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By 1999, SUVs seemed to have taken on every conceivable form. There were the "big for big's sake" group, the "plush variety" and the "muckrakers." That is, until the launch of the Nissan Xterra. It looked good whether it was caked in mud or not. People pointed to the Xterra and said "look at that!" without derision. Distinctive, funky, quirky yet loveable is a difficult attribute for something like a car to pull off—but the Xterra did (unlike the Pontiac Aztek the following year.) Instant brand identity. Not that it was perfect. The engine was adequate for around-town driving and the suspension was cushiony.

This year the Xterra has graduated with honors, while holding true to the ideology of "everything you need, nothing you don't." To start, Nissan pulled the new F-Alpha platform (recently used in the full-size Titan and Armada) off the shelf and tweaked it for the Xterra. They extended the wheelbase by two inches with practically no overhang and enhanced its maneuverability in off-road hill climbing and trail situations. The Xterra's width grew, too, by 2.4 inches while its height increased 0.5 inches.

The new Xterra's engine, a standard 4.0-liter DOHC V6, is built near the Smyrna, Tennessee assembly plant in Decherd. The engine is rated at 265 horsepower and yields 284 lb-ft torque. This series (similar VQ engine series can be found in the 350Z, Maxima and Altima.) This has been especially tuned for SUV and truck applications. Like other VQ engines, this one has features such as Electronic Throttle Control with secondary mapping in 4LO (4WD models), Continuous Valve Timing Control (CVTCS), and Nissan Variable Induction Control System (NICS) but to name a few.

A choice of models is offered: S, Off-Road and SE. Each has the standard 4.0-liter V6 with the choice of a standard 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission, and in 4WD or 2WD configurations. Standard features in each package include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and tires including up to 17-inch wheels.

On the inside, you'll find a number of new features and enhancements. The 60/40 split folding stadium-style rear seat gives more flexibility when hauling recreational gear. The center console is larger and more compartmentalized than the previous Xterra. Cabin space, overall, was marginally increased in every direction.

True to its mission to give you everything you need for off-roading, the Xterra's cargo area has 10 utility hooks (spaced along the floor, the sides and the ceiling) and can carry up to 110 pounds. If that wasn't enough, the adjustable channel system (similar to the systems offered on Titan and Frontier) makes it easier to secure bikes and the like. Add in a first-aid kit and a space to securely carry gallon jugs of water and you're set for a day out in the wilds of nowhere.

The Xterra comes with all the standard features you would expect to see on many other automobiles. Option packages include features such as supplemental front-seat side-impact air bags, and roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protection for all outboard passengers. Consider the optional premium 300-watt Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system with nine speakers. That package includes steering wheel controls, MP3 capability and is satellite radio ready.

The Xterra team was worked very hard to keep the spirit of the original design — yet with more ruggedness and function. That's where the flared fenders, new versatile roof rack with latchable lid, bigger hood and headlights, modified grille and a new rear bumper design with side steps for easy access to the roof rack come in. An effort was made with the front end, to bring it in line with the design of the rest of the Nissan products (Titan, Armada, Frontier). And though it isn't as exciting as the original you'll be certain to recognize that it's a Nissan.

Our overall opinion of the vehicle was good. We've mention the styling already. The engine gave it the power it should have had years ago. The F-Alpha platform gave it a sturdiness going around curves and such, although it didn't survive the city potholes very well. The interior was not very imaginative, made of lots of rubber (which I guess makes it easier to clean.) The console was logically arranged, intuitive, uncluttered and simple. Comfortable seats made it comfortable even when the ride wasn't. All in all, a great driving vehicle on-road which most "real" off-road vehicles lack.

The vehicle we drove was the Off-Road model and it is competitively priced at $27,150, plus options. The EPA rates this vehicle at 16/21 mpg which is at the low-end of passable for an SUV — but actually down 1 mpg on the highway cycle from the 2005 model. But if you're looking for an SUV that isn't all show and no go, the new Xterra may finally be it. R&D