Nissan stopped selling the Xterra almost a decade ago, and it has inexplicably avoided a revival of the popular off-roader in the time since. The automaker finally appears ready to sell some vehicles, though, as Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier recently confirmed the SUV’s return in an interview with Bloomberg.
Meunier also confirmed that the new Xterra would return with a hybrid V6 powertrain, and he said the SUV would be built at the Nissan factory in Canton, Mississippi. It will share a platform with the Frontier pickup, which should give it legitimate off-road capability. Nissan is also reportedly considering a more premium Infiniti variant, though Meunier didn’t share any details on that model.
We don’t know pricing yet, but the Xterra will likely slot between the Frontier and Armada. Its hybrid V6 will give it a more expensive starting price than the Frontier pickup, but it won’t reach the heights that Nissan’s flagship Armada does.
The new Xterra is a case of better late than never for Nissan. Given the automaker’s struggles, the SUV could have been a shot in the arm if it had debuted a few years ago, but it will still be a good thing for Nissan. Buyers gravitate toward off-road SUVs in droves, and Nissan’s dealers are “super excited” to have the nameplate returning to the lineup.
[Images: Nissan]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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The Xterra was one of the best things Nissan made at the end of its life, and I hope the new one gets to spend more time in the oven than the current Frontier, which was class leading 20 years ago but is now the truck you settle for, and it reminds you every time you hop in and see 2010 mis-aligned graphics on the screen.
The big problem is why would I spent 4Runner or Bronco money on a Nissan when I’m not going to get the resale value, the aftermarket support, the community, and every trip to the dealer for service is going to feel like going to a check cashing store. The original Xterra solved it by cramming it with gimmicks like interior bike racks and first aid kits while its competition was focusing on wood grain trim and leather seats.
You are right. The first model was hugely popular. The second model , arguably better in all ways , was not as popular. Sort of like the FJ Cruiser. And since they stopped selling them there has been a surge in demand.
“Nissan Xterra is Confirmed for a 2028 Return”
But, will Nissan itself also return for 2028?
