Acceleration
"Strong from a stop and around town; test automatic-transmission 2WD SE clocked 7.1 sec 0-60 mph. Automatic reacts quickly enough to throttle inputs, but passing at highway speeds can be a bit labored with either transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 lb."

Value
"Xterra is slightly smaller than most in the midsize SUV class, hence the somewhat tight interior space. Its off-road orientation accounts for subpar ride comfort, and its backwoods-ready avoidance of luxury touches makes it seem relatively unrefined. Indeed, it's that rugged demeanor, cargo versatility, and youthful appeal that makes it a Recommended pick at this price level. "

Ride
"Firm suspension, short wheelbase make ride choppy except on smoothest roads. Some patches and sharp bumps register more as body shudder than thumpy harshness, and there's some trucklike bounding over even moderate humps and ruts. A bit more comfortable with 16-inch tires vs. SE's 17s."

Economy
Test automatic-transmission 4WD SE averaged 18.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 2WD counterpart averaged 16.8 in a city/highway mix that included gas-eating performance runs. Nissan recommends regular-grade fuel.

Noise
"Noise levels fairly modest in 60-mph cruising. But V6 has gruff, fairly loud growl at full throttle, plus annoying bellow between shifts with manual transmission. Wind rush pronounced over 55 mph. Marked road rumble, too, especially from Off-Road's aggressive-tread tires."

Comfort - Front
"Good head, leg room, though some tall drivers may feel too close to steering wheel. Seats comfortable, but need more side bolstering to hold passengers in place through turns. Visibility hampered by rear roof styling, wide-base windshield pillars. Truck-type SUV step-in."

Comfort - Rear
"Plenty of head room, adequate toe space, but leg room tight with front seats more than halfway back. Seat cushions too flat for best comfort. Tall ride height, narrow door bottoms make entry/exit unusually tough."

Controls
"Simple, handy layout. All controls within easy reach, though they're too plasticky in feel, movement. Serviceable interior decor matches pricing and Xterra's utilitarian aims, but hard plastic looks cut-rate. One test model suffered rattling front-door windows and irritating squeak from cargo area."

Cargo Room
"Good space becomes generous with rear seats folded. Available fold-flat right-front seat allows carrying objects up to 9-ft long. Fixed tailgate glass, but low load lip, 12 cargo-bay hooks enhance utility. Stepped rear bumper provides access to a standard roof rack. Cabin has useful small-item storage, but only in front."