KJ vs. Xterra

Jeepman56 · **Posted:** Sun Aug 12, 2007 12:59 am

Anyone have any info on a Nissan Xterra as far as approach, departure, groung clearance, water fording, etc. in relation to a KJ? Just courious.

hyedipin · **Joined:** Thu May 11, 2006 10:20 am **Posts:** 1667

cars.com is your friend.

http://www.cars.com/go/compare/trimComp ... 70NIS012C0

Jeepman56 · **Posted:** Sun Aug 12, 2007 1:49 am

Thanks for your timely response!

corwyyn · **Posted:** Sun Aug 12, 2007 2:47 am

My own very biased opinion is that the Jeep is better. I've driven my friend's Xterra offroad a couple of times and I just didn't think it was as good as my Libby. Plus the fact that the Xterra has an under-carriage mounted spare would make me think twice about going over really rocky stuff - one rock (or root, or branch for that matter) in just the right place and POOF! there goes your spare :shock:

Of course, the same could happen with the KJ, but I have a better chance of seeing anything near my spare when I can see it in my rear-view mirror.

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Sun Aug 12, 2007 8:40 am

The Liberty gets the "nod" for a better transfercase, approach angle and departure angle. The Xterra gets the "nod" for larger tire/wheel openings and body on frame (can do a body lift). The Liberty is a bit more nimble IMHO. The new X has a much better engine than the old X...265hp I think. They are both definitely similiar in size and ability, but for some reason I never liked the "look" of the Xterra.

hyedipin · **Joined:** Thu May 11, 2006 10:20 am **Posts:** 1667

It looks like cars.com removed the off-road capability section in comparison, however you can get the info by going into details section of the make/model.
I honestly thought about Nissan to be very comparable to KJ, with just a bit better transmission and higer mpg. Nissan Xterra and Toyota 4Runners. These are some of the only cars I would drive in those makes.

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Sun Aug 12, 2007 1:09 pm

I drove both before buying the KJ and it won hands down in many areas that were instantly noticable incuding power, handling, ride and interior feel and comfort. I think that the extra aftermarket support that is available for the X makes it a great candidate for modding and wheeling and that makes it a good choice too. I think our biggest disadvantage is lack of aftermarket support for a heavily modded IFS lift along the lines of what you see for the X, FJ, etc. My biggest dissapointment is not seeing a IFS lift along the lines of what they come up with for the pre-runner style trucks. That would be very cool to see and would expand the possibilties for the rock crawler crowd.

Of course, I have heard rumors of something in the works.......

stick · **Posted:** Wed Aug 15, 2007 1:48 pm

I'd have to say the Xterra wins in the ground clearance category. The KJ just seems to sit really low compared to the Xterra. I actually think the Xterra is very capable off road. Especially if you get the off road package in the Xterra, which includes lockers and skid plates.

Gris · **Posted:** Wed Aug 15, 2007 2:26 pm

Kinda sad that the stock tire size on an XTerra is the maximum size that can possibly fit a KJ without a complete SFA swap or Al.

KJ-BOL · **Posted:** Wed Aug 15, 2007 6:06 pm

I have wheeled with Xterras before - modded and stock - We used to do combo runs before - Xes & KJs
Modded did as good as our KJs - a bit longer because all those guys put the spare on the modded back tire carrier.
We ran tight trails and Xes needed more maneuvers on some spots than KJs.
I liked what i saw on a couple of them

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Wed Aug 15, 2007 8:19 pm

I might as well get a X,almost everyone thinks my KJ is a X since the X's can be had from the factory in orange.At a distance the 2 almost look similair,like I said almost everyone confuses mine with a X,it pisses me off! The X's suck off road!

KJ vs. Xterra

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