The Nissan Xterra was introduced into Nissan’s lineup as a compact SUV in 2000 and was made until 2015. Nissan vehicles are known for their distinct styling and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Nissan Xterra?
The Nissan Xterra has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds for all years and trim levels.
There’s a bit more to know about Nissan Xterra towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2015 Nissan Xterra Towing Capacity
The 2015 Nissan Xterra can tow 5,000 lbs across all trim levels.
| Nissan XterraTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg | 4.0L V6 | 261 hp | 281 lb.-ft |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Nissan Xterra Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Nissan Xterra Braked Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs.
Nissan Xterra Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Nissan Xterra Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Nissan Xterra tow capacity.
Model Year
The Xterra’s tow capability varied a bit by year and generation.
All years had a max towing capability of 5,000 pounds, but some varied based on other factors which we’ll cover next.
Transmission Type
Some of the earlier years of the Xterra had a tow rating of only 3,500 pounds if it had a manual transmission, while the same trim level and year Xterra could pull up to 5,000 if equipped with an automatic transmission.
Number of Passengers
A big factor in calculating your vehicle’s towing capacity is how many passengers you’re carrying, which directly calculates into the vehicle’s GCWR.
This is true of all vehicles, not just the Nissan Xterra, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.
Nissan Xterra Engine Specs
There is one engine option for the most recent generation Nissan Xterra.
Nissan Xterra 4.0L V-6 Gas Engine
The Nissan Xterra gas engine is a 2.4 Liter inline V6 DOHC 24 valve engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.
This engine produces 261 horsepower and 281 lb.-ft of torque.
Nissan Xterra Tow Package Info
Does The Nissan Xterra Have A Tow Package?
Nissan offered an optional factory-installed tow package on the Xterra during its production, which included the following:
- Class 3 tow hitch
- 7-pin wiring harness
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Nissan Xterra?
If you plan on towing anything with your Nissan Xterra, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Nissan Xterra Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Nissan Xterra uses a Class 2 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III Nissan Xterra trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 400 lbs. tongue weight, 6,000 lbs. weight distribution capacity and 600 lbs. weight distribution tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Nissan Xterra
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Xterra:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Nissan Xterra Trailer Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Xterra, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Nissan Xterra trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With a Nissan Xterra?
The Nissan Xterra does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My Nissan Xterra Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Xterra to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Xterra.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2014 Nissan Xterra Towing Capacity
The 2014 Nissan Xterra can tow 5,000 lbs across all trim levels.
| Nissan XterraTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2013 Nissan Xterra Towing Capacity
The 2013 Nissan Xterra can tow 5,000 lbs across all trim levels.
| Nissan XterraTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2012 Nissan Xterra Towing Capacity
The 2012 Nissan Xterra can tow 5,000 lbs across all trim levels.
| Nissan XterraTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2011 Nissan Xterra Towing Capacity
The 2011 Nissan Xterra can tow 5,000 lbs across all trim levels.
| Nissan XterraTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2010 Nissan Xterra Towing Capacity
The 2010 Nissan Xterra can tow 5,000 lbs across all trim levels.
| Nissan XterraTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2009 Nissan Xterra Towing Capacity
The 2009 Nissan Xterra can tow 5,000 lbs across all trim levels.
| Nissan XterraTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2008 Nissan Xterra Towing Capacity
The 2008 Nissan Xterra can tow 5,000 lbs across all trim levels.
| Nissan XterraTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2007 Nissan Xterra Towing Capacity
The 2007 Nissan Xterra can tow 5,000 lbs across all trim levels.
| Nissan XterraTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2006 Nissan Xterra Towing Capacity
The 2006 Nissan Xterra can tow 5,000 lbs across all trim levels.
| Nissan XterraTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2005 Nissan Xterra Towing Capacity
The 2005 Nissan Xterra can tow 5,000 lbs across all trim levels.
| Nissan XterraTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2004 Nissan Xterra Towing Capacity
The 2004 Nissan Xterra can tow 5,000 lbs across all trim levels.
| Nissan XterraTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2003 Nissan Xterra Towing Capacity
The 2003 Nissan Xterra can tow between 3,500 lbs and 5,000 lbs depending on the transmission type.
A 2003 Nissan Xterra with an Automatic transmission can pull 5,000 pounds.
A 2003 Nissan Xterra with a Manual transmission can pull 3,500 pounds.
| Nissan XterraTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Transmission |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Manual |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg | Automatic |
2002 Nissan Xterra Towing Capacity
The 2002 Nissan Xterra can tow between 3,500 lbs and 5,000 lbs depending on the transmission type.
A 2002 Nissan Xterra with an Automatic transmission can pull 5,000 pounds.
A 2002 Nissan Xterra with a Manual transmission can pull 3,500 pounds.
| Nissan XterraTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Transmission |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Manual |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg | Automatic |
2001 Nissan Xterra Towing Capacity
The 2001 Nissan Xterra can tow between 3,500 lbs and 5,000 lbs depending on the transmission type.
A 2001 Nissan Xterra with an Automatic transmission can pull 5,000 pounds.
A 2001 Nissan Xterra with a Manual transmission can pull 3,500 pounds.
| Nissan XterraTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Transmission |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Manual |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg | Automatic |
2000 Nissan Xterra Towing Capacity
The 2000 Nissan Xterra can tow between 3,500 lbs and 5,000 lbs depending on the transmission type.
A 2000 Nissan Xterra with an Automatic transmission can pull 5,000 pounds.
A 2000 Nissan Xterra with a Manual transmission can pull 3,500 pounds.
| Nissan XterraTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Transmission |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | Manual |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg | Automatic |