by is in a crisis state. According to the data studied, net losses for the last fiscal year may amount to about $5 billion, and the company is facing significant losses for the first time since its founding. After , the Japanese automaker is restructuring its business, and the North American market is a major segment.
After canceling changes to the and Maxima models (eternal memory to fans), the company’s American divisions want to focus on SUV models. And one of the keys to overcoming the crisis, according to management, is the revival of the Xterra name from the deceased.
Xterra, Which Won the Hearts of Americans
The first Xterra models hit the market in 1999 and became a hit for Nissan. They were based on the Pathfinder / Frontier pickup platform and offered a capable, no-nonsense approach that appealed to customers. Production of the model was discontinued in 2015, shifting focus to crossovers.
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During its existence, the off-road vehicle exceeded sales expectations. Developed on a modest budget, it was initially projected to sell about 40,000 vehicles annually. At its peak, 88,000 were sold, more than double the initial forecasts.
Bringing Back the Magic
Ten years after the Xterra was discontinued, Nissan is now considering its revival as a strategic move to refresh the brand. Plans go beyond just a new , approved by Nissan North America, which will appear at SEMA this year.
Management, including Nissan Americas head Christian Meunier and Nissan Americas Chief Product Planner Ponz Pandikuthira, acknowledge the growing consumer demand for SUVs capable of providing rugged outdoor adventures, as evidenced by the popularity and success of the , , and models.
“If I could park a car tomorrow, it would be the Xterra,” Meunier said in an interview with . “We’re working on it. We’ll find a way.” The revived Xterra is likely to move up a class, from a compact off-roader to a midsize segment.
Not All Is Lost Yet
Although Nissan’s American management may believe that the new Xterra could change the state of affairs, there is a practical issue the company must address: resources. Prioritizing the revival of the Xterra requires careful evaluation compared to other current projects, particularly initiatives.
Nissan’s commitment to sustainability suggests that the Xterra will likely have instead of an internal combustion engine or full electric drive. Meunier proposes a hybrid approach with an electric range of 70 to 100 miles, supplemented by a gasoline generator, increasing the total range to about 600 miles. This configuration balances emission requirements with practicality, especially for towing and off-road capabilities.
The return of the Xterra highlights a broader industry trend toward rugged, so-called “lifestyle” vehicles. Nissan aims to re-enter a growing and profitable market segment, and one dealer anticipates significant sales. They forecast annual sales of up to 80,000 units, driven by nostalgia and the enduring popularity of adventure vehicles.
