NordicTrack Step Climber XL Review 2025: A Better Elliptical

Dimensions/Storability

Most ellipticals take up a lot of space. Not only are they large, but their moving legs often require even more room during use. The NordicTrack Step Climber XL cuts down on the floor space needed. Its footprint is 51.3” L x 31.2” W x 65.5” H.

I don’t have a measurement for the step-up height, but based on my experience with the ProForm HIIT H14, a 6’ individual will only need a 7.5’ ceiling to train very comfortably. A 7’ ceiling may be appropriate, too, but I will wait to confirm that with my own measurements.

As for portability, the Step Climber XL is heavy, but it has transport wheels to make it easier. I had no problem moving similar ellipticals on my own, so I have the same expectations for this one. However, I preferred to move these ellipticals only a short distance, as I had to crouch awkwardly to get the job done.

The Step Climber XL weighs 222.6 lbs as it comes shipped.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

iFIT is the driving force behind the NordicTrack Step Climber XL. The iFIT library is always expanding and currently has thousands of classes that explore outdoor routes with the guidance of a professional iFIT trainer. There are also studio classes compatible with the elliptical.

Beyond simple video classes, iFIT workouts automatically adjust the XL’s resistant level. iFIT even learns your fitness level over time, scaling the classes appropriately. If you want to tell iFIT to make your workout harder or easier, simply override the preset with one of the onscreen resistance buttons.

If you ever find yourself stumped with what workouts to do, iFIT has a solution. You can join a workout series so that each workout builds on the previous. However, there’s also the AI Coach. To use it, you must opt into this service and text with the coach on your phone. Then, the AI Coach (Tailor) will recommend classes that help you reach your fitness goals and schedule them on your iFIT profile.

For a non-iFIT workout, the ‘Create’ tab comes in handy. This tab is home to a Google Maps integration, preset workouts, and the option to create your own target or interval workout. The Google Maps integration allows you to draw a virtual route anywhere in the world. Then the XL’s resistance will adjust according to the incline grade of the route.

In addition to workouts, there are entertainment apps. These apps include Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music, Pluto TV, and iHeartRadio. You must have an iFIT membership to use these apps, and you need a subscription to the app itself where applicable.

Without an iFIT membership, you don’t have a lot of training options. You need Wi-Fi and a free iFIT account to access the manual training mode. You can also access a featured iFIT class and a few structured workouts. Keep in mind that what iFIT offers without a membership changes often.

Note: you cannot use the third-party apps (like Netflix) without an iFIT subscription.

Console

To view iFIT, you need a screen, and the XL has a 16” touchscreen with great quality. I wish it were as adjustable as NordicTrack treadmill and bike screens. Taller exercisers should be mindful that the screen height on the XL may feel a little low. As soon as I can test this treadmill for myself, I’ll have more to say about the screen positioning.

Most of the buttons are only on the screen, bu you get a few controls for the speakers, fan, and resistance. Since you are close to the screen and it angles upwards, you shouldn’t have any problem interacting with the controls.

Beneath the screen, there’s a fan. iFIT really wants to keep you focused on your workout. The fan supports this with an AutoBreeze feature. When activated, this feature automatically speeds up or slows down the fan output to match your workout effort. You can control it manually or turn it off, too, of course.

Moving further down the console, there’s a sound bar. While I haven’t used this particular machine, I don’t notice any variation from one NordicTrack machine to the other, as long as they are from the same generation of equipment.

Audio on all the NordicTrack equipment I’ve tested has been good. I can hear the speakers clearly even while I’m training hard. However, the console is Bluetooth, allowing you to pair your headphones for quiet training. You can also adjust the iFIT and entertainment volume separately, as you can have both playing at the same time.

Bluetooth also provides connectivity for heart rate monitors. Most Bluetooth monitors should work with iFIT. I’ve seen that they are now compatible with Apple Watches, but I don’t own an Apple Watch, so I can’t verify this.

For storage, you get one cup holder. This cardio machine does not have a tablet rack, but you could use the cup holder to store your phone. There is a USB-C charging port on the console, too.

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Build Quality

So is the NordicTrack Step Climber XL an elliptical? Well, it really feels like a stair stepper, but it also has pedals that move in an elliptical motion. It’s kind of both? Some brands call it a cross trainer, too. Regardless of what you consider it, the NordicTrack Step Climber XL’s build quality and performance are more important.

Frame

I’ll have more to say about the Step Climber XL when I’ve tested it, but based on my experience, I expect the frame to be very sturdy. The NordicTrack Step Climber XL has two substantial stabilizers, creating a solid base for your toughest workouts.

Like most cardio equipment, the frame is steel. It has a protective coating to prevent corrosion due to sweat.

Pedals

To accommodate exercisers of many different statures, this machines had oversized pedals. They are cushioned and textured to keep your footing in place and comfortable the whole time. I expect that these pedals are fixed on the lever they move with, meaning they will angle down when the pedal is at the top of its movement and angle up when at the bottom of the range of motion.

Handles

The NordicTrack Step Climber XL has stationary and moving handles. I like having both because they provide more workout variety. You can isolate your legs if you like. It also adds stability for getting up and down from the elliptical, which I find to be a problem on the NordicTrack X16 since it doesn’t have stationary handles.

There are plenty of grip options, which helps the elliptical feel comfortable regardless of your height.

Flywheel & Resistance

I like the resistance on NordicTrack’s ellipticals. It feels challenging but stays quiet. There are 22 magnetic resistance levels on the XL. This type of elliptical also lets you hit a high RPM rate, so you can work really hard. I start pouring sweat whenever I use an iFIT machine like this. It’s fantastic for HIIT workouts.

This is a front-drive elliptical. That simply means the flywheel is located in front of the pedals.

Warranty

It’s hard to find information on the NordicTrack Step Climber XL’s warranty. However, I know from experience that NordicTrack equipment tends to come with a 10-year warranty on its frame, 2-year warranty on its parts, and 1-year warranty for the tablet and labor. I will update this review if I get more concrete information.

Should You Buy the NordicTrack Step Climber XL

Those of you looking for a high-powered elliptical with a high-tech training service should consider the Step Climber XL. This stepper is perfect for HIIT workouts, making it more intense than many ellipticals on the market. NordicTrack’s magnetic resistance tends to be powerful and quiet.

Before you commit to the Step Climber XL for the intense workout, you have to consider iFIT. It requires a monthly subscription ($39) to unlock all the training classes and entertainment apps. The build of this elliptical is great, but the touchscreen’s content elevates this machine further.

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NordicTrack Step Climber XL Q&A / FAQ

Can you use the NordicTrack Step Climber XL without an iFIT membership?

You can use the NordicTrack Step Climber XL without an iFIT membership, but you need a free iFIT account and a Wi-Fi connection. I don’t recommend the XL without iFIT, as you do lose a lot of features. This elliptical and iFIT are best when paired.

Can you watch Netflix on the NordicTrack Step Climber XL?

Yes, you can watch Netflix on the NordicTrack Step Climber XL when you have an active iFIT membership and your own Netflix account. The same goes for the Prime Video, Spotify, Audible, Pluto TV, and iHeartRadio apps.

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