by Nissan Brings Back the Xterra: A New Body-on-Frame SUV
It has been five years since Ford revived the Bronco to compete with the Jeep Wrangler, and only two years since Toyota introduced the sixth-generation 4Runner. Now, Nissan has decided to join the fray. The company is preparing its own rugged body-on-frame SUV and has chosen to revive the Xterra nameplate for it. The production version could look something like this, as shown in the images.
Teasers and Design: What We Know So Far
Nissan has released two teasers showcasing the Xterra, and they look promising. The first focused on the front end: a sculpted hood, large Nissan lettering on the grille (a similar approach used by the Bronco), separate headlight units, and LED daytime running lights below them.
The first teaser gave designer Nikita Chuiko from Kolesa enough material to work with, and the result looks convincing. The artist depicted the Xterra with a black lower bumper and a silver skid plate underneath, giving it a true off-road appearance.
Two teasers — and Nissan has already shown more than most presentations.
The second image, published by Nissan on LinkedIn, shows the SUV in profile. These renders reveal significant ground clearance, black pillars and roof, off-road wheels and tires, and a very attractive overall look. Although we don’t have a clear view of the Xterra’s rear yet, these illustrations show side-hinged doors, prominent tow hooks, LED taillights, and a spare tire.
Powertrain and Platform
The Xterra will be based on a new body-on-frame platform that Nissan plans to use for several future SUVs. Two V6 engine options have been confirmed: a standard version and a hybrid. This should provide enough power to compete on equal footing with the Bronco or Wrangler. There are no plans for a manual transmission, which is a drawback but not surprising given the trends in this segment.
Price and Competitors
The key advantage of the Xterra will undoubtedly be its price. Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier confirmed that the starting price in the U.S. will be under $40,000. This positions the Xterra alongside the Bronco, which starts at $40,495 in its base trim, and the five-door Wrangler starting at $39,040, while being cheaper than the Toyota 4Runner, whose price begins at $41,870.
The return of the Xterra appears to be a strategic move by Nissan aimed at capturing market share in the body-on-frame SUV segment, which is experiencing a renaissance. The combination of an affordable price, a hybrid V6 powertrain, and a recognizable design could prove to be a winning formula. However, the lack of a manual transmission may disappoint some enthusiasts who value full control over the vehicle. Given that competitors are already firmly established in the market, Nissan will need to offer not only an attractive price but also truly outstanding off-road capabilities to convince buyers to choose the Xterra.
