When it comes to treadmills these days, a lot of folks are getting excited about built-in touchscreens and interactive programming. I will admit those features are exciting. However, that’s not what everyone is looking for—some people prefer a treadmill that is a little more straightforward and don’t like the idea of being locked into a specific training program (like iFIT or Peloton).
In this XTERRA TRX4500 treadmill review, I’ll walk you through all the specifications this mid-tier treadmill has to offer. It has everything you need and nothing you don’t. I like this model because it does not lack all modern technology, but it also won’t overwhelm you (and the rest of your family) with high-tech offerings.
Years of Treadmill Testing For Your Benefit
Here at GGR, our expert producing testing team—made up of nutrition coaches and certified personal trainers—is well-versed with the treadmill machine. In fact, OG product tester and founder of GGR Coop Mitchell has a 29-minute YouTube video dedicated to the best treadmills for home gyms (all of which the GGR team has ordered, assembled, and tested). Needless to say, we know a thing or two about treadmills.
Although our expert product testers have not been on the TRX4500, we have hands-on experience with the XTERRA TR150, which is the brand’s base model treadmill. We think that our collective knowledge on industry standards for home treadmills, paired with our knowledge on the XTERRA brand, will provide you with enough information to make an informed decision about the TRX4500.
XTERRA TRX4500 Treadmill
XTERRA TRX4500 Treadmill
Product Highlights
- 30 pre-established workout programs
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Heart rate sensors on the handles
- Handlebar speed and incline controls
- 15 incline levels
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fairly large amount of pre-set workout programs
- Heart rate sensors on handles
- Foldable for easy storage
- Chest strap heart rate monitor included
- Dual cup holders
Cons
- On the more expensive side
- Assembly required
- Small LCD blue backlit monitor (no touchscreen)
Bottom Line
The TRX4500 Treadmill is a foldable treadmill equipped with 30 preset workout programs, 15 incline levels, and a max speed of 12 MPH.
A Quick Look at the XTERRA TRX4500 Treadmill
XTERRA Fitness is an equipment manufacturer based in Arkansas with a lineup of ellipticals, exercise bikes, rowers, and even a few adjustable dumbbell sets.
The brand offers 11 different treadmill models in three series: Performance, Sport, and Compact. The TRX4500 is part of the Performance Series and retails for just over $2,000. It’s worth noting that at the time I wrote this review, it was on sale for about $800 off MSRP.
This treadmill machine has built-in workout programs and an easy-to-read backlit LCD display. It’s an ideal piece of cardio equipment for if you are serious about running (or want to be) and don’t need all the built-in, high-tech features to get your miles in.
Before You Buy
- Take advantage of the heart monitoring chest strap included with the purchase or use the EKG pulse sensors mounted on the handlebars.
- The 60-inch long-running deck is not only spacious, it’s also cushioned to help alleviate joint pain from the impact of running.
- If you qualify, XTERRA offers financing options at checkout through Bread Financial.
Is the XTERRA TRX4500 Treadmill Worth It?
The TRX4500 is not ideal for the high-tech exerciser, since it lacks an interactive touchscreen like you might see on the slightly-more-expensive NordicTrack Commercial 1750.
However, if you’re someone who just wants to log weekly miles, the TRX45000 features a 60-inch running deck designed with runners in mind. The deck length can accommodate tall runners or folks with longer strides. The TRX4500 also has a user weight capacity of 350 pounds and comes equipped with a strong 3.25 horsepower motor to power through long runs and incline training up to 15 levels.
Great for:
- Runners looking for a powerful 3.25 HP motor
- People who are looking to connect to apps like Zwift with personal devices
- Folks looking for a foldable treadmill with a safe drop
Not recommended for:
- Folks looking for high-tech interactive experience
- Anyone seeking a treadmill with a touchscreen display
- Causal exercisers on a budget
XTERRA TRX4500 Treadmill Specs
| Price | About $2,100 |
| Footprint | 77.2” L x 35.5” W x 56.1” H |
| Weight | 214 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 350 lbs |
| Running surface | 60” L x 20” W |
| Motor | 3.25 HP |
| Incline range | 0-15 levels |
| Speed range | 0.5-12 MPH |
| Display | 6.6” LCD backlit |
| Preset programs | 30 preset, 2 custom, 1 heart rate control |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Heart rate monitoring | EKG pulse grips and chest strap heart rate transmitter included |
| Foldable | Yes, with Lift Assist |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame and motor, 5-year deck, 2-year parts, 1-year in-home labor |
Using the XTERRA Fitness TRX4500 Treadmill
The TRX4500 is a sturdy folding treadmill that can accommodate a wide range of runners at a variety of different fitness levels. Although this is not the most high-tech option you can find on the market, you likely won’t outgrow this treadmill anytime soon.
The 60-inch running deck is essential for running with a natural gait if you have long legs or you’re fairly tall. The featured deck cushioning technology in addition to the quiet 3.25 horsepower motor gives you a workout experience that won’t alarm your neighbors with any heavy thumping of your feet.
The heavy-duty steel frame provides a solid foundation for runners to experiment with top speeds and incline training without shaking. Additionally, the speed and incline controls on the handlebar make it a breeze to cycle through high-intensity intervals.
You’ll even have the chance to use this heavy-duty cardio machine with online apps and training programs. The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect to popular running apps like Zwift for a more interactive experience. You might also like to know that you’ll be able to use the treadmill without any fancy apps. The machine comes equipped with 30 built-in programs that are easy to navigate on a bright blue backlit LCD screen. Manual mode is always an option, too.
Footprint and Portability
We are suckers for a folding treadmill—even if you’re not living in a tiny space or apartment. A folding treadmill can free up floor space and make moving the treadmill easier (even if it’s just across the room for feng shui).
Once you fold the treadmill deck upward and lock it into position, you’ll be able to tilt the back the treadmill and tip it onto the transport wheels. When you’re ready to unfold and use the TRX45000, you’ll have no problem with the Lift Assist gas shock that allows the deck to lower slowly and safely to the floor. Honestly, we like hearing this because our former product tester tried the TR150 and her biggest complaint was how fast the deck came down to the floor.
Durability and Construction
Not only will you have a lifetime frame and motor warranty to back up the purchase of your TRX4500, the heavy-gauge welded steel frame can withstand up to 350 pounds of weight. It also has a quiet and high-torque 3.25 horsepower motor to power you through top speeds and incline training.
Although we haven’t been on the TRX5400, we know that a powerful motor and a user weight capacity over 275 pounds are two signs that this treadmill will likely not shake during a running workout, which leads to unnecessary wear and tear on the frame and motor over time.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The XTERRA TRX4500 has deck cushioning technology with a two-ply, 1.6-millimeter running belt for a cloud-like workout—the brand calls this technology XTRASoft Deck Cushioning.
It’s worth noting that our former product tester who tried the TR150 did mention the deck cushioning on the base model was underwhelming, however the TR150 features a different (and thinner) one-ply, 1.4-millimeter belt.
The TRX4500 also offers a thicker 25-millimeter running deck versus the 15 millimeters on the TR150. Both the belt thickness and the deck thickness add to a more comfortable, cushioned running experience to absorb the shock of running.
Technology and Conveniences
The TRX4500 has everything you’ll need for a solid training session. You’ll have the ability to use the chest strap heart rate transmitter to track your heart rate via Bluetooth or use the built-in pulse grip sensors for a quick read.
You’ll also like knowing the TRX4500 has a cooling fan, two cup holders, and a tablet shelf for using your own device. Speaking of your own device—you can use a tablet or smartphone to connect via Bluetooth to apps like Zwift, MapMyFitness, Kinomap, Strava, Fitbit, and Apple Health.
You’ll also have an auxiliary cord for plugging in your device and playing your favorite music through the built-in speakers.
Comparing The XTERRA TRX4500 vs NordicTrack 1750
XTERRA Fitness has a variety of treadmills to choose from with three different tiers: the top-level Performance series, mid-level Sport series, and base-level Compact series.
The TRX4500 of the Performance Series best compares to the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Both treadmills have a similar price point, footprint, and motor horsepower.
While the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 might offer an iFIT-enabled touchscreen display, it does not come with a lifetime warranty on the treadmill frame or motor like the XTERRA. The TRX4500 also provides another advantage with a higher weight capacity to accommodate a wide range of walkers and runners.
| XTERRA TRX4500 | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | |
| Price | About $2,100 | About $2,300 |
| Footprint | 77.2” L x 35.5” W x 56.1” H | 80” L x 38” W x 65” H |
| Weight | 214 lbs | 340 lbs box weight |
| Weight capacity | 350 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Running surface | 60” L x 20” W | 60” L x 22” W |
| Display | 6.6” LCD screen | 14” smart HD touchscreen |
| Motor | 3.25 HP | 3.5 CHP |
NordicTrack 1750
NordicTrack Commercial 1750
Product Highlights
- Spacious running deck
- Compatible with iFIT
- 14-inch touchscreen
- Incline and decline training
- Financing available
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compatible with iFIT
- 3.5 CHP motor
- Free trial of iFIT subscription with purchase
- Treadmill with incline and decline training
- Foldable to save space (EasyLift Assist)
- Run that feels similar to road running
- Financing options available through NordicTrack
- Generous speed range
- Wide running deck
- Cooling fan
Cons
- Big footprint
- Heavy and not the easiest to move
- Price is around $2,000
- Warranty is voided if the treadmill is used/stored in a garage
Bottom Line
If you’re looking to add a workhorse of a treadmill to your home gym, we recommend the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. It’s one of the few treadmills that has decline training capabilities and is compatible with iFIT, one of the best training programs.
Customer Experience
XTERRA Fitness has a generous lifetime warranty on both the frame and motor of the TRX4500. The warranty also covers five years on the deck, two years on the parts and one year on in-home labor. To make sure you can take advantage of the warranty if any issues arise, you’ll need to first navigate to the warranty registration section of the XTERRA Fitness website and enter your treadmill’s serial number plus some other basic information.
If you’re not totally in love with your XTR4500, the brand has a 30-day return policy if you’d like to return your treadmill. A few things to note about returns: You will have to contact the company before processing your return and you’ll be on the hook for return shipping costs, which can rack up quickly for a machine the size of a treadmill.
Additionally the brand has a knowledge center on the website that provides information, resources, and links regarding all the fitness equipment XTERRA manufactures. If you need immediate support with your machine, there you can call customer support at 1-800-258-8511 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. central time.
Ordering and Assembling the XTERRA TRX4500 Treadmill
Although none of our GGR product testers have assembled the XTERRA TRX4500, we have assembled the brand’s base model treadmill. The assembly process for the TR150 was pretty much a breeze.
That said, I compared the two treadmills owner’s manuals to get a gauge on just how many parts and bolts each comes with. It turns out that TR150 arrives with fewer bolts and pieces.
The TRX4500 has quite a few more pieces involved. The deck is fully assembled, which is helpful, however you’ll need another set of hands to help you attach the left and right uprights, and the console. After that you’ll just need the finishing touches like the crossbars, handlebar covers, and frame base covers.
Customer Reviews
On the XTERRA Fitness website, the brand features 12 reviews, all of which are pretty favorable. For this reason, I went to Amazon to see if I could find a wider range of feedback and that’s exactly what I got. There are a total of 368 reviews on Amazon for the TRX4500 and of those, about 65 percent are given the 5-out-of-5-star rating. Overall, it’s rated at 4.2-out-of-5 stars.
Most reviews that were not favorable mentioned either a difficult assembly process or a frustrating experience with the Bluetooth connectivity. Here are few from either side of the spectrum:
Final Verdict of Our XTERRA TRX4500 Treadmill Review
The XTERRA TRX4500 overall is a solid machine. It offers a solid running deck for runners of all shapes and sizes. I appreciate that taller and heavier runners alike can buy this machine for at-home use without feeling too limited.
Here are a few other things I like about the TRX4500 treadmill:
- Strong 3.25 horsepower motor
- Incline training options
- Built-in workout fan
- Built-in speakers
- Chest strap for heart rate monitoring is included
- Bluetooth connectivity for third-party apps
RELATED: Best Treadmill for Heavy People
XTERRA TRX4500 Treadmill Rating
XTERRA TRX4500 Treadmill
In this XTERRA TRX4500 treadmill review, we’ll introduce the machine that was built with runners, featuring a spacious running deck and powerful motor.
Product Currency: USD
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.85
XTERRA TRX4500 Treadmill FAQs
What are apps that work with XTERRA treadmill?
Using your own smart device you can connect via Bluetooth to Zwift, MapMyFitness, Kinomap, Strava, Fitbit, and Apple Health.
What is the weight limit on a Xterra treadmill?
The XTERRA TRX4500 has a user weight capacity of 350 pounds.
Can I use my phone on the treadmill?
On the XTERRA TRX4500, there is a media tray for an easy view of your smartphone to use fitness apps like Zwift and Apple Health or stream entertainment of your choice. You can also use the audio jack to play audio through the built-in speakers.
