Acceleration

SE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	Class Average
4	4	4.4

Sluggish with the 4-cylinder, but adequate with the V6. Our test automatic 2WD SE did 0-60 mph in 9.6 seconds.

Fuel Economy

SE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	Class Average
4	4	3.6

Typical for a midsize SUV: The 2WD V6 models we tested got 14.6-17.2 mpg.

Ride Quality

SE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	Class Average
3	3	3.7

Not punishing, but even the softer 2WD models are stiff enough to jiggle on bumpy pavement.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	Class Average
3	3	3.6

Steering is vague on-center, but grip is decent for a high, narrow SUV.

Quietness

SE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	Class Average
3	3	3.6

The V6 drones under hard throttle, and wind whistles over the roof rack, adding to intrusive highway noise levels.

Controls

SE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	Class Average
7	7	6

The "umbrella handle" parking brake is a chore, but the dashboard is otherwise clear and convenient.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	Class Average
6	6	5.9

Low front seats mean good head room for tall occupants, but also force a slightly legs-out posture that's uncomfortable for long-distances.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	Class Average
4	4	4.3

Head room is generous but leg room is minimal, and the hard, unsupportive rear bench is too narrow for comfortable 3-across seating. Also, step-up is high, and narrow doors hamper entry/exit.

Cargo Room

SE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	Class Average
7	7	7.5

More space than compact SUVs, but there's no folding mechanism for the rear seat cushions; they lift out to allow the rear seatbacks to flop forward.

Value within Class

SE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	Class Average
5	5	3.8

Nissan's entry-level SUV is less pleasant in everyday driving that the CR-V, RAV4, and the new Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute. But Xterra offers truck toughness and off-road ability those lighter-duty rivals lack. And a V6 Xterra is priced lower than some 4WD,, 4-cylinder versions of its less-roomy conpetitors.

Total Score

SE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	Class Average
46	46	46.4

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		37
Average Score		46
High Score		61