We left the highway for a graded dirt road near the Grand Canyon. It had rained in the desert the night before, and as we approached the river, water trickled across the road, accumulating in the middle and flowing down the path. Eventually the trickle became a torrent, then a series of streams, and we found ourselves driving down a canyon path of loose gravel with rivulets of water running around us on all sides. The crunch of gravel gave way to the sound of water and rock in the wheelwells. We were forced to move carefully from side to side to find the firmest ground, crossing running water gingerly, for about a quarter mile. The electronic traction control kicked in and out, but we never got stuck. Eventually, we turned a corner, crested a little hill and arrived at our destination, none the worse for the moisture.

The Off-Road model is intended for situations such as this, because out-of-the-way places are often subject to changes in weather and circumstance. All it takes is a little rain, or snow, or falling rock, to create a challenge. In this case, our Xterra Off-Road model, with its traction control, all-terrain tires and locking differential, not only got us in, it got us out again, which is the whole point with a vehicle like this.

We think this is probably Nissan's most capable off-highway vehicle, one that can handle most challenges without the effort of pushing, shoveling, or tow straps. All 4WD Xterra models feature a truck-tough part-time transfer case with low range and electronic control. With the six-speed manual, the low-range crawl ratio is 40:1, better than most Jeeps. Unlike many SUVs, the Xterra has a fully boxed frame and a solid rear axle.

Summary

There is nothing else quite like the Nissan Xterra. Xterra stays true to the theme of the original. It's in its element when used as a truck, a dirt-road prowler, or an adventure vehicle. It can handle wet or dirty cargo and clean up like a champ. At the same time, the current model is considerably improved over pre-2005 models, with more power, more room, and more carefully thought-out utility features. It's more refined in every way, making it a much more practical everyday vehicle.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent John Stewart is based in Southern California.

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Nissan Xterra X ($19,950); S ($22,150); Off-Road ($23,750); SE AT ($25,650); X 4WD ($21,950); S 4WD ($24,150); Off-Road 4WD ($26,050); SE 4WD AT ($27,650)

Engines:265-hp 4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6

Transmissions:5-speed automatic; 6-speed manual

Safety equipment (standard):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

Safety equipment (optional):side-impact airbags, side-curtain/rollover airbags; Vehicle Dynamic Control

Basic warranty:3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled in:Smyrna, Tennessee