Engine: 4.0 liter DOHC 24-valve V6

Engine Options: 260-hp 4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6

Transmission: 6-speed manual with 2-speed transfer case

Transmission Options: 5-speed automatic; 6-speed manual

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS, EBD, dual frontal airbags with Nissan Advanced Air Bag System; 3-point height-adjusting seatbelts w/pre-tensioners and load limiters; 3-point rear center seatbelt; LATCH system and three child seat tether anchors, child-safety rear door locks; Vehicle Dynamic Control

Optional Safety Equipment: side-impact airbags, side-curtain/rollover airbags

Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled In: Smyrna, Tennessee

Model Tested: Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4WD ($26,200)

Standard Equipment: power door locks, mirrors, window;, Vehicle Security System with Immobilizer; remote keyless entry; cruise control; 16-in. alloy off-road wheels with full-size spare, 265/7516 B.F. Goodrich Rugged Trail off-road tires, unique blue seat fabric; locking differential; Bilstein gas-filled shocks; skid plates; Clutch Interlock Override Switch; Utility Package with driver and passenger sunvisor with extender and mirror, cargo net, flat-fold passenger seat, drivers side front seatback pocket, first aid kit;

Options as Tested: Supplemental Airbag Package ($700) includes side-curtain air bags with rollover sensor, side-impact air bags; Rockford Fosgate Audio System ($900) w 6CD in-dash changer, 8 high performance speakers with subwoofer, steering wheel audio controls, satellite-radio ready, MP3 CD capability, speed-sensitive volume

Destination Charge: 650

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: four-wheel drive

Horsepower: 261 @ 5600

Torque: 281 @ 4000

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 16/22

Wheelbase: 106.3 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 178.7/72.8/74.9 inches

Track Front/Rear: 61.8/61.8 inches

Turning Cycle: 37.2 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 39.9/55.9/42.4 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 39.3/46.1/34.4 inches

Trunk Volume: 65.7 cubic feet

Payload: 1061

Suspension, f: independent, double wishbones, coil springs over gas-charged shocks, anti-roll bar

Ground Clearance: 9.5 inches

Curb Weight: 4387 pounds

Towing Capacity: 5000 pounds

Tires: P265/75R16 all-terrain

Brakes: vented disc/solid disc w ABS, EBD

Fuel Capacity: 21.1 Gallons