Before I reviewed treadmills, I used them in my training. From high school cross country to college track, the treadmill was my go-to tool when it was too hot or a rainstorm dampened my training plans. Despite having the latest running shoes and a high-tech watch, I only used the most basic features on a treadmill, such as those available on the XTERRA TRX3500.

The XTERRA TRX3500’s console is a little dated in appearance, but not everyone needs high-tech features. It’s simple and easy to use, which we love for older users. If you are into more high-tech features, don’t dismiss the TRX3500 yet. There are a few features we need to discuss that might persuade you to give this treadmill a chance.

I like the TRX3500 for walkers and new runners. For a dedicated runner like me, it’s a great option for a rainy-day treadmill. Below, we discuss why it’s best for these categories of users. Stick around and finish reading this review before you make your ultimate decision.

XTERRA TRX3500 Treadmill Review: Bottom Line

Star Rating
PriceMSRP: $1,799
ManufacturerXTERRA
TypeFolding

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The XTERRA TRX3500 is a compact folding treadmill at a great price for its construction and included features.

Rating MatricOur Rating

Workout Experience
6
Specs / Features
6
Dimensions / Storability
7
On-Board Workouts & Apps
7
Build Quality
6

First and foremost, XTERRA is an excellent brand for walkers. For its price, the XTERRA TRX3500 is a better deal spec-wise than many other treadmills. The motor size and deck lengths make it appropriate for a household with multiple walkers. It will hold up under daily walks by the whole family. It’s got a great warranty to back up the motor and frame.

As for runners, the XTERRA might not be the best for daily long runs. However, for new runners or those doing low-mileage training indoors (maybe 25 miles per week or less), the XTERRA TRX3500 works. I would also consider this treadmill if you are a devoted outdoor runner needing a solid indoor backup.

If you fall into any of these categories or aren’t sure, I have much more to share about this treadmill. Continue reading this review to learn your training options on the XTERRA TRX3500—it might just surprise you!

What We Like

While there is built-in Bluetooth connectivity to use third-party apps, none of the onboard workout programs or functionality of the treadmill requires a monthly subscription.
You can use apps like Zwift while you work out when you place your device on the tablet holder.
There are a lot of extra adjustment buttons to select speeds within the 12 mph max, and 12 levels of incline quickly.
The frame has transportation wheels and folds up for easy storage.
The 350 lb weight capacity and lifetime frame and motor warranties indicate a well-built machine.

Areas for Improvement

The 3.0 HP motor is not intended for heavy use.
The fan is smaller and likely less powerful than other ones we’ve used on other treadmills.
The console might limit users looking for more tech built into the treadmill.

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Leaving No Treadmill Belt Unturned

Testing treadmills is our job, so when we review one we haven’t been on, we can draw from our experience while we examine the features and specs. Based on the information from the manufacturer and previous brand experience, we can gauge what kind of use and performance you’re likely to get out of a treadmill before we step foot on it to compile thorough spec reviews.

Editor’s Note 7/11/2024: We refreshed this XTERRA TRX3500 treadmill review with a new comparison chart and a more thorough breakdown of every treadmill aspect.

XTERRA TRX3500 vs. Similar Treadmills

The XTERRA TRX3500 isn’t the only treadmill in its category. We saved you the hassle of looking for its top competitors with our chart below.

	XTERRA TRX3500	ProForm Carbon TLX	Sole F63	NordicTrack EXP 7i	Horizon 7.0 AT
Price (MSRP)			$2,299		$2,499
Star Rating
Bottom Line	The XTERRA TRX3500 treadmill meets the needs of walkers and new runners with onboard programs and a nice build.	This budget treadmill is great for running and allows you to use it with or without iFIT on your device.	An entry-level treadmill with a high-quality build, impressive training options, and an easy-to-use design, all for an affordable price.	A high-tech entry-level treadmill with iFit streaming and a well-cushioned, compact deck that folds up.	A great budget treadmill for running that’s compact and easy to use with simple non-subscription workouts.
Awards Earned
Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
Product	XTERRA TRX3500	ProForm Carbon TLX	Sole F63	NordicTrack EXP 7i	Horizon 7.0 AT
Workout Experience	6	7	6	7	7
Specs / Features	6	6	6	5	6
Dimensions / Storability	7	8	8	9	8
On-Board Workouts & Apps	7	6	6	8	7
Build Quality	6	6	6	6	6
Overall Score	63	68	64	70	68
# of Onboard Workouts	30	1	6	2	8
Paid Programming - Cost	N/A	iFIT – $39/month	Free	iFIT – $39/month	N/A
Netflix / 3rd Party Apps	N/A	N/A	N/A	Netflix, Prime - (Beta Testing)	N/A
Display	6.5" LCD	7″ high-contrast digital screen	6.5″ backlit LCD	7″ HD touchscreen	7.25″ LCD screen, 4 LED windows
Dimensions (In Use)	77.2" L x 35.5" W x 56.1" H	74.3″ L x 35.1″ W x 59.1″	77″L x 35″W x 67″H	70.8” L x 34.9” W x 59.7” H	76″ L x 35″ W x 66″ H
Deck Size	20" x 60"	20″ x 60″	20″ x 60″	20″ x 55″	20″ x 60″
Folding?
Treadmill Weight	213.9 lbs	249 lbs (in box)	224 lbs	228 lbs (in box)	277 lbs
Weight Capacity	350 lbs	300 lbs	325 lbs	300 lbs	325 lbs
Motor Size	3.0 HP	3.0 CHP	3.0 CHP	2.6 CHP	3.0 CHP
Max Speed	12 mph	12 mph	12 mph	10 MPH	12 mph
Incline/Decline	12 incline levels	0 to 12%	15 incline levels	0 to 12%	0% to 15%
Warranty	Lifetime frame and motor, 2-year deck and parts, 1-year labor	10-year frame, 1-year parts, 1-year labor	lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 2-year deck, 2-year parts, 2-year wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items	10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor	lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 3-year parts, 1-year labor
Additional Features	Bluetooth FTMS, Audio jack, storage	AutoAdjust, storage, Bluetooth	Bluetooth speakers, storage, USB-A charging	AutoAdjust, soft cushioning, SpaceSaver Design	Bluetooth, Quick Dial controls, 3-zone cushioning

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Dimensions/Storability

The TRX3500 has unfolded dimensions of 77.2″ x 35.5″ x 56.1″. The folded dimensions reduce to 51.2″ x 35.5″ x 65.8″. The heavy-gauge welded steel frame supports the deck and also folds up when you’re not using it. The Lift Assist and Safe Drop features should make folding the treadmill up and down pretty easy.

The treadmill weighs 213.9 lbs. It has transportation wheels which will enable some users to move it around as needed. Some exercisers may not be able to do so and should find a permanent location for this machine.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Preprogrammed Workouts And Third-Party Apps

Fitness subscription content that requires a monthly fee has become extremely popular in recent years. A good rule of thumb is that if you see a large screen attached to a treadmill, know that it most likely comes with an additional monthly cost in order to use everything on the screen.

The Xterra TRX3500 has a simple LCD display with onboard workouts rather than a large touch screen. So, if you’re looking for a treadmill with lower tech that doesn’t require a subscription membership, then this one is a good option.

The TRX3500 has 30 preprogrammed workouts. These have preset speed and incline levels, so the treadmill will adjust to them during your workout. You can create your own with the custom mode and do target heart training, too. If you want to do your own thing, however, there’s also a manual mode. All of these workouts and modes are free to use and come built into the console.

Although the TRX3500 doesn’t come with preloaded apps like Netflix to stream, it does have Bluetooth connectivity. You can connect to training apps like Kinomap, Wahoo SYSTM, and Zwift with your smart device. You can sync apps like Strava and Map My Fitness with the Xterra App to see your progress from the treadmill on your device within an app.

We appreciate all the capabilities that the TRX3500 has to offer, but if you’re looking for more entertainment and tech, then we recommend looking into a treadmill with a touch screen.

Console

The console is where you control the treadmill. The console on the TRX3500 looks similar to the TRX5500, so we assume it functions a lot like the higher-end model. The 6.5″ LCD display is blue and backlit, so it should be visible in lower light. Metrics such as pace, calories, time, distance, pulse, speed, and incline are displayed on the screen so you can track your progress.

Adjustment buttons are on either side of the LCD screen and on the side handles. On the console, they’re displayed as numbers. These represent the speed (right) and incline (left) levels that the treadmill will adjust to when you press that button. So, when I press the ’10’ on the left side, the treadmill will adjust the incline level to level 10.

We love these buttons and often refer to them as quick-touch buttons or controls because they allow you to adjust the treadmill quickly and efficiently. We’ve found them to be really great for interval training.

There are also speed and incline buttons on the side handles. I really like having extra adjustment options on the side handles because they’re convenient for me to reach. These are found in front of the pulse grips, which will read your heart rate when you place your hands on them. Unfortunately, the Xterra TRX3500 doesn’t come with a chest strap heart monitor.

The fan looks like the same one on the TRX5500, which we’ve found to be underwhelming. It’s nice to have a fan built into the console, but we’re assuming this one might not provide ample airflow to actually help cool you off. Be aware that you might need to use a separate fan if you want extra air.

There is a tray to place your device below the LCD screen when you’re connected to the treadmill through Bluetooth or streaming your own content. A large tablet resting here might block the TRX3500’s screen, though. There are 2 cupholders that should hold your water bottle in place. They could also be used to hold personal items, too.

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Build Quality

I’m really taken with the 350 lb max weight limit on the Xterra TRX3500 Treadmill. This high capacity helps indicate that the treadmill can handle larger users and that it is well-built. Paired with the fact that Xterra offers a lifetime warranty for the frame and motor, it suggests that the overall construction is of high quality.

Frame

The steel uprights that connect to the frame to hold the console in place, have extra stability with the additional steel crossbar that is secured in between them. In our testing, we’ve found that crossbars like these can help minimize the shaking of the console when you’re running. The frame does appear to be slightly different from the TRX5500, but we assume the TRX3500 will perform similarly.

Another difference is the side handles. I love that they have the same functions as the TRX5500, but they’re a little slimmer and shorter. There isn’t a front horizontal bar, so this treadmill might not be suitable for someone who needs extra balance assistance.

Motor

The Xterra TRX3500 has a 3.0 HP motor that we anticipate should handle walking, jogging, and light running. Other treadmills with this size of motor accommodate this level of training just fine, so we expect the TRX3500 to be similar.

Be aware that this size of a motor isn’t best for heavy training. So, if you’re looking to run long distances (5-10+ miles) and/or use the treadmill at high speeds (10-12 mph) daily, then I would check out other treadmills with larger motors. You will have plenty of variability in your training with the 12 levels of incline and the 12 mph max speed, though.

Treadmill Deck

Another factor that helps indicate to us that the Xterra TRX3500 can handle light running for all users is the 20″ wide and 60″ long deck. In our testing, we’ve found that this length is sufficient for most users to run comfortably with proper stride and form. If you do like a little bit more room to move around, then you might want to check out treadmills with 22″ wide decks.
The Xterra TRX3500 also comes with Xterra’s “XtraSoft” deck cushioning, as does the TRX5500. When using the TRX5500, we have found it to be great for absorbing shock and impact, but it’s on the firmer side of cushioning from treadmills we’ve tested. I’m assuming the TRX3500 will feel similar underfoot.

Warranty

Xterra backs the TRX3500 with lifetime warranties for the frame and motor. They also include 2-year warranties for the deck and parts and a 1-year warranty for in-home labor. This warranty package is among some of the most extensive that we’ve seen brands offer. Setting up the TRX3500 will most likely require at least two people.

Should You Buy the XTERRA TRX3500

The Xterra TRX3500 Treadmill includes some nice features, and we anticipate it will perform well. Users hoping to walk, jog, and lightly run can do so on the TRX3500. It has a 60″ deck, perfect for all users to run comfortably. The 350 lb weight capacity and lifetime warranties on the frame and motor have us blown away. Both suggest that the Xterra TRX3500 is solid and sturdy.

The TRX3500 is a treadmill that you can just hop on and go. No subscription is required to access the 30 onboard workouts and training modes.

However, if you want a little bit more training and entertainment options, the console is Bluetooth-enabled to connect to apps like Zwift and the Xterra App to track your progress. This, paired with the 12 mph max speed and 12 levels of incline, should give you plenty of workout options.

If you’re looking for a treadmill to put in some serious miles, that has a touch screen, then we suggest checking out other treadmills. The Xterra TRX3500 however is a solid option if you’re looking for a foldable, yet affordable treadmill that comes with some nice features.

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Still unsure? Here are the best Xterra treadmills you need to see

XTERRA TRX3500 Treadmill FAQ’s / Q&A’s

What is the weight limit on the XTERRA TRX3500?

The weight limit on the XTERRA TRX3500 is 350 lbs.

Does XTERRA make a good treadmill?

XTERRA makes good, budget-friendly treadmills with simpler features than those provided by most home treadmills. Their frames and motors are usually covered by lifetime warranties, providing extra security.

Who makes XTERRA fitness?

Dyaco owns XTERRA treadmills as well as Spirit and Sole treadmills.

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