One of Nissan’s Most Beloved Off-Roaders Could Be Making a Return Soon

A new report indicates that the Xterra is slated for revival — but with a twist under the hood.

Close-up of a silver roof rack bar on a red vehicle with the word "XTERRA" printed in bold black letters on the bar. The background is blurred with warm, natural lighting.

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Published August 25, 2025

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Updated August 25, 2025

With its tough body-on-frame construction, robust four-wheel drive system and unfailing Japanese reliability, the Nissan Xterra remains a highly regarded trail rig to this day.

However, with a decade having passed since discontinuation, those examples that remain on the road are getting a little long in the tooth. The oldest Xterras hit the market in 2000, so they’re now bona fide classic 4x4s.

Gray Nissan SUV parked on grass near a curved road with trees in the background. The vehicle has a roof rack with two mounted lights and black side mirrors. — The Nissan Xterra debuted in the United States in 2000, and it enjoyed a two-generation production run before its discontinuation in 2015.

Thankfully, a recent report suggests that Nissan could have a successor to its beloved off-roader back in the United States soon.

Dealer meeting developments

According to Automotive News, Nissan confirmed the return of the Xterra last week during a dealer meeting, citing an expected launch of 2028.

While the brand didn’t offer any concrete specs, the report claimed that it will be a “rugged, affordable midsize SUV” and that it would feature “a blocky, adventure-ready design” as well as “an upright grille and squarish headlights.”

Dark gray Nissan Xterra SUV parked on a gravel surface with a grassy background and a cloudy sky. The vehicle features roof-mounted lights and rugged tires with white lettering. — Between its rugged, body-on-frame construction and its accessible price point, the Xterra remains a popular option on the secondhand market.

Moreover, sources close to the project said that it will be built on a tough body-on-frame platform that will also serve as the basis for the Nissan Frontier, the Nissan Pathfinder and the Infiniti QX60.

Though some past rumors had suggested that the Xterra might make its return as an all-electric model, it’s now reportedly going to be powered by a hybrid V6.

Additionally, there’s the possibility of a plug-in hybrid version with a range extender.

Silver roof rack bars mounted on the roof of a black vehicle, with the word "XTERRA" printed on one of the bars. — With its own branded roof rack, there was no question that Nissan’s SUV was fit for personal recreation.

Nissan needs an icon again

Considering that the Xterra left the market in 2015, a successor is long overdue. Nissan recognizes as much, and this report adds to the growing evidence that a new model is on the way.

Just last year, the brand filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

At the time, Nissan was in talks regarding a potential merger with Honda, so there was speculation that a revived Xterra might be little more than a rebadged Honda Prologue.

Black Nissan Xterra PRO-4X SUV driving on a rocky, uneven desert trail with a roof rack carrying gear, surrounded by large tan rock formations under a clear blue sky. — A new Xterra would give Nissan something exciting in its lineup beyond the current Z and Z Nismo.

Having failed to reach an agreement, Nissan has since positioned its lineup for a dramatic overhaul to entice new customers into the brand.

Along with announcing the stateside introduction of e-Power, it also promised the addition of more than 10 new products to its North American portfolio.

Blue Nissan Xterra SUV driving on a winding road with rocky cliffs on one side and trees on the other. The vehicle has a roof rack with mounted lights and a black front bumper. — Between the introduction of e-Power and the announcement of 10 new products, Nissan has big plans to get things back on track.

After all, while the brand still has the Nissan Z in the lineup to cater to the enthusiast crowd, the departure of cars like the GT-R means that it needs something fresh to bolster its appeal.

An Xterra would give Nissan a new off-road option that could compete in the increasingly crowded midsize SUV market.

About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.