If you’re the proud owner of a Nissan Xterra, you know this vehicle is built to handle some serious off-road action. But even the best vehicles need the best parts, including your spark plugs, to perform at their best. So what are the best spark plugs for Nissan Xterra?
Here I’ve compiled a list of the top spark plugs for Nissan Xterra to ensure your vehicle gets the best performance.
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Important
For optimum performance, ensure that you always replace your spark plugs with the ones recommended by or equivalent to your vehicle’s manufacturer.
What Brand Of Spark Plugs Does Nissan Xterra Use?
Nissan Xterra vehicles use NGK iridium or platinum spark plugs. These performance-oriented spark plugs feature a fine-wire iridium or platinum center electrode and a platinum ground electrode to provide superior acceleration, fuel efficiency, and durability.
In this table, you can find what spark plugs are installed in your Nissan Xterra engine.
| Engine | Spark Plug | Spark Plugs Gap |
|---|---|---|
| 2005-2015 4.0L V6 VQ40DE | NGK DILFR5A–11 | 0.043 in. (1.1 mm) |
| 2000-2004 2.4 KA24DE | NGK PFR5G-11 (Standard) NGK PFR6G-11 (Cold) | 0.039–0.043 in (1.0–1.1 mm) |
| 2000-2004 3.3 VG33E | PFR5G-11 (Standard) PFR6G-11 (Cold) PFR4G-11 (Hot) | 0.039–0.043 in (1.0–1.1 mm) |
| 2000-2004 3.3 VG33ER | PFR6G-11 (Standard) PFR7G-11 (Cold) PFR5G-11 (Hot) | 0.039–0.043 in (1.0–1.1 mm) |
Notice
Nissan Xterra vehicles manufactured before 2005 will use platinum spark plugs, while newer Nissan Xterra models will use iridium-tipped spark plugs.
Best Spark Plugs For Nissan Xterra
Regarding spark plugs for Nissan Xterra, the best option is NGK Laser Iridium or Laser Platinum spark plugs. These spark plugs are designed to provide superior performance with Nissan Xterra’s engine. The laser-welded iridium or platinum center electrode offers a more controlled spark and better fuel efficiency, while the tapered ground electrode minimizes quenching for improved durability.
2005-2015 Nissan Xterra 4.0L V6 VQ40DE Spark Plugs
| Engine | 4.0L V6 VQ40DE |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.044″ (1.11mm) |
| Qty. Needed | 6 |
| Change intervals | 105,000 miles |
| Popular choice | NGK 4469 LFR5AIX-11 Iridium IX |
Notice
With iridium-tipped spark plugs, you don’t have to worry about frequent replacements – they are designed to endure for extended periods of time.
- Spark plug gap: .043" (1.1mm)
- Change interval: 100,000 miles;
- Longevity: 100,000 miles;
- Center electrode: Iridium;
- Ground electrode: Platinum;
- Heat Range: 5;
- Hex Size: 5/8" (16mm);
- Fitment: Nissan 4.0 VQ40DE engine.
- Spark plug gap: .043" (1.1mm);
- Change interval: 50,000 miles;
- Longevity: 50,000 miles;
- Center electrode: Iridium;
- Ground electrode: Nickel;
- Heat Range: 5;
- Hex Size: 5/8" (16mm);
- Fitment: Nissan 4.0 VQ40DE engine; Hyundai 2.7 V6 engine.
2000-2004 Nissan Xterra 3.3L VG33E Spark Plugs
| Engine | V6 3.3L VG33E |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.044″ (1.11mm) |
| Qty. Needed | 6 |
| Change intervals | 105,000 miles |
| Best spark plugs | NGK 2647 PFR5G-11 Laser Platinum |
- Spark plug gap: .043" (1.1mm);
- Change interval: 90,000 miles;
- Longevity: 90,000 miles;
- Center electrode: Platinum;
- Ground electrode: Platinum;
- Heat Range: 5;
- Hex Size: 5/8" (16mm);
- Fitment: Nissan 2.4 KA24DE engine; Nissan 3.3L VG33E engine.
2000-2004 Nissan Xterra 3.3L VG33ER Spark Plugs
| Engine | V6 3.3L VG33ER |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.044″ (1.11mm) |
| Qty. Needed | 6 |
| Change intervals | 105,000 miles |
| Best spark plugs | NGK 5555 PFR6G-11 Laser Platinum |
| Popular choice | NGK 3764 BKR6EIX-11 Iridium IX |
- Spark plug gap: .043" (1.1mm);
- Change interval: 90,000 miles;
- Longevity: 90,000 miles;
- Center electrode: Platinum;
- Ground electrode: Platinum;
- Heat Range: 6;
- Hex Size: 5/8" (16mm);
- Fitment: Nissan 3.3L VG33ER engine.
2000-2004 Nissan Xterra 2.4 KA24DE Spark Plugs
- Spark plug gap: .043" (1.1mm);
- Change interval: 90,000 miles;
- Longevity: 90,000 miles;
- Center electrode: Platinum;
- Ground electrode: Platinum;
- Heat Range: 5;
- Hex Size: 5/8" (16mm);
- Fitment: Nissan 2.4 KA24DE engine; Nissan 3.3L VG33E engine.
How Often Should Spark Plugs Be Changed in Nissan?
The best spark plugs for Nissan Xterra will depend on how often you drive and what type of driving you do. For the average driver, Nissan recommends changing your spark plugs every 60,000 miles. But if you make a lot of stop-and-go driving or short trips, then you may need to change them more often.
Suppose you notice any decreased performance, such as reduced fuel economy or engine misfires. In that case, it is advised that you replace the spark plug sooner rather than later for optimum performance.
Types of Spark Plugs
Three types of spark plugs exist iridium, platinum, and copper. Iridium spark plugs are the most expensive, but they last the longest.
Platinum spark plugs are less expensive but don’t last as long as iridium plugs. Copper spark plugs are the least expensive, but they must be changed more often than either iridium or platinum plugs.
