Ford Explorer Sport vs Nissan Xterra
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2015 Nissan Xterra
Overview
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Nissan XterraX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | XLS | X |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2003 | 2015 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Nissan XterraX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $21,870 (best) | $23,660 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $8,199 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $10,369 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $14,814 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 3 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Nissan XterraX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 17 MPG | 18 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 15 MPG | 16 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 20 MPG | 22 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 16.8 gal | 21.1 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Nissan XterraX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 203 hp | 261 hp (best) |
| Torque | 237 lb-ft | 281 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 4 L | 4 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | V6 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Nissan XterraX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 3 | 5 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 71 cu ft (best) | 65.7 cu ft |
| Towing capacity | 5,140 lbs (best) | 5,000 lbs |
| Payload | 600 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,769 lbs (best) | — |
| Ground clearance | 6.7 in | 8.2 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 101.8 in | 106.3 in (best) |
| Length | 180.4 in (best) | 178.7 in |
| Width | 70.2 in | 72.8 in (best) |
| Height | 68.2 in | 74.9 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Nissan XterraX |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | Not Rated |
| Side crash (driver) | — | Not Rated |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | Not Rated |
| Side pole | — | Not Rated |
| Rollover | 2 / 5 ★ | 3 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Ford Explorer Sport | Nissan Xterra |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | XLS $21,870 MSRP(Currently comparing) | X $23,660 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | XLS $22,545 MSRP | X $25,710 MSRP |
| 3 | XLS $24,890 MSRP | S $25,670 MSRP |
| 4 | XLS $25,565 MSRP | S $26,670 MSRP |
| 5 | XLT $23,835 MSRP | S $27,720 MSRP |
| 6 | XLT $26,915 MSRP | PRO-4X $30,590 MSRP |
| 7 | XLT Premium $25,595 MSRP | PRO-4X $31,640 MSRP |
| 8 | XLT Premium $28,760 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Nissan Xterra3 for sale
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Ford Explorer Sport vs Nissan Xterra FAQ
- Which is better: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2015 Nissan Xterra?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2003 Ford Explorer Sport vs 2015 Nissan Xterra on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2015 Nissan Xterra?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport starts lower at $21,870. Live Nissan Xterra listings start at $8,199.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2015 Nissan Xterra?
- The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (21,870).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2015 Nissan Xterra?
- The 2015 Nissan Xterra leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (18).
- Which has better horsepower: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2015 Nissan Xterra?
- The 2015 Nissan Xterra leads on horsepower in this comparison (261).
- Which has better seats: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2015 Nissan Xterra?
- The 2015 Nissan Xterra leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2015 Nissan Xterra?
- The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,140).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2003 Ford Explorer Sport vs 2015 Nissan Xterra?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Nissan Xterra (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).