by The Nissan Xterra will return in the form of two new SEMA builds for the 2025 show. Both concepts, aimed at off-road vehicles, have been approved by Nissan and its Nismo division. They combine details from various recent Nissan models, enhanced with off-road equipment. At a time when every car manufacturer is busy rebuilding their legacy to meet the growing demand for rugged SUVs, Nissan remains notably silent. In fact, the brand is dealing with everything from financial problems to stalled merger talks, all amidst promises to revamp their future vehicle lineup.
However, among the strangest gaps in its recent history? The disappearance of the Xterra since 2015. The good news is, Nissan’s long-term plan includes a boxy SUV for 2027, which might loosely pick up where the off-road Xterra left off, even if it doesn’t bear the same name. The bad news for purists is that it will be electric. However, until that happens, fans have something to ponder in the form of two speculative SEMA concepts envisioning what a traditional gas-powered Xterra might look like in 2026.
Returning to roots with a twist. We told you about this first. It’s a passion project conceived by Nic Raymond Scherr, a videographer and die-hard Nissan fan, who works at Avondale Nissan in Arizona. When he’s not helping fans get new Z models without dealer markups, he spends his free time on a long-standing dream: a modern interpretation of the 2026 Xterra. Although Nissan and Nismo are not directly involved in the design or development of the two X projects, they are aware of the project.
Following an earlier announcement this year, Carscoops received exclusive information and created sketch renders of one of the concepts, offering a clear preview of what lies ahead. Mixed genes. These Xterra concepts are not just revivals. They are full-fledged combinations of Nissan’s off-road heritage. Donor parts include elements from the second-generation Xterra (2005–2015), third-generation (2005–2012), and the current Frontier (from 2022 onwards).
Here you can see a hefty SUV equipped with headlights, grille, and taillights in the Frontier style for a more updated look. The main body borrows from the Xterra, while the side proportions are taken from older Pathfinders. Staying true to tradition, all SUVs will be enhanced with roof racks, off-road bumpers, side guards, and spare wheel carriers. Both studies will also feature modern interiors with the latest technology, one with a standard two-seat setup, and the other with three rows of seats. Feel the power, presence, and lots of character.
Both projects will ride on a true frame chassis and be equipped with all-wheel drive. Expect modern off-road technologies and some hardware for extra impact. When it comes to the engine under the hood, here’s where it gets interesting. One version will have a 3.8-liter V6 from Nissan, while the other will get a powerful V8, delivering lots of drama and presence. Scherr, also known as “Nismo Nick,” will document the build process on his page, where fans will be able to follow the project on its journey.
And though these concepts are built by fans, they have official backing from Nissan North America and Nismo, lending additional legitimacy to the entire project. We will update this story as we glean more detailed information ahead of its presentation at SEMA later this year.
