The Nissan Xterra is a compact SUV built on the Nissan F-Alpha truck platform. The vehicle targeted as an adventurous consumer is named after the XTERRA off-road triathlon race series Nissan sponsored through the end of 2006.

For the upcoming year Nissan Motors wants to put on the market a refreshed model of its best and tough midsized SUV known as 2013 Nissan Xterra that will be rolled out in 3 trim levels, an entry model, mid range model and a top of the line model. The new model wants to compete with the rivals from the industry like Jeep Wrangler, Toyota FJ Cruiser and Dodge Nitro.

The 2013 Nissan Xterra will be a midsized SUV slightly improving its predecessor. The car is built to accommodate up to five passengers with the pretty basic cabin decor. The manufacturers left the basic DNA but just added some features and a touch of design to keep up with the trends, although not making it a luxurious SUV. The body will surely be built to face rough terrain, the roofline will be made higher, for a more spacious interior and extra storage space will be made.

The 2013 Nissan Xterra is going to certainly continue to go on Nissan’s durable “F-Alpha” truck platform and the rear wheel drive (2wd) and four wheel drive configurations is going to continue on this model too. Also, the car was designed on 16 inch aluminum wheels and will have a V6 engine capable of taking out 261 horsepower and torque of 281 lb. ft. The mid range and high end models will come with a manual transmission with a 5 speed gear box.

The 2013 Xterra is expected to offer better performance than its sibling when talking about mileage at 16mph in city and 20mpg on highways using the manual transmission. The model will boost a better off-road performance as it has some of the best standard features as an electronic locking rear differential, hill descent control, Bilstein brand filled gas shock absorber and, on automatic-transmission versions, hill start assist. The car comes equipped with head protecting side curtain airbags, cross lamps and fog lamps, step rails and leather upholstery. Even though all the essentials can be found on the car, not so luxurious elements like rear view camera, navigation system and heated seats are a minus on its list. Nevertheless, expect the 2013 model to come standard with cruise control, power locks and windows and key less entry.

The 2013 Nissan Xterra SUV is expected to arrive on the market with a price ranging from $24,000 and $32,000. Sadly, sources say that this SUV will be dropped of the automaker’s line from this model forward, and is not likely to be missed except by hard-core active types.