2002 Nissan Xterra Review (continued)
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Walkaround

To make room for its supercharged engine, the 2002 Nissan Xterra needed a new raised hood with a power bulge. But Nissan didn't stop there. The California design team crafted new round headlights and a new front fascia to give the sport-utility an even more rugged and muscular look. Essentially, the 2002 Xterra got a new front clip. This new look is enhanced by the availability of three new colors: Shock Blue, Sedona and Molten Lava.

The Xterra has visual distinction that says rugged. For 2002, bigger tires add to this. SE comes standard with 265/70R16 tires on alloy wheels, while the supercharged model gets 17-inch alloys with 265/65R17 BF Goodrich off-road tires.

Rugged is carried through with a thick tubular aluminum roof rack with black airfoil; matching step rails; stout fender flares; handsome alloy wheels; beefy grille and front bumper with big radiator vents and recessed halogen fog lights; vertical handles on the trailing edge of the rear doors; a two-tiered roof with a tall square back having a bulge in the tailgate for the first aid kit; and, if you crawl under the vehicle, you'll see skid plates under the engine and fuel tank.

The tall, flat rear bumper with gripped surface makes a perfect stand for reaching the roof rack, but it's difficult to get up on, because there is no grab handle. If you're tall enough, you can hang onto the rear corner of the rack from the side of the vehicle and swing yourself up, but only rock climbers will love it. Considering the vehicle's hype about function, this is a significant if small oversight. Nissan says the Pathfinder is similar, and nobody ever complained. Maybe not, but Pathfinder owners carry groceries more often than kayaks.

In the same vein, the optional removable plastic gear basket at the front of the rack is an excellent idea (think of sloppy ski or hiking boots), but there's no net to cover it-that's another accessory you have to buy.

Interior Features

For 2002, the Xterra gets a new instrument panel with a three-gauge, cockpit-style instrument cluster. A large new console is outfitted with map pocket, power ports and push-out cup holders. The XE has gray gauges while the SE's are bluish. Also new are the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning controls. The glove box is 25 percent larger.

The long-criticized, dash-mounted, pull-and-twist parking brake has been replaced with a foot-operated pedal system. This is a big improvement, though we'd still prefer a traditional hand-brake lever. The manual shift lever is on the tall size.

For 2002, the front seats are comfortable and supportive. The bucket seats fit well and provide good lumbar support. The fabric appears durable and resistant to stains.

The console layout is tidy and handsome, appropriately spartan. A CD changer holds six CDs, which can be selected with the six radio station buttons. There are two cool buttons for the four-way flashers and rear window defogger, rectangular and totally flat on the face of the aluminum-looking panel. The heater controls are three big switches with wings. There are front and rear auxiliary DC outlets in addition to the cigarette lighter, and big fixed cupholders front and rear. Cruise control and radio controls are located on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, with wide spokes located at 3, 9, 5 and 7 o'clock. The whole padded center is the horn, the best and safest operation because of quick access. The horn is tinny but strong, a no-frills statement.

We took the Xterra windsurfing, and missed the cool accessory seat covers made of wetsuit material. Other nice available cabin details include the side window demisters and rear heat ducts, smart storage crannies, as many as 10 cargo hooks on floor and ceiling, and a strap on the tailgate to close it from the inside.

Rear seating is not the most comfortable. There's not much side support. Rear-seat passengers can slide their feet under the front seats, but it's a little tight, an inch less than the smaller Toyota RAV4. There's lots of headroom, though. The roof is raised over the rear seats to allow for their elevation, providing a nice view through the windshield.

Because it's built on the Frontier pickup truck platform, Xterra's engineers must have been challenged to squeeze everything in, while providing lots of good cargo space (65.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down, 44.5 cubic feet with the seats up).

The 50-50 rear seatbacks fold down fairly flat, but the seat bottoms must be removed. So, depending on circumstance, you either leave them in your garage or they become loose cargo of their own. At least they're featherweight.