If your daily commute leads you over the river and through the woods… not to mention those nasty rock-strewn gullies, then take a look at the 2014 Nissan Xterra. A downsized throwback to the oft-maligned truck-based full-size sport utility vehicle, this 5-passenger midsize tank is long on off-road prowess, but needless to say comes up a bit short at pavement-borne driving comfort and agility. No matter, though. All trims, said trims being the base X, the midlevel S and the terrain-taming Pro-4X with its standard 4-wheel drive (4WD), boast a peppy V6, nearly 66 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seatbacks folded down and standard skid plates. Both lower trims are delivered with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), but of course also remain eligible for 4WD all-weather cruising and all-terrain bushwhacking. Some slight changes are expected for 2014, including Bluetooth connectivity and an upgraded stereo in the base X trim, upgraded alloy wheels in both the X and the S, and standard heated front seats in the Pro-4X. All this is an effort to keep pace with such challengers as Jeep's Wrangler and Cherokee offerings as well as Toyota’s well-wrought FJ Cruiser, all of which feature similar ruggedness and pricing. The potent 4.0-liter V6 powerplant returns for all Xterra variations and mates with either a standard 5-speed automatic transmission (RWD trims) or a heady 6-speed manual shifter (optional in 4WD editions) to deliver a respectable 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. Mileage is, despite variable valve timing (VVT), a not-so-spiffy 16 mpg city/22 highway in RWD-equipped trims and 15/20 in 4WD variants, but towing is maxed out at a useful 5,000 pounds with the proper and available equipment. Meantime, Nissan’s 4WD system offers a multi-mode low-range transfer case and electronically locking rear differential that allow for worry-free expeditions through untamed wilderness. Flaunting standard 16-inch steel wheels (with those new and upgraded alloy wheels optional), a roof rack and skid plates outside, the base Xterra X also boasts cloth upholstery, simulated alloy accents, remote power door locks and power windows inside. Cruise control is again standard in this entry-level trim, as are tilt-wheel steering and air conditioning, while this latest year’s version additionally sports an upgraded audio system with a single-CD player and 6 speakers. Finally, as mentioned, standard Bluetooth hands-free calling is now standard as well. Moving up to the midlevel S, expect to find such additions as the new-look 16-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable outside mirrors, roof rails and satellite radio, with all-terrain tires an available option. The trail-busting Pro-4X, meantime, flaunts beefed-up off-road suspension components, as well as hill start assist and descent control, each standard (optional in the lower trims). The list continues with roof-mounted off-road driving lights, premium cloth upholstery, new-for-2014 heated front seats, a fold-flat front passenger seat and unique upgraded cabin décor. This outrageous outback-organizing off-roader also boasts standard navigation, a rear-view camera, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a Rockford Fosgate stereo upgrade hosting 9 premium speakers. Options-wise, lower trims can be equipped with many items found standard in higher trims, while the Pro-4X Leather Package includes leather upholstery, but deletes the fold-flat front passenger seat. Such add-ons as step rails are available to the X and S trims, with a towing package available lineup-wide. Noteworthy standard safety equipment for all 2014 Xterra trims, finally, includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, and active front headrests. A remote antitheft alarm is standard across the lineup, while the Pro-4X tosses in standard front fog/driving lights.