Whoever said getting there is half the fun has ridden in the 2012 Nissan XTERRA PRO-4X  to get where they were going. Truth is riding in the 2012 Nissan XTERRA PRO-4X to your outdoor adventure is “totally” fun with its Rockford Fosgate audio system rocking you down the highway or off road to the iconic roof rack holding your extra gear, paddles or kayak. Its powerful 4.0-L DOHC V6 has the power to get you there and back while the Locking Rear Differential will keep you moving forward in the toughest trail conditions with shift-on-the-fly capability. You get there in comfort and style knowing the return trip will be equally enjoyable.

The Ozarks are blessed to have a number of streams, ponds, and impounds. Many of them are inaccessible without 4WD to get you there. For anglers these streams, ponds, and impounds are honey holes for kayakers that few others fish. That’s where the 2012 Nissan XTERRA PRO-4X was tested. An abandon, desert boat ramp on Beaver Lake proved a good testing ground for the Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. Picture one of the steep inclines to put in a kayak in and you have this ramp. This is where you appreciate having a vehicle that can handle being parked and pulled up the ramp without going backwards towards the lake. It’s all about having confidence. Either you have it or not.

What’s Hill Start Assist? Hill Start Assist prevents rolling backwards when starting from a stop on an incline. It applies the brakes for a few moments giving you more than enough time to switch your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
What’s Hill Descent Control? Hill descent control automatically adjusts your speed going downhill along with brake pressure to keep the vehicle under control in all navigating situations.

For kayakers, the 2012 Nissan XTERRA PRO-4X is a dream come true. It all starts with the 6063-grade aluminum construction and 150-pounds capacity with available vented gear box for wet, dirty items; in addition to an Utili-track cargo system to store your gear inside the vehicle. Plus you can add an accessory to the Xterra roof rack that holds your kayak in place.

The Metallic Blue 2012 Nissan XTERRA PRO-4X test driven included the following equipment:

Mechanical & Performance•    4.0-Liter V6 Engine with 261 Horsepower and 281 lb-ft of Torque
•    5-Speed Automatic Transmission
•    Shift-on-the-fly 4WD System
•    Fully Boxed High-strength Frame
•    Electronic Locking Rear Differential
•    4-Wheel Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS)
•    Front Independent Double Wishbone Suspension with Coil Springs
•    265/75R16 BF Goodrich OWL Rugged Trail Tires

Safety & Security
•    Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS)
•    Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
•    Roof-mounted Curtain Side-Impact and Rollover Supplemental Air Bags for Outboard Occupant Head Protection.
•    Vehicle Security System (VSS)
•    Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
(Due to space not all mechanical, performance, safety, security, comfort & convenience, optional, and exterior features were not listed in this article. Please check with your local Nissan dealer or go to www.nissanusa.com for more information on the 2012 Nissan XTERRA PRO-4X.). The EPA Fuel Economy Estimate is 15 city mpg and 20 highway mpg which is respectable with an engine with that much pulling power.

The ability to put a kayak on the roof rack brings a whole new way to fishing in locations that is otherwise inaccessible. Anglers are going to love not having to drag their gear and kayak from the road to accesses on the river bank. The 2012 Nissan XTERRA PRO-4X will put the fun back into your outdoor adventures…totally!