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Nissan Just Fired Another Shot Across the Toyota Land Cruiser’s Bow

Could this give us a sneak peek at the new-gen Xterra and rugged Pathfinder?

Front view of a red Nissan Terrano PHEV Concept truck with illuminated headlights and rugged tires on a dusty terrain.Nissan
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By Chris Chin

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Nissan just shocked the world and revealed an all-new badass off-roader concept. However, it’s not the new body-on-frame next-gen Pathfinder or highly anticipated Xterra comeback that we’re waiting for.

But that’s okay, as it’s still just as cool. If anything, it might give us a clue as to what the new Xterra and Pathfinder could look like. It’s called the Terrano PHEV Concept, and it’s the Yokohama automaker’s latest vision of a dedicated off-roader for the Asian market.

Not only does it appear to be one serious off-roader, but it also revives a name that was once a mainstay of Nissan’s lineup outside of North America.

Red Nissan Terrano PHEV concept SUV with off-road tires and roof rack on rocky desert terrain at sunset.
We’re not sure about you, but we think this thing looks badass as hell.
Nissan

Nissan China is the division behind the reveal of the Terrano PHEV Concept. It debuted alongside two other electrified concepts aimed primarily at the Chinese and other Asian export markets.

While most Americans may not have heard of the Terrano, it was actually the name for the first-generation Nissan Pathfinder in the European and Japanese Domestic Markets. The Pathfinder retained the Terrano name in its respective markets until the R51-generation Pathfinder arrived in 2004.

Black Nissan Terrano SUV parked on grass near a lake with trees in the background.
The Terrano was actually the name for the first and second generation Pathfinder in Europe and Asia.
NIssan

Nissan Europe also had a similar model based on the same platform called the Terrano II. It was a quirky, small and rugged compact SUV built specifically for the European market.

The Terrano II was interestingly designed by the one and only Ercole Spada. Yes, the same Ercole Spada known for his tenure at the world-famous automotive design firm, Zagato.

Silver Nissan SUV with visible dirt on the lower body parked in a lot.
Europe got a specialized version of the Terrano called the Terrano II, which has some unique history attached to it.
Vauxford via Wikipedia

Spada is famous for his work in shaping the OG Aston DB4 GT Zagato, the BMW E32 7 Series and E34 5 Series, and countless Italian icons from Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Fiat.

The company’s Spanish-based subsidiary, Nissan Motor Ibérica S.A., was mainly responsible for its manufacturing. Nissan later exported the Terrano to the Japanese Domestic market, where it was marketed as the Mistral.

Nissan Terrano PHEV Concept

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The Terrano also was rebadged as the Ford Maverick in Europe during is production run. So, needless to say, the Terrano isn’t a nobody and has quite an interesting and relevant history.

The Patrol’s smaller, hybridized sibling, potentially

Orange Nissan SUV with black roof rack driving uphill on rocky desert terrain.
Although a concept, Nissan confirmed the Terrano PHEV Concept is heading for production.
Nissan

This time around, the Terrano nameplate comes back for the company’s new global midsize rugged off-roader. And it specifically honors Nissan’s long and storied four-wheeling heritage.

Nissan China is pitching the vehicle as the company’s purveyor for its latest plug-in hybrid propulsion system. But more importantly, it’s the first apparent use of the system in a dedicated off-roader.

Red Nissan Terrano PHEV concept SUV driving off-road at sunset with spare tire mounted on rear door.
If either the next-gen Pathfinder or new Xterra or both look anything like this, we’re absolutely all for it.
Nissan

The automaker didn’t have many specifics to share. But it is reportedly going into production in China within the next year as it represents the company’s major turnaround.

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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