Sometimes, it's not what you change, it's what you leave intact that makes the largest impact. Knowing the significant changes that were going into the interior and drivability of the 2005 Nissan Xterra, Nissan designers and engineers could have taken an eraser to its established look, too - maybe something a little more sophisticated, no?

No.
The 2005 Nissan Xterra has sold well since its 2000 debut primarily because of its rugged looks, so changing its style would be akin to starting over. Nissan showed that it does indeed listen to the wants and needs of its core customers by improving the exterior, not changing it, based on one main focal point: keep the look that people like, but improve on its functionality and aerodynamic charms. To that end, the new Xterra adds a few outside elements that accomplish the goal, namely integrated foot holds in the rear bumper and oval rails for the roof rack so that wind resistance, and interior wind noise, is reduced. There is also a latched lid on the roof rack basket, which reduces noise.

The front end, which is virtually the same as the Pathfinder and the Frontier, is more aggressive thanks to larger fender flares, and the Xterra is on a wider track, which gives it a more attractive stance. The rear fenders also flare, and the squared-off evolution of the Xterra leaves one with the feeling that this is a larger, tougher truck than previous generations. Overall, the exterior is a home run, launched into the atmosphere with the power of a sweet, soft swing.