The 2007 Nissan Xterra is available in four trim levels: X, S, Off-Road, and SE. Four-wheel drive (4WD) is standard on Off-Road, optional ($2,050) on the others. All models are powered by the 4.0-liter V6. Six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions are available.

Xterra X ($20,050) comes with air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo, engine-speed-sensitive power steering, 60/40 split fold-flat second-row seats, and a C-channel cargo floor with four moveable hooks and an Easy Clean surface. Still, it's definitely a base model, with a six-speed manual transmission, roll-up windows, manual windows and door locks, and 16-inch steel wheels. An optional Power Package ($1,150) adds power door locks, mirrors and windows; remote keyless entry; cruise control; sunvisor mirrors and extenders; and a vehicle security system with an immobilizer.

Xterra S ($22,300) comes with all of the above (including the contents of the Power Package), and adds driver's seat lumbar support, remote hatch opener, roof rack cross bars and aluminum-alloy wheels. An exclusive option for the S-model is the Utility Package ($650), which includes sturdy step rails, a cargo net, a flat-folding passenger seat for carrying long cargo, a map pocket in the back of the driver's seat, and a first-aid kit that fits inside the Xterra's signature tailgate bulge.

Xterra Off-Road ($26,200), available in 4WD only for 2007, adds exclusive off-road features such as electronic Hill Descent Control and Hill Assist; a locking rear differential; gas-pressurized Bilstein shock absorbers; skid plates; and 265/75R16 B.F. Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A tires. The Utility Package comes standard except for the step rails, which could impede Xtreme rock-climbing. Off-Road models come with unique blue or graphite seat fabric and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Xterra SE ($25,900) comes with the Utility Package but skips the serious rock-climbing gear for a more luxurious ambiance. The SE comes with a 380-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system that adds a six-disc in-dash changer, eight speakers plus subwoofer, steering wheel controls, MP3/CD capability and an auxiliary jack for an iPod or similar device. The system is satellite-ready, and has speed-sensitive volume control. Automatic transmission is standard. The SE comes with foglights and 265/65R17 tires on 17-inch wheels.

The Rockford-Fosgate stereo is optional ($900) on Off-Road models. XM or Sirius satellite radio are optional ($350) on Off-Road and SE. A Tow Package ($450) is available on all but X, as are a cargo organizer ($150), retractable cargo cover ($80), in-cabin microfilter ($60), and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass ($240).

Safety equipment for all Xterras includes an advanced air bag system, which consists of dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor. Also standard are three-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants (including the center-rear position) and a child seat anchor system. A Supplemental Airbag Package ($700), optional for all models, includes side-impact air bags, a rollover sensor, and side curtain air bags. Active safety features that come standard: Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).