Table of Contents
Ground clearance (also famous as Ride height) determines the interval between the bottom spot of the car’s chassis and the point of the tires’ touch with the horizontal area. Still, the manufacturer of the model might employ some tricks to the universal process to boast of sweet stats meaning the factual length from the shock absorbers, the engine oil pan or the muffler to the ground might be reduced than detailed in the official manual.
It is no wonder because choosy car buyers chase an elevated ground clearance to eradicate problems when parking near the bumps or riding through the choppy terrain. The precise ride height of the model ranges between 211 to 220 mm based on the year of creation and equipment. Bear in mind that a heavy- loaded car will undoubtedly lose about 1 inch of ground clearance.
Happily, the model ground clearance can be lifted via spacers for shock absorbers to help the car remain higher off the ground. While making a taller model, you surrender a bit of the former stability and maneuverability driving fast. On the contrary model ground clearance can be lowered in order to get upgraded handling and stability.
There a number of ways to increase ground clearance. When it comes to lifting or lowering your Nissan Xterra you can choose between bigger tires, a leveling kit, coil spring assisters, coilovers, airlift suspension, suspension lifts, etc.
01.2009 – 12.2015
| Trims | Ground Clearance, mm |
| 4.0 MT 4WD S | 211 |
| 4.0 MT 4WD PRO-4X | 211 |
| 4.0 AT 4WD S | 211 |
| 4.0 AT 4WD PRO-4X | 211 |
| 4.0 AT 4WD X | 211 |
| 4.0 AT RWD S | 211 |
| 4.0 AT RWD X | 211 |
How to raise Ground Clearance on your Nissan Xterra. Tip 1 – Get Bigger Tires.
You can raise the ground clearance of your Nissan Xterra by upgrading tires to the bigger size. This will earn you extra 0,5-1 inch of clearance.
01.2005 – 12.2008
| Trims | Ground Clearance, mm |
| 4.0 MT 4WD X | 211 |
| 4.0 MT 4WD Off Road | 211 |
| 4.0 MT 4WD S | 211 |
| 4.0 MT RWD X | 211 |
| 4.0 MT RWD S | 211 |
| 4.0 MT RWD Off Road | 211 |
| 4.0 AT 4WD S | 211 |
| 4.0 AT 4WD X | 211 |
| 4.0 AT 4WD Off Road | 211 |
| 4.0 AT 4WD SE | 211 |
| 4.0 AT RWD SE | 211 |
| 4.0 AT RWD S | 211 |
| 4.0 AT RWD Off Road | 211 |
| 4.0 AT RWD X | 211 |
How to raise Ground Clearance on your Nissan Xterra. Tip 2 – Install Leveling Kit.
Leveling kits are designed to level out the uneven stance and increase the ground clearance of your Nissan Xterra. In most cases, the slight lift will allow for bigger tires. Please refer to Plus Sizing Guides.
02.2001 – 01.2005
| Trims | Ground Clearance, mm |
| 2.4 MT 2WD XE | 220 |
| 3.3 MT 4WD XE | 220 |
| 3.3 MT 4WD SE | 220 |
| 3.3 MT 2WD XE | 220 |
| 3.3 MT 2WD SE | 220 |
| 3.3 AT 4WD XE | 220 |
| 3.3 AT 4WD SE | 220 |
| 3.3 AT 2WD XE | 220 |
| 3.3 AT 2WD SE | 220 |
How to raise Ground Clearance on your Nissan Xterra. Tip 3 – install Suspension Lift Kit.
Nissan Xterra Suspension Lift Kits (only available for trucks and SUVs) provide the proper clearance between the tire and chassis when going off-road. Normally, it increases the ground clearance from 2 to 8 inches.
05.1999 – 01.2001
| Trims | Ground Clearance, mm |
| 2.4 MT 2WD XE | 220 |
| 3.3 MT 4WD XE | 220 |
| 3.3 MT 4WD SE | 220 |
| 3.3 MT 2WD XE | 220 |
| 3.3 MT 2WD SE | 220 |
| 3.3 AT 4WD XE | 220 |
| 3.3 AT 4WD SE | 220 |
| 3.3 AT 2WD XE | 220 |
| 3.3 AT 2WD SE | 220 |
How to lower the Ground Clearance on your Nissan Xterra.
Option 1 – Install Lowering Springs 
.
Option 2 – Install Coilovers
Option 3 – Install Air Suspension Kit
References
Nissan Xterra By Years:
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015