Off-road SUVs are currently enjoying a surge in popularity. Nissan Xterra The iconic Jeep Wrangler, after years of dominating the market, is facing direct competition from the revived Ford Bronco. Toyota has reintroduced the Land Cruiser in a smaller, more rugged version, while various automakers are enhancing the capabilities of their crossover and SUV offerings across different sizes and price points.
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Nissan Xterra
However, there are notable gaps in the lineup: Toyota discontinued the retro-styled FJ Cruiser long ago, although they somewhat rectified this with the smaller 2024 Land Cruiser and the forthcoming 2025 4Runner. Similarly, Nissan ended production of its robust Xterra 4×4, leaving a void in the market. Despite Nissan’s recent unveiling of a thoroughly modernized Frontier pickup, which shares components with the old Xterra, there’s no official plan for the Xterra’s return.
If Nissan were to unveil a new Xterra today, what might it look like? We enlisted the talents of speculative artist Abimilec Arellano to envision a next-generation Nissan Xterra, a vehicle that may never materialize.
However, despite speculation and the evident market demand for such a model, Nissan has stated that there are no immediate plans for a new Xterra. Nevertheless, Ponz Pandikuthira, Nissan’s chief of planning and head of the Americas, provided unexpected clarity on what a hypothetical new Xterra should embody: authenticity and a serious off-road capability.
Given Nissan’s pragmatic approach, reviving the Xterra could be relatively straightforward. The frame of the old Xterra is still in use for the current Frontier pickup, which underwent significant revisions in 2022 while retaining the same frame. With the impending departure of the Titan from the market, there’s excess production capacity at Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi plant, where the Frontier and Titan are manufactured. Introducing a modern Xterra could efficiently utilize this capacity and potentially surpass the popularity of the Titan. By leveraging the Frontier’s powertrain, frame, suspension, and interior layout, Nissan could develop a new Xterra with minimal effort. The styling could borrow elements from the rugged design of the Frontier, incorporating signature Xterra features such as the stepped roof and asymmetrical tailgate.
The new Xterra could inherit the Frontier’s powerful 310-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, offering a Pro-4X trim for ultimate off-road capability. By incorporating interior improvements from the Frontier, Nissan would have a compelling package ready for market. Such a revival could introduce price competition in the segment, challenging vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, as well as upcoming models like the 4Runner and Land Cruiser.
