Acceleration

4WD Off-Road, man.	2WD SE, auto.	4WD SE, auto.	Class Average
5	6	5	5.2

Strong from a stop and around town; test automatic-transmission 2WD SE did 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.

Fuel Economy

4WD Off-Road, man.	2WD SE, auto.	4WD SE, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4

Test automatic-transmission 4WD SE averaged 18.2 mpg in mostly highway driving, 15.8 with more city work. Test 2WD SE averaged 16.8 in mixed driving that included gas-eating performance runs. Xterra uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

4WD Off-Road, man.	2WD SE, auto.	4WD SE, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	5.5

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.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD Off-Road, man.	2WD SE, auto.	4WD SE, auto.	Class Average
3	4	4	4.5

Fast cornering induces marked body lean, plus some tail hop over bumps from solid rear axle (vs. Pathfinder's independent rear suspension); Off-Road's stiff suspension bounces even more. Steering feels slow in parking and quick direction changes, and wide turning circle hurts close-quarters maneuverability. Stopping control unexceptional.

Quietness

4WD Off-Road, man.	2WD SE, auto.	4WD SE, auto.	Class Average
3	4	4	5.6

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.

Controls

4WD Off-Road, man.	2WD SE, auto.	4WD SE, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.6

The control layout is simple and handy. Most audio and climate functions fall easily to hand.

Details

4WD Off-Road, man.	2WD SE, auto.	4WD SE, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	3.5

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.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

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

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.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD Off-Road, man.	2WD SE, auto.	4WD SE, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	6.1

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

Cargo Room

4WD Off-Road, man.	2WD SE, auto.	4WD SE, auto.	Class Average
8	8	8	8

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 a minus, 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.

Value within Class

4WD Off-Road, man.	2WD SE, auto.	4WD SE, auto.	Class Average
6	4	5	5.9

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, its main appeal is that rugged demeanor, cargo versatility, and youthful attitude.

Total Score

4WD Off-Road, man.	2WD SE, auto.	4WD SE, auto.	Class Average
54	55	55	61.9

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		48
Average Score		61
High Score		69