CRV if you want a commuter car with all-wheel drive, Xterra if you want a vehicle you can actually take off-road. The CRV has great reliability, driveability, and ergonomics, but is underpowered and is something of a "chick's car." The Xterra has rugged styling, acceptable power in the V-6 versions, and good off-road ability, but is relatively rough on regular roads and very trucklike. A much more "manly" vehicle than the CRV, but not as good for commuting.

Somebody mentioned the RAV4, and while the brand new ones are nice, any used model is like a lesser version of the CRV. No reason to go for one over a CRV.

Of the poll choices, the CRV and the Xterra are the only ones I would consider - and your decision is essentially made depending on if you want an all-weather commuter or an off-roader.