Acceleration

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
2	3	4	4.9

Sluggish with the 4 cyl. Merely adequate with base V6. Supercharged models livelier, but no stronger than rival midsize SUVs with larger, nonsupercharged V6s.

Fuel Economy

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
4	4	3	3.7

Test 170-hp V6 models averaged 14.6-17.2 mpg. Test 4WD SE S/C versions averaged 13.4-15.1 mpg--and supercharged V6 requires premium-grade fuel. We haven't yet measured a 4-cyl model.

Ride Quality

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4.4

Really rough stuff won't pummel you in any Xterra, and the S/C SE's 17-inch tires absorb bumps surprisingly well.

Steering/Handling/Braking

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
3	3	4	3.5

Cornering grip decent for a high, narrowish SUV, but steering is vague on-center, and Xterra is easily outmaneuvered by compact and car-based midsize SUVs.

Quietness

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	4.1

V6s drone under hard throttle, and nagging wind whistle from available roof rack adds to intrusive highway noise levels.

Controls

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	6.1

Main gauges reside in deep coves, so they're hard to read unless illuminated by turning on headlights. Control layout generally good. Except for new "Rugged Leather" trim, cabin decor relies on cheap-feeling plastic and drab, utilitarian fabrics, though that's in line with Xterra's nothing-you-don't-need image.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.3

Ample head room, but low-set seats force a legs-out posture some people find tiring. New height-adjustable driver seat should compensate some on V6 models, but taller drivers might still wish for more rearward seat travel. Visibility slightly obscured astern.

Room/Comfort (rear)

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	5.4

Head room generous here, but leg and foot room tight. Seat is hard and too narrow for uncrowded 3-across adult seating. High step-up and narrow doors squeeze entry/exit.

Cargo Room

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7.8

Not expansive for a midsize, but usefully roomier than most compact SUVs, though load deck is rather high. Budget-conscious Xterra omits folding mechanism for seat cushions; they simply lift out so rear seatbacks can flop forward.

Value within Class

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
5	6	5	5

Xterra is priced only slightly higher than car-based compact SUVs like Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, and offers more room. It's less civilized than those vehicles in everyday driving, but pays back with its truck toughness, off-road ability, and available curtain side airbags.

Total Score

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
42	44	44	51.2

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		35
Average Score		51
High Score		66