I'm considering purchasing an Xterra to replace my 2002 Jeep Liberty Limited, but I'm concerned about the lack of an all wheel drive option.

Here in Michigan, I'm often driving on dry roads with occasional snow covered stretches, or on roads that alternate between pavement and dirt/mud. I usually use what Jeep calls "full-time 4WD" in those situations, which has an open center diff, allowing use on dry pavement. (My Liberty also has a "normal" 4WD option, as well as 4WDLO, and a limited slip rear.)

Before I had the Liberty, I had a Cherokee without the "full-time" 4WD option, and I found myself switching in and out of 4WD as I went from slippery to dry conditons. I found the Liberty's AWD option to be a great improvemnt, as I could just leave it in that mode forever if I chose.

Here's my question:

Since the Xterra doesn't have an AWD option, how does it do on snowy or icy spots in 2WD, considering it's ABLS and VDC systems?

Thanks in advance.