I have no doubt that given a good driver, both an Xterra and stock Cherrie will do about the same... but that's where it ends... stock. Few Cherries I wheel with are stock. Most are lifted, locked, and geared down to hell.

Given that Jeeps have been off roading a long time (WWII) and the tremendous amount of after market parts, it is very easy to build out a Jeep. As for the front ends... the only serious choice for serious off roading is a solid front axle. Gears... maybe someday the Calmini folks will offer a 78% low reduction gear for the X, but then look forward to blowing out CV joints.

The bottom line is my X is a great off road vehicle... not a rock crawler.

Reliability the X is way above the Jeep. Comfort the X great. And as a chick or dude magnet (whatever trips your switch), the X works like a charm.

I bought an X to go to places that a Land Rover can only dream about... but that's another flame war.

Enjoy your X for what it is... a great way to enjoy the outdoors and don't sweat the guys climbing boulder fields... they're just doing their Jeep thing.

See ya on the trail,
DOc