 I have driven my Xterra cross country 3 times now and have taken numerous road trips. It is a great vehicle from every standpoint. The gas mileage is ok but is improved with small aftermarket parts. I off road often and have a Rancho lift kit and run LT 285s on the Xterra. Once in 4lo, the Xterra is unstoppable. Even when it was stock, it was very dependable off road. I like how the seats give you a commanding view of the road and are very comfortable. The 3.3L V6 is underpowered but matched with the 5 speed manual tranny, it does well enough. The Supercharged version that came out a few years later would be the way to go. It puts out 210 hp I believe. Either way, the Xterra is a great suv.