 2 things - first, the exterior styling, whichever you like better.... and second, the interior space... whichever style suits you better. They are completely different. The X is higher off the ground and you really step into the Xterra (especially in the backseat - if you have kids the backseat is a little bit awkward to get into with the way the seats are set up). And it definitey has a lot of cargo space when you put the seats down, but nowhere near as good as the Element. So if you are craving a lot of interior space with a lot of configurations then the E is for you.

There aren't too many days that go by when I don't think about my Xterra. I know it's pathetic but I absolutely loved that truck. And I still do... the newer models look really good. But if I had the chance right now to just trade my Element for an Xterra... I wouldn't. The Element is more right for me.

Good luck with your decision.... and if there's anything else I can help you with just let me know! Oh.. and I had the XE model for the Xterra (in the denim blue color).
 
#5 ·
Sarah, It's nice to see another Nissan convert. I had 3 Nissan trucks. I loved them all. I found that they are not as durable as the Honda's, Still dammed nice trucks. Gobs of power, unlike the E. They are at home off road.

It was the fuel mileage that turned the page for me.

I'm not at all sorry about that. I ( we ) love our E's.

Dom
 
#6 ·
Not to sound fatherly, but I gotta say how nice it is to see folks providing honest, respectful, responses to this posting. All too often lately it seems that snide, smart ass replies are the rule of thumb.

I just feel all warm and fuzzy right now. I just wish I could offer an opinion on the subject. I own an E that I love in all ways, but I have always loved the looks of the Xterra. That is about the extent of my opinion.
 
#7 ·
Leewa,

I bought my E in April, after doing a lot of comparison shopping online. I relied on Consumer Reports a lot. The Xterra was one of my finalists. As I recall, the winning factors for the E over the Xterra were in the areas of reliability and mileage. It's hard to beat Honda reliability, and this past summer I imagine everyone was wishing for better mileage.

FarStar
 
#8 ·
Oh man - I don't know how I forgot to mention this!!

So like I said - I had a 2000 denim blue Xterra. Well that wasn't my first Xterra... right before that I had a silver ice Xterra. My partner was driving it on a road in El Paso where it was 55mph, and then she turned into the "turn left lane" where she was stopped, ready to make a turn when traffic cleared up. She got clipped from behing by a GREYHOUND BUS going 55mph... and the X flipped over. Both my partner and her passenger were hanging from their chairs in seatbelts... unclipped them... climbed out of the car... and walked out of the accident with only scratches. Needless to say, as soon as insurance cleared, we got the same Xterra - just a different color! I know that the Xterra saved my partner's life.

But that's not to suede you into the X... because I know that a lot of people have also walked out of their Element in really bad accidents too! =o) Just some more insight!
 
#9 ·
We had also looked at the xterra because we had owned a Pathfinder in the past and were very happy with it; one of the best 4wd vehicles we have ever owned (and for our age, that is a lot!). Seems it would be the better choice if you need more power for towing, off-roading, etc (like others have already said). If those are a priority for you, then the xterra is probably the no-brainer.

Of course, as already mentioned, gas mileage is not as good (although certainly not horrible for what you are getting) and reliability is not as good as Honda- although certainly better than most manufacturers! Hondas also seem to hold their value a little better.

Good luck with your decision and keep us posted!
 
#10 ·
I can only echo the above sentiments. The Xterra will get you more power and more real off-road capability, the Element will get you better mileage, more interior room, and more flexibility. The choice is yours, grasshoppa :D



 
#12 ·
Had a 2001 XE 4x4 v-6 prior to the element. That was my first and definitely my last Nissuck.

Same as everyone else: Tough looking, fine off road, 2wd in snow is useless, 4x4 is capable though limited slip rear diff sucked. Good torque.

Other than that: New rotors as 20k (too weak due to same as frontier platform), new exhaust manifolds every 30k (and nissan knows about it), way underpowered (170 hp SOHC v-6), 17 mpg at best. Couldn't keep tires on the front for more than 20k (known for allignment problems). Alternator mounted too low for a 4x4 and would fail if too wet. Window regulators failed (just like everyone else).
 
#13 ·
I'm shopping a bunch and one of my other candidates is a Toyota FJ. I mention this here because I think it mimicks much of the comparison with the Xterra.

I'm kicking the FJ out of consideration for now because my young kids keep me from having time to do the offroading...which I would be paying more for. I figure a few years down the road I can pick up the rough and tumble stuff again when the young'uns aren't so young. And, I'll have this nice little box on wheels sitting on the side to use that just keeps running.

I've owned lots of Honda's...no Nissans. IMO, they do not hold up quite as well but do still stay ahead of the average. Same with market value.

Lastly, a traditional 4x4 setup like the XTerra will always demand a bit more attention in maintenance. Not a bad thing necessarily for the additional capabilities...just something to know going in.
 
#14 ·
Good point Bowzer, I've driven Jeeps since I was old enough to reach the pedals (started with a 78 Jeep Cherokee Comanchee and on through my parents' current 06 Wagoneer) and the true 4WD systems do require more maintenance. As I stated in another thread earlier today, more complexity = more stuff to break. That being said, if you need it then get it. But you don't need it for driving around in the snow, the E's RT4WD is quite capable enough for that, and I live in some of the worst driving around.



 
#15 ·
appreciation

Thanks to all for the input. I know I am looking at 2 classes of vehicle here and a lot has to do with which of my current vehicles I would sell. If I get the Element, I would not be towing. It would replace my commuter car with a good amount of snow driving over the pass. If I get the Xterra, I would be towing and it would replace my dakota pickup. Off the road driving would be limited to 4-5 times a year but if I got the Xterra, it would be demanding off-road. I like the looks of the Element(not as fond of the 2009) but my wife hates it. The xterra appeals to her. A dealer in the Seattle area has 29 08Elements on their lot. I thought they would be willing to deal, but they really did not seem interested in talking about anything less than MSRP even after I pointed out the 2009's coming onto the lots. I found an Xterra off-road model that the dealer was willing to deal on and the temtation is to pull the trigger. Also, I took the Toyota FJ out for a drive and it seems a fine vehicle but the 3 issues that took it off my list are; lack of pwer at road speed, hordous blind spot and the fact that the floor does not fold flat. All these vehicles have a plastic interior that I desire because I haul my dogs a lot. Again, thanks to one and all for the help.
 
#16 ·
That seems to be a common theme around here: I love the Element but my husband/wife hates it! We have a lot of formerly split marriages here, because most of the time when they start using it the hate turns to love pretty damn quick. Or you be like Pope*Mobile and just change spouses til you find one who likes it! :lol:

(running joke, don't ask...)



 
#17 ·
We too owned an Xterra. It was an '06 X 4x4. Great truck, with no problems whatsoever. We put 48000 miles on it in under two years. I can see four major differences in these two that you would need to consider. First is towing, if you plan to tow anything more than a dinky trailer, you would want the X. Second is offroadability. If you want to do any heavy offroading, then the X is the way to go as well, or even a pathfinder. And thirdly, is fuel consumption. Don't kid yourself, you will definately use more fuel in the Nissan. We averaged around 16 with ours, until we raised her 4 inches for more "Offroadability!". Then it dropped to 14mpg. But I think the biggest difference is the comfort. We traded in our X for a Pathfinder in July. Hard not to with the $9k rebate on the Pathy. But when I get out of the Pathfinder (Which is the exact same truck from the front seats forward), and into the Element, I really love the E! There is so much more room, that I almost feel crammed in the Nissan now. Either way, I think you will be getting an extremely reliable suv. But let me make one more suggestion.. if you decide on the Nissan.. go with a Pathfinder instead. The back seat is 10 times more useable then the X, plus it has an independant rear suspension compared to leafs in the X. It rides and handles a million times better than the X as well, without losing any offroadability. Just my two cents.. good luck with your decision.
 
#18 ·
Felt I needed to add one more thing.. they are two different vehicles around the edges, but the majority of day to day functions, they are very similar. In hind sight, I wish I would have stumbled upon the Element before we purchased the Pathfinder. I honestly would eliminate the Nissan from our stable if I could, and keep the Element as our primary vehicle, with a used older Jeep cherokee or Toyota 4runner as our tow/hardcore trail vehicle. The Nissans just can't compare to the fuel mileage, interior volume, or comfort of the Element! Hope this helps.. included pictures of the three...

Image


Image


Image
 
#19 ·
Much well said responses to a fellow members question-Do we have a great family here or what? I considered (briefly) the FJ Cruiser since I was trading in my Tacoma. I liked it but it was going to be getting me the same or worse mileage than I was getting in my truck. Also, it was priced over $30k. Besides the E had already won me over in 03.....I just had to wait til 08 since I had just bought the Tacoma.
 
#20 ·
Both are great vehicles. My uncle has an Xterra and I follow him up so pretty tough trails to their cabin in St. Agath (Mont Tremblent, Quebec) in the summers. The Xterra does have more room, but the rear doors can be a pain for passengers to get into (angle and step up). The gas mileage is okay, but not as good as an Element either.
 
#21 ·
This reply is way after the original post. I have had both vehicles. I currently have a 2000 xterra 4WD. The 4WD is amazing. Gas mileage is not great and it drives like a truck but it is fantastic in snow and on rough trails. I used to have a Honda Element which I sold. I am looking at another Element and will keep the xterra. The Element is unbelievable for what you can fit inside and the no carpet and removable seats. The xterra is the only vehicle I have had that can easily drive through 16 inches of fresh snow.
 
#22 ·
necro thread for sure!

That being said, a friend has a super charged Xterra he purchased new off the lot. I believe its an 03 4x4 and its still going but has had a mass of mechanical issues, gets utterly horrid mileage and has constant phantom electrical problems. If memory serves he is on the fourth exhaust manifold. He has been considering switching over the an E for many years now due to the interior head room and cargo capacity. But the 4x4 of the Xterra stomps all over the E's AWD. The rare times its been needed, that 4x4 capability has been invaluable.