The 2007 Nissan Xterra looks big, tough and powerful; especially at the front, where the massive bumper (molded at the bottom center to suggest a conspicuous skid plate) and V-strut grille conspire to add bulk and menace in rear-view mirrors.

The roofline kicks upward toward the rear, to increase second-row headroom. Side mirrors are large and rectangular. Wheel wells are accentuated with squared-off lines, adding muscular shoulders to the Xterra's stance. The bodywork is intended to suggest off-road performance.

At the same time, Xterra still projects a high-utility image. A largely tubular roof rack adds size and a look of no-nonsense purpose. Side steps create easy access to the roof rack, a functional addition underscoring the utility of the roof rack and its integrated cargo box. The angled C-pillar carries Nissan's signature high-mounted rear door handles, a unique design trait that visually links the new Xterra with the original, as well as with the rest of the Nissan SUV family, the Pathfinder and the Armada.