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Nissan Is Returning to Its Rugged Roots by Renewing Two Beloved Off-Roaders

Car-based unibody crossover SUVs are out, body-on-frames are back for Nissan and even Infiniti.

Red Nissan SUV driving on a dusty dirt road with dry grass in the background.Nissan
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By Chris Chin

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Nissan is embarking on a four-wheeling renaissance with its SUVs. The Japanese automaker, along with its Infiniti luxury division, is apparently doubling down on rugged four-by-fours as part of its lineup overhaul.

Speaking recently to Automotive News at the National Automobile Dealers Association conference, Nissan America’s head chairman, Christian Meunier, announced the automaker’s ambitious sales plan. Its main goal is to reach an annual target of 1 million units by the end of 2027.

But to reach that goal, Nissan is betting on reviving and renewing some long-lost models, all with hopes to attract enthusiasts back to the brand.

Making Nissan SUVs great again

Two gray Nissan Navara pickup trucks parked on a grassy field with hills in the background at sunset.
It’s been over a decade since the Pathfinder boasted true off-road credibility.
Nissan

It all started when rumors began surfacing about the revival of the long-lost fan favorite, the Xterra. Then, Nissan’s launch of the redesigned Frontier only added to the speculation.

After striking success with the Rock Creek all-terrain variants of its crossovers and PRO-4X line of off-roaders, the Yokohama-based automaker saw potential to go even further.

Gray Nissan SUV with roof lights driving over rocky terrain.
Off-roading fans are most excited for the return of the Xterra.
Nissan

Nissan and other automakers also caught wind of the growing overlanding and off-roading trend. Particularly, following the COVID-19 pandemic. After being cooped up during the mandated social-distancing rules, car buyers sought greater opportunities to explore the outdoors, further amplifying the demand.

As time passed, the hearsay about the Xterra’s revival ended up being true after Michael Soutter, the company’s American senior vice president, confirmed its revival at the 2025 LA Auto Show. Now, Nissan isn’t just stopping at the Xterra’s rebirth.

Brown Nissan X-Trail Rock Creek SUV splashing through muddy water, front view.
Nissan experienced recent success with its Rock Creek all-terrain-biased crossover SUVs.
Nissan

In the latest development, Nissan’s apparently ditching the Pathfinder’s current car-based platform for a new body-on-frame chassis. Not only does this hark back to the Pathfinder’s original rugged roots. It’ll revitalize the model’s image as a factory-ready off-roader.

With the Xterra returning, the new Pathfinder will share its incoming and new ladder frame. Along with the Pathfinder, an Infiniti variant will also take shape as the next-gen QX60.

The next-gen Frontier is also on deck to get the new chassis.

Restoring the Pathfinder’s off-road cred

Dark gray Nissan Pathfinder SUV parked on rocky terrain with clear sky in the background.
The next-gen Pathfinder is saying goodbye to its humdrum car-based roots.
Nissan

The Pathfinder last utilized a truck-based frame two generations ago with the third-gen “R51.” After reaching the end of its production lifecycle in 2012, Nissan stripped the Pathfinder of its off-road cred by utilizing the same car-based Renault-Nissan “D platform” as the Maxima, Murano, Altima and multiple Renault models.

Four-wheelers and fans of utilitarian trucks alike often prefer body-on-frame constructions for their toughness and capabilities.

Silver Nissan Pathfinder SUV driving through muddy water with mountains in the background.
With the Pathfinder returning to its body-on-frame construction, it’ll be interesting to see what other competitors will do in response.
Nissan

With the next-gen Pathfinder going back to a body-on-frame chassis, it would be the first time the model featured such a construction in almost two decades. Nissan also produced a fancier version of the Pathfinder with the second “R52” generation, called the “QX4.“

Nissan didn’t have an Infiniti version for the third-gen model. But with the fourth-gen car-based R52, Infiniti spawned the more luxurious JX35/QX60.

Brown Infiniti SUV parked on a road with autumn foliage in the background.
Infiniti will also get its own version of the new rugged Pathfinder, harking back to the days of the original QX4.
Infiniti

Nissan reverting back to its rugged roots also summons the Pathfinder’s original heritage. Before the R52, the OG Pathfinder used the same platform as the original Nissan Hardbody Truck.

Reviving Nissan’s enthusiastic spirit

Red two-door Nissan Pathfinder SUV with roof rack and off-road tires in a white studio.
The Pathfinder was always Nissan’s attempt at building a rugged off-roader for American buyers.
Nissan USA

Nissan isn’t only looking to revamp its original image in the four-wheeling space. It also previously announced its commitment to making more sports cars and exciting mainstream models to reinvigorate the brand’s image.

This plan also involves expanding its NISMO performance division. The latter move is in a likely bid to compete with Toyota’s growing Gazoo Racing lineup.

2001 Nissan Pathfinder
The second-gen “R50” Pathfinder remains a favorite among four-wheeling and overlanding fans.
Nissan

It wasn’t too long ago that Nissan used to be a byword for affordable, everyday fun-to-drive vehicles. Having moved away from that image in favor of more commuter- and family-centric transportation throughout the 2010s, the brand hopes to put itself back on the map and realign with its sporty and fun roots.

After a tumultuous previous decade financially, in addition to issues with its reputation, Nissan could finally be back on the path to success and righting its ship.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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