All 2003 3.3-litre normally aspirated V6-equipped Xterra models receive an additional 10 horsepower (an increase to 180 hp) and two additional ft-lbs of torque (now 202 ft-lbs) for 2003. In addition, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System is available on Xterra for the first time. Highlights of the 2003 Nissan Xterra sport utility vehicle include:

Body

• Rugged, muscular styling with angular stamped fender flares, raised roofline
• Standard tubular-style roof rack with gear basket, tubular step rails
• All-steel body-on-frame construction, standard engine and fuel tank skid plates on all models

Engine and Driveline

• Standard 180-horsepower (an increase of 10 hp) 3.3-litre SOHC V6 producing 202 ft-lbs of torque at a low 2,800 rpm
• Supercharged 3.3-litre SOHC V6 producing 210 horsepower and 246 ft-lbs of torque on Xterra SE-SC
• Choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (XE and SE-SC, automatic standard on SE)
• Up to 5,000-lbs towing capacity
• New heavy duty alternator

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• Double wishbone front/dual leaf-spring rear suspension
• Standard power-assisted recirculating ball type steering
• Standard four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• 17-inch alloy wheels with 265/65R17 BF Goodrich truck tires on SE-SC
• 16-inch alloy wheels with 265/70R16 tires on SE
• 15-inch styled steel wheels with P265/70R15 tires on XE
• Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) system
• New available Dynamic Rugged Leather Package with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), leather seating surfaces and suede-like door fabric inserts

Interior Features

• Three-gauge cockpit-style instrument cluster, large console with map pocket, power ports and push-out cup holders
• New standard driver's seat height and lumbar support adjuster
• New roof headliner net (XE) and luggage side net, new metal ceiling tie-down clips in cargo area
• Seating for five, with front bucket seats and stadium-style 50/50 split fold-down rear bench seat with removable bottom cushions
• New dual 12-volt power outlets located in the engine compartment (SE and SE-SC)

Safety

• Dual-stage front supplemental airbags with seatbelt sensors
• Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
• ALR/ELR three-point front passenger and rear outboard passenger seat belts
• Pipe-style steel side-door guard beams in front and rear doors
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) child seat safety system
• Curtain side-impact supplemental airbags standard on SE and SE-SC

Models and Manufacturing

• Offered in three well-equipped models: XE, SE and SE-SC (supercharged)
• Assembled at the award-winning Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna & Decherd Tennessee Plant