Consider the Xterra a Land Rover for moderate-income earners. It's way cool, and goes just about anywhere. To prove this point, I purposely attempted to get it stuck on the beach. Thick, deep sand covered the base of the meaty 17" all-terrain tires. While this wasn't as treacherous as traversing the rocky Rubicon Trail, it was a worthy challenge that would stump lesser SUVs. Of course the Xterra had no problem digging its way free, thus I was off to see what else it could take. Up a set of logging roads, one graded, the other looking more like a Sherpa's trail - no problem for the all-steel body-on-frame Xterra. Its standard engine and fuel tank skid plates helped me rest assured that I wouldn't damage anything vital during my exploits.

The Xterra is wonderfully civilized despite its rough and ready capabilities. The interior is spacious with seating for five adults. The 50/50 split folding rear seats are stadium style, slightly elevated for an optimal view of the road ahead. The 2002 model sports new interior fabrics, aluminum look trim and a redesigned instrument panel including a cockpit-style gauge cluster, deep console with a map pocket, power ports and push-out cupholders.

The Xterra offers up the choice of either an 8-speaker Premium AM/FM, in-dash 6-disc CD player with steering wheel controls (available in SE and SE-SC) or a 100-watt AM/FM/CD system in the base model (XE). All models get power accessories, while the SE and SE-SC receive a standard glass sunroof. That said, it won't open if the handy roof rack basket is in place - a minor point as it's detachable. Standard ceiling and floor tie-down hooks are effective, as is a first aid kit. If you're really adventurous you can order your Xterra with an interior bike rack.

While the Xterra isn't as agile as some car based SUVs, it holds its own on paved roads. 4x4 purists would argue a solid front axle is optimal off-road but the double wishbone front suspension has a great deal to do with its poise on the highway - a compromise I appreciate.

That said, Nissan didn't compromise with its top-of-the-line engine option. Power comes on with a vengeance in the 'blower' equipped Xterra. The new supercharger ups output from the standard 3.3-L V6 by 40 horsepower - 170 to 210! Torque has also increased, from an adequate 200 to a stump-pulling 246 lb ft (auto). Either a 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission puts power through a standard part-time 4-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case.

Nissan has equipped the Xterra with 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, even in the base model. Other safety features include dual-stage front air bags, pretensioners and load limiters for the front seatbelts, 3-point rear passenger seatbelts and pipe-style steel side-door guard beams in the front and rear doors. Add to this list the rugged roof rack, that doubles as a roll bar, and you've got one safe truck.

The Xterra's finest attribute has to be its distinctive styling. A new front fascia with round headlights and a redesigned hood incorporating a 48mm high 'power bulge' improve on the original design without detracting from its character. The Xterra's raised roofline and blistered fender flares come through the make-over intact, as does the heavy-duty steel tube roof rack and step rails. Two new colours complete the look - Molten Lava and Gold Rush.

When a vehicle starts a cult following, it's a good sign. The Xterra has managed to do just that, evidenced by the myriad of club websites on the Internet. The new 2002 model will only increase the fervor improving on style, refinement and performance.