Originally posted by Snoopy:
In the April 2006 Motor Trend article “Snow Dogs” your issue was discussed. The magazine rated the Xterra against the Jeep Liberty, the Hummer H3, and the Toyota FJ. They said the Xterra engine coupled with the BFGs shined in the soft and slushy stuff. The editors actually felt it was the best of the four in the snow. However, the FJ ultimately did better of the Ramp Travel Index (RTI) giving it the editors favorite overall.
Don't forget tires were also a mention as a downside that lead to the FJ winning overall.