The Nissan Xterra is finally returning to market at a time when off-road SUVs are becoming red hot with consumers. It’s part of a push under the new CEO to launch 20 new or updated models in a bid to remake the brand’s image and boost sales.
Here’s why today’s market loves soft crossovers.
Details about the new Xterra are murky, and we’ve been hearing about it coming back for some time, but an Automotive News report claims it will be back for the 2028 model year. That’s only two years away, which seems to be about the right timetable, especially if Nissan already has the early design work done.
It was at Nissan’s national dealer meeting on August 20 that the cat got out of the bag and the return of the Xterra was confirmed.
A few details about the future Nissan off-roader were shared by dealers. Among them is the great news that it will be a body-on-frame truck, not a unibody crossover, which is what we feared.
Even more interesting, the same platform which will be used for the Xterra will be shared among five models, which include the Infiniti QX60, Nissan Frontier, and at least two versions of the Pathfinder.
In other words, Nissan might finally make the Pathfinder more of an off-roader again as well after a long time of it being a soft grocery getter.
Dealers also divulged the new Nissan Xterra will use a V6 hybrid powertrain, not an all-electric setup like we’ve heard before. It reportedly will have a range-extender feature for up to 75 miles of electric-only travel. That might actually come in handy in the backcountry.
What’s really great about this news is after so many years of off-road enthusiasts being incredibly limited in what kinds of vehicles they can buy and modify for hardcore trail runs and other outdoor fun, we will all finally have far more options to choose from.
Images via Nissan
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