Nissan’s Fan-Favorite SUV Is Getting a Reboot That’s Been Long Overdue

Just a few months ago, speculation regarding the Xterra’s return offered some of the first hope in a while for the Nissan faithful. Between massive losses, factory closures and large-scale restructuring efforts, it’s been a tumultuous year for the brand.

And now it seems that those rumors held some truth. In a recent interview, Nissan confirmed that the SUV will be making a comeback following a discontinuation since 2015.

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With production planned in the next few years, it could arrive just in time to give the brand the break it needs. That said, the landscape has changed considerably since the last time that the Nissan off-roader was on the market.

A fresh Xterra is inbound

According to a recent Bloomberg interview with Nissan North America Chairman Christian Meunier, the Xterra will be making a comeback sometime 2028. 

He told the outlet that “dealers are super excited about it because it’s going to be a great example of Nissan coming back.” Moreover, as production is planned for the brand’s Canton, Mississippi facility, Meunier stated that it will “bring scale back to the plant and get the costs at the right level.”

Nissan

While the exec didn’t go into specifics about the engine or powertrain, a previous report from Automotive News indicated that it would feature a hybrid V6. Other developments from that same meeting — like a manual Nismo Z — have since been confirmed.

Along with making for a natural progression from the previous iteration (the second-generation Xterra had Nissan’s venerable VQ40DE V6 under the hood), this would also track with the current Frontier that comes with the 310-horsepower VQ38DD. 

To that end, Nissan will supposedly build the SUV on the same platform as the Frontier. The truck is currently manufactured at the Canton location, and the Xterra shared its underpinnings with the pickup in the past.

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The competition hasn’t stopped

Although the arrival of a fresh Xterra will likely bring brighter days for a struggling Nissan brand, the path forward won’t be easy. 

Since the model’s departure in 2015, the midsize SUV segment has only continued to grow. Moreover, the industry obviously recognizes the appeal of wanderlust, as manufacturers across the board are fielding offerings to capitalize on the off-road trend.

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For instance, between the Honda CR-V Trailsport Hybrid, the Mazda CX-50 Meridian and the Toyota RAV4 Woodland Edition, there are plenty of crossovers that bring a rugged look and an adventurous spirit without the harsh and uncompromising ride of a hardcore off-roader.

On the other hand, those who crave real-deal all-terrain chops are spoiled for choice nowadays with options like the Ford Bronco, the Lexus GX, the Land Rover Defender and the Ineos Grenadier. If you’re after a boxy, retro-styled 4×4, there’s no shortage of options from which to choose.

Nissan

Nevertheless, given that the decision to manufacture the Xterra at Canton comes at the expense of building another EV in the United States, Nissan evidently feels that there’s sufficient market potential.

In any case, between the announcement of a manual Nismo Z and a collaboration with Roush, Nissan is making a clear effort to lean into its enthusiast core. Assuming that the forthcoming Xterra can deliver on its promise, it’s sure to be a home run with the brand’s fan base.

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