Nissan's beefy SUV ideal for small and growing families

It weighs over 4,000 lbs, has a menacing attitude, loves playing in the dirt and drinks heavily. Weirdly enough, it's also something you'd probably trust to keep your small child or children safe and out of harm's way.

It's called the Nissan Xterra Off-Road--and at first glance, you might think it looks a bit unfriendly and intimidating. But, like many of its customers, you'll quickly find it to be a great big softie.

The Xterra is built on the same platform as the larger Titan pickup and Armada SUV.

Why Xterra?
It's not a full-sized SUV--but it's built on a platform which Nissan calls "F-Alpha". This is the same platform used to build the larger Titan pickup truck and Armada. All in all, this smaller SUV on a big-truck frame is a logical choice when toughness and capability count.

Of course, owners probably won't drive exclusively over boulders and mud. But, as I discovered, the added hardware gives drivers an important sense of security and confidence--be it climbing a mountain or simply going to visit grandma.

Inside
The list of hardware underneath the Xterra might hint a bit at what it's like inside, too. The test vehicle was simple and understated with cloth seats, an old-fashioned-looking set of instruments, and a beefy, tough feel to most of the controls and switches. It's a long way off from a sissy crossover-ute, that's for sure.

Features include air conditioning, cruise control, power everything, a 6-CD changer with Rockford Fosgate components, automatic transmission and fold-flat seating--even in the front. Xterra has four power outlets inside, and comes with roof rails and bumper steps that make it ideal for a camping trip--even if it's miles and miles away from the highway.

In the dirt and on the road
This machine is a real go-getter when drivers decide to leave the roadways behind. Xterra features a full compliment of off-road tools, including a low-range setting for the 4x4 system, a rear and centre differential lock and even downhill assist. The shocks are made by Bilstein, and skid plates are fitted to protect the Xterra's vital bits from off-road mishaps.

Bilstein shocks, skid plates and tall ground clearance afford the Xterra Off-Road a high degree of capability,