2005 Nissan Xterra

Ever date a cute girl with a lot of sisters? Naturally, one of them is too big, another is always overdressed, and the rest are just too loud. In Nissan's family of trucks and SUVs, the newly evolved Xterra, the smallest of six vehicles that share a version of the Titan's F-Alpha platform, could be the pick of the litter.

By now, Nissan's strategy is clear: Don't create any vehicle unless its foundation can be used in several different ways--in other words, efficiency (and profit) through large doses of platform sharing. Just about every manufacturer is trying it, but Nissan seems to be more successful at it than anyone else. The all-new Xterra is compelling proof.

In keeping with Nissan's evolutionary approach to exterior styling, the 2005 Xterra stays true to the more industrial, squared-off lines of the previous generation; however, the new model has two more inches added to its width and wheelbase. The result is a sturdier vehicle with a more muscular appearance, helped in part by wider fender bulges. The wide-tube roof rack, an Xterra trademark, now includes a closable roof-mounted cargo basket--to our knowledge an SUV first.

The rear storage area is immensely efficient. You can practically hose it out for cleaning while the channel system in the flooring allows for tiedowns, straps, or cargo netting. We should note, however, that while we like the idea of a wipe-out-clean interior, the slick surface requires a strap or lock-down device for cargo. Without it, your suitcase or grocery bags will bounce off the walls every time you make a turn. The new Xterra offers 10 separate strap holds, a fold-flat second row, and a flip-and-fold-flat front-passenger seat, specifically designed with longboard surfers in mind. Other interesting features include the C-pillar door handles, the continued use of the bubbled tailgate that houses a first-aid kit (now bigger), an integrated rear bumper cargo step, and big tires (265/65R17) that fill the fenderwells.