It has been a full decade since the Nissan Xterra went to the large parking zone within the sky, and whereas it could have been an acceptable determination 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 presumably go unfilled. However whereas the rumors stored swirlingand the Frontier acquired a redesigna brand new Xterra by no means appeared. Come 2028, nonetheless, that is going to alter, Automotive Information studies.
On the similar supplier assembly the place Infiniti introduced the return of the Q50Nissan 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 yr after the brand new Frontier did? Positive, 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 in the event you have been hoping for powertrain specs and actual pricing, you are out of luck.
That stated, Automotive Information claims will probably be “a rugged, inexpensive midsize SUV” with “a blocky, adventure-ready design” and “an upright grille and squarish headlights,” so it ought to at the very least look the half. It additionally expects the brand new Xterra to make use of a hybrid V6 and says there could 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 could 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 clients
As you’ll be able to think about, the Nissan sellers on the assembly have been fairly excited to listen to the Xterra will return. As Tyler Slade, working companion at Tim Dahle Nissan, advised Automotive Information, “The Xterra brings a variety of emotion. It is an aspirational off-road automobile for households.” Slade additionally added that different off-road SUVs promote effectively, and he expects the identical from the brand new Xterra, saying, “These are automobiles that each supplier 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 can be extremely necessary for the reason that “Rogue is our middle of gravity, our bread and butter.” Earlier this yr Nissan introduced it might be making a brand new adventure-focused electrical SUV that may 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 scenario, however for Xterras. Perhaps Nissan will name that factor Eterra.
Contemplating the issues Nissan has had just latelyif the Japanese automaker goes to outlive by itself, it desperately wants merchandise individuals really need. The brand new CEO, Ivan Espinosa, looks like a cool dude, however whether or not we get a brand new Silvia or nothe appears to know the issues his firm faces. “We’re at a pivotal second for this firm. We’re taking motion quick to handle our weaknesses and strengthen our enterprise fundamentals,” he reportedly advised sellers, including, “I am assured we all know what must be achieved to show issues round.”
Will the brand new Xterra be fashionable sufficient to singlehandedly save Nissan? Perhaps not, however on the very least, it will get extra individuals into Nissan’s dealerships, and that may solely be factor for Nissan.
