An affordable rugged off-road SUV appeals to those who actually use the extra cargo space to store bikes, surfboards, or camping gear. The Nissan Xterra sits on a truck platform, but is less than an inch shorter than the more upscale Pathfinder. It seems to have found its niche with a younger, more active consumer, and has already proven a big seller. The 2001 Xterra adds a few more standard features and revises the instrument panel this year. The 2001 Xterra comes with either a 2.4-liter, 143-hp I4 engine matched to a 5-speed manual, or a 3.3-liter, 170-hp V6 with choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The XE comes with either engine, the SE only with the V6. V6 models offer a choice of 2WD or 4WD, while the I4 is only offered with the 2WD. New for 2001, the XE I4 gets a CD player. The SE now comes standard with a 6-CD player with controls on the steering wheel, a leather-wrapped wheel, new 16-inch alloy wheels, and titanium interior trim. The SE is much better outfitted with adjustable roof rails, skid plates, step rails, a sunroof, and power features, most of which come optional for the XE. There are two useful options with the 2001 Xterra -- a tow package and a bike rack for the cargo bed, which opens up to 65 cubic feet when the rear seats fold flat. Built like a truck, the 2001 Xterra can tackle off-roading with surefootedness, but this same ability makes it a bit bumpy and bouncy on paved roads. Drivers like its agile handling and tight turning radius, and the price tag makes it appealing to younger drivers. Its rugged looks also distinguish it from blander SUVs. Disappointments include two underpowered engines, low fuel economy, uncomfortable seats for long trips, and an instrument panel that's sometimes hard to read.