Shoppers interested in the 2005 Nissan Xterra have three distinct models to choose from: the base S, the capable Off-Road, and the well-equipped SE.

Prices for the base Xterra S start at $21,430 for the rear-wheel-drive model and $23,530 for the four-wheel-drive model (all prices listed here include a $580 destination charge). Regardless of which drivetrain is chosen, the standard wheels are 16-inch alloys wearing P265/70R16 B.F. Goodrich Long Trail tires. Also included for the base price are rear privacy glass, antilock brakes, traction control, a roof rack with a storage basket, manual seats with driver side adjustable seat height and manual lumbar, a 60/40 split folding rear bench seat, a tilt steering wheel, a rear window wiper, a tire pressure monitor, and a six-speaker audio system with a CD player. Options include front side and side curtain airbags, body side moldings, a tow package, a five-speed automatic transmission that replaces the standard six-speed manual, and a cargo cover. A Power Package, which includes cruise control, numerous power functions, an alarm system, and steering wheel mounted controls is available, as is a Utility Package, which features stability control, traction control, a first aid kit, running boards, a folding front passenger seat, and more.

A move up to the capable Off-Road model requires a $3,000 premium – two-wheel-drive Xterra Off-Roads start at $24,030, and four-wheel-drive Off-Roads go for $26,330. That extra coin buys unique 16-inch alloy wheels, P265/75R16 B.F. Goodrich Rugged Trail tires, a host of power options, front foglights, bodyside moldings, and a folding front passenger seat. Other standard features include cruise control, an alarm system, a first aid kit, and stability control. Unique to the Off-Road are Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Control, a locking rear differential, and skid plates for the oil pan and gas tank. Four-wheel-drive Off-Road models add a skid plate to the transfer case. The side and curtain airbags are optional, along with a cargo cover and a 380-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system with nine speakers, a six-disc CD changer, MP3 player, and a subwoofer. XM or Sirius satellite radio can also be added, and include 90 days of free service before a monthly subscription fee kicks in.

Poised at the top of the 2005 Nissan Xterra line is the SE, which starts at $25,930 with two-wheel drive and $27,930 with four-wheel drive. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission available. Larger 17-inch alloy wheels wear P265/65R17 B.F. Goodrich Long Trail tires, and the standard features list is bolstered by tubular running boards, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a trip computer, steering wheel mounted audio controls, and that 380-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system that’s optional on the Xterra Off-Road. Options are limited to bodyside moldings, a rear cargo cover, and satellite radio.

Our tester was a four-wheel-drive Xterra SE with the optional side and curtain airbags, body side moldings, floor mats, a tow package, and Sirius satellite radio. With the $580 destination charge added in, the total as-tested price came to $29,690. If serious off-roading isn’t your thing, the Xterra S with the Power Package looks to be the best value at about $24,400. We’d also add in $800 for the automatic transmission to improve drivability and $700 for extra airbag protection. The few added features on the SE don’t warrant the expense, and since our tester did so well on the trails, the hard-core do-dads on the Off-Road are unnecessary for the majority of drivers.