Still, the XL-7 isn't an uncomfortable day-to-day vehicle. Our model was equipped with the automatic transmission, which helped this truck go about its business with little drama.

About 14 inches of snow provided an opportunity to check out the XL-7's four-wheel-drive capabilities. With all four wheels engaged and 7.5 inches of ground clearance, there wasn't one snowdrift or plowed-in driveway the XL-7 couldn't overcome. Stopping is required to activate the four-wheel traction. And there's a low-range set of gears for creeping up steep terrain.

Dry road handling was uneventful, and the XL-7 cornered without causing our hearts to skip a beat. We didn't push it too hard, though, since it is, after all, a truck and not a sports car. The XL-7 isn't our first choice for long Interstate trips because the ride is not very smooth and a good deal of wind noise creeps into the cabin. It's quieter and more comfortable than, say, a Jeep Wrangler, but that's not saying much.

The XL-7 is at its best when driving around town. Our Touring model was equipped with nearly every creature comfort you could think of (except heated seats, which we sorely missed during a winter storm). The stereo system had both a cassette player (great for listening to books on tape) and a CD player, which delivered pretty good fidelity.

The 2.7-liter V6 puts out 170 horsepower. Its power delivery was smooth and the XL-7 felt a little livelier than the Nissan Xterra (which has the same horsepower) but not as quick as the Ford Escape (which offers 200-horsepower V6).

Antilock brakes stopped the XL-7 well, as we discovered in heavy snow, rain and slush.