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Xterra. Weird name.

But the folks at Nissan, maker of the newest addition to the compact sport-utility vehicle fold, say the meaning is obvious.

X is for Gen Xers, the youth Nissan is counting on to grab their mountain bikes and hop on board.

Terra is for terrain, which Nissan expects those Gen Xers to explore in Xterra while expending huge amounts of energy in the quest for activity and excitement.

Xterra is Nissan’s new sport-ute built off the Nissan Frontier pickup at its Smyrna, Tenn., plant. The SUV is larger than a Toyota RAV4, about the same size as a Jeep Cherokee.

Xterra comes in XE and SE versions, in two- or four-wheel-drive, with a 4-cylinder or V-6, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.

Sadly, the Xterra delivered for testing was the 2WD XE with V-6 and automatic. Not that we objected to an XE V-6 with automatic (though automatic runs a hefty $1,000), but we would have preferred 4WD because 60 to 70 percent of the 60,000 Xterras sold will come so equipped.

Xterra doesn’t look like a locomotive with running boards like a Ford Expedition or Lincoln Navigator, but it is distinctive, thanks to the roof line that rises sharply once past the front seat to provide more rear-seat head room and an optional roof rack to hold mountain bikes or surf boards.

The rack, part of a $1,000 option package, is a series of tubes running the length of the roof. It comes with a removable basket that slips in front and is held down with a net so you can hold up to 30 pounds of wet or dirty gear outside the cabin.

The SUV’s appeal comes from its 3.3-liter, 170-h.p. V-6. Lots of spirit. Doesn’t moan or groan when you kick the pedal and demand it perform, even when teamed with optional automatic.

However, with a paltry 16 m.p.g. city/19 m.p.g. highway fuel-economy rating, you’ll have to forgive the motorist for letting out with a few moans and groans each time Xterra pulls in for a fill.

While 16/19 is more than you’d expect in a much larger Navigator or Expedition, it is disappointing in a compact SUV, especially with 2WD. If fuel economy is a concern, opt for the 2.4-liter, 16-valve, 143-h.p. 4 that’s rated at 19/24.

Ride and handling are pleasant enough, though our test vehicle came with the optional ($1,000) utility package that adds larger p265/70R 15-inch tires that seemed too large for our ride satisfaction. Xterra is a truck hidden under SUV sheet metal, so you expect some truck-like ride and handling, from lean in the corners to a few slaps on the behind traveling over bumps. The larger tires magnify those characteristics.

More of a problem is rear-seat entry/exit. The rear wheel wells protrude forward, much like on Xterra’s foot-longer Pathfinder stablemate, to narrow the opening into or out of the back seat.

Once in back, the wife reported pronounced bumpiness. We didn’t experience the harshness, arguing that if we could sacrifice the stomach to her tuna surprise over the last 34 years, it was her turn t o offer up a chunk of anatomy.

Would welcome a one- to two-inch-wider cabin. Narrow is more fashionable in Japan than in the U.S., but Japanese automakers seem to have trouble with that.

Noteworthy features include power plugs for accessories front and rear; console cupholders with openings for handles; a variety of storage nooks and crannies; quick-responding brakes, with ABS standard; a light liftgate with an exterior bulge or “backpack pod” accessible from inside the cabin that hides first-aid kit or windbreaker; a “shirt pocket” holder on the left side of that seat to hold sunglasses, wallet or cell phone; and folding rear seats that increase stowage capacity.

Base price is $18,500 for 2WD, $20,500 for 4WD. Add $1,000 for automatic in either.

>> 2000 Nissan Xterra XE 2WD
© 1999 Chicago Tribune Wheelbase: 104.3 inches Length: 178 inches Engine: 3.3-liter, 170-h.p. V-6 Transmission: 4-speed automatic Fuel economy: 16 m.p.g. city/19 m.p.g. highway Base price: $18,500 Price as tested: $21,700. Includes $1,000 for automatic transmission; $1,000 utility package with tubular step rails and roof rack, p265/70R 15-inch tires, first-aid kit and rear wiper; $1,200 for power package with cruise control, power mirrors/windows/door locks, remote keyless entry. Add an estimated 520 for freight. Pluses: Built off the Frontier pickup truck platform, a smooth-riding, pleasant-handling performer. The V-6 is potent. Air and ABS are standard. Another small SUV to choose from. 4WD available. Minuses: Shouldn’t a small SUV get big mileage? Add $1,000 for automatic! Add $2,000 for 4WD. Rear-seat entry means slipping over wheel well. >>