It has been a full decade since the Nissan Xterra went to the large car parking zone within the sky, and whereas it could have been an acceptable choice on the time, within the years for the reason that Xterra’s cancellation the off-road SUV section has taken off. That left an enormous, gaping gap in Nissan’s lineup that everybody assumed could not probably go unfilled. However whereas the rumors saved swirling, and the Frontier received a redesign, a brand new Xterra by no means appeared. Come 2028, nonetheless, that is going to vary, Automotive Information experiences.
On the similar vendor assembly the place Infiniti introduced the return of the Q50, Nissan apparently confirmed the Xterra would additionally make a comeback. Would it not have been higher if the brand new Xterra had proven up a couple of 12 months after the brand new Frontier did? Certain, however that did not occur, and higher late than by no means, proper? We do not precisely have a ton of particulars proper now, so for those who had been hoping for powertrain specs and actual pricing, you are out of luck.
That mentioned, Automotive Information claims it will likely be “a rugged, inexpensive midsize SUV” with “a blocky, adventure-ready design” and “an upright grille and squarish headlights,” so it ought to a minimum of look the half. It additionally expects the brand new Xterra to make use of a hybrid V6 and says there might even be a plug-in model that gives about 75 miles of vary earlier than turning the engine again on. A 75-mile plug-in hybrid might sound ridiculous, however hey, if Nissan needs to construct it, we definitely will not complain. That is sufficient vary for some severe emissions-free off-roading, and there are already PHEV SUVs on the market from different manufacturers with 50-mile ranges.
Oh, and Nissan reportedly plans to construct the brand new Xterra on the similar manufacturing unit in Canton, Mississippi, that builds the Frontier.
Blissful sellers and glad prospects
As you possibly can think about, the Nissan sellers on the assembly had been fairly excited to listen to the Xterra will return. As Tyler Slade, working accomplice at Tim Dahle Nissan, instructed Automotive Information, “The Xterra brings quite a lot of emotion. It is an aspirational off-road automobile for households.” Slade additionally added that different off-road SUVs promote properly, and he expects the identical from the brand new Xterra, saying, “These are automobiles that each vendor is promoting and making good cash on.”
Past the Xterra, although, there was extra excellent news for sellers. Nissan apparently plans to introduce 20 new or considerably up to date automobiles between now and the second quarter of 2027, together with a redesigned Rogue that Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier acknowledged could be extremely necessary for the reason that “Rogue is our heart of gravity, our bread and butter.” Earlier this 12 months Nissan introduced it might be making a brand new adventure-focused electrical SUV that might be constructed at the Canton plant beginning in 2027, which is the boxy mannequin within the above teaser. It looks like it might be a Bronco vs. Bronco Sport state of affairs, however for Xterras. Possibly Nissan will name that factor Eterra.
Contemplating the issues Nissan has had lately, if the Japanese automaker goes to outlive by itself, it desperately wants merchandise folks really need. The brand new CEO, Ivan Espinosa, looks like a cool dude, however whether or not we get a brand new Silvia or not, he appears to know the issues his firm faces. “We’re at a pivotal second for this firm. We’re taking motion quick to deal with our weaknesses and strengthen our enterprise fundamentals,” he reportedly instructed sellers, including, “I am assured we all know what must be carried out to show issues round.”
Will the brand new Xterra be standard sufficient to singlehandedly save Nissan? Possibly not, however on the very least, it’s going to get extra folks into Nissan’s dealerships, and that may solely be factor for Nissan.
