The Nissan Xterra was a rugged SUV that was quite reliable. First marketed in 1999, the Xterra had to be discontinued in 2015 for various reasons, one of which was poor emission and fuel consumption regulations.
The Xterra was built on the same platform as the Frontier pickup truck and Pathfinder SUV, which is why it was quite popular for off-roading.
Now, almost a decade since it was last on the market, there are rumors that Nissan will bring it back, of course, with a fresh new engine and a more environmentally friendly approach.
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Will Nissan Bring Back the Xterra?
The possibility of Nissan reviving the Xterra remains wide open. That’s because market conditions in this segment are still very promising, as evidenced by Ford releasing the Bronco, Toyota’s upcoming update to the 4Runner, and Jeep continuing to achieve good results with the Wrangler and Gladiator.
Considering that the off-road SUV segment remains popular and the competition is not as crowded as in the mainstream SUV market, Nissan should consider bringing the Xterra back to life.
Another reason is Nissan’s ability to do so. With a large vehicle lineup, Nissan can take one of its platforms and develop it into a new Xterra.
To put it simply, Nissan could take the Pathfinder, make some tweaks to enhance its off-road capabilities and rebrand it as the Xterra. Such a move would likely be well-received by consumers.
Redesign
The new Xterra won’t stray far from its roots when it returns. Just like its predecessors, it will remain an SUV that strongly emphasizes outdoor capabilities. Nissan understands the importance of staying true to the Xterra’s adventurous spirit and is determined to deliver on that promise.
The Xterra’s exterior will exude a robust and boxy demeanor that returns to its glory days. This design choice draws parallels with iconic off-roaders like the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Ford Bronco. However, Nissan isn’t simply dwelling in nostalgia. They are infusing modern elements into the Xterra’s appearance, including sleek LED headlights, a refined narrow and elongated grille, and contemporary taillights. These updates ensure that the Xterra maintains its classic charm while embracing the demands of the modern era.
The Xterra’s rugged exterior isn’t just for show. It’s a testament to its off-road prowess. With all-terrain tires, ample ground clearance, and a sturdy skid plate, the Xterra is built to handle the most challenging terrains easily. Whether you’re conquering rocky trails or navigating muddy paths, this SUV is more than ready for the challenge.
2024 Nissan Xterra Interior
Inside the cabin, the Xterra offers a notably distinct ambiance compared to its rugged exterior. While the Xterra projects an image of sturdiness and rigidity on the outside, its interior reveals a more refined cockpit adorned with modern features. Standard equipment includes an 8-inch touchscreen display, while an optional 12.3-inch widescreen dashboard adds a touch of sophistication.
Furthermore, the Xterra’s modernization is unmistakable with the inclusion of a Head-Up Display that provides turn-by-turn directions, speed, and other essential information, enhancing the overall driving experience.
The interior is luxuriously appointed, featuring soft leather upholstery that envelops every surface, from the door panels to the center console and armrest, ensuring both comfort and elegance.
Interestingly, the Xterra’s interior bears a striking resemblance to that of the Rogue, Nissan’s midsize SUV. This observation raises an intriguing possibility – the future Nissan Xterra may not share its foundation with the Pathfinder, but instead, it could be built upon the Rogue platform. This potential shift could signify a strategic move by Nissan, leveraging the success and popularity of the Rogue to breathe new life into the Xterra, catering to a wider range of SUV enthusiasts.
Features
In addition to boasting a spacious and attractive interior, the New Xterra is set to incorporate the latest features in the Pathfinder and Rogue.
The Xterra is expected to feature an intuitive infotainment system with a user-friendly interface, minimizing distractions to ensure driver focus.
Among the anticipated infotainment features on the New Xterra are:
Standard infotainment features: an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice recognition, satellite radio, Bluetooth, four USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system.
Available infotainment features: a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, two additional USB ports, and a premium 13-speaker Bose audio system.
Additionally, standard features are expected to include tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, and proximity keyless entry.
When it comes to safety, Nissan remains steadfast in prioritizing it. Taking a cue from its sibling, the Pathfinder, which earned stellar safety ratings with the Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and Five Stars from NHTSA, it’s highly anticipated that the Xterra will offer similar safety features.
Some of the safety features expected on the Xterra include:
- Rearview camera
- Forward and reverse collision warning
- Forward and reverse automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-departure warning
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Rear parking sensors
- Driver-attention monitoring
- Rear-seat alert (a reminder to check the back seats for kids or pets before exiting the vehicle)
- ProPilot Assist (adaptive cruise control with lane centering)
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Front parking sensors
- Head-up display (provides essential driving and navigation information directly on the windshield)
- Traffic-sign recognition
With such an extensive array of features, the New Xterra is poised to deliver a cutting-edge driving experience, ensuring both convenience and safety for its occupants.
2024 Nissan Xterra Engines
Under the hood, I expect a 3.5-liter V6 Naturally Aspirated Engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, much like the current Pathfinder’s powerplant.
However, Nissan may opt for a more fuel-efficient engine, a 1.5-liter three-cylinder that can generate up to 201 horsepower, akin to what’s found in the Nissan Rogue.
Nissan will likely explore alternative options if the 1.5-liter engine proves insufficient power. This could include adding a turbocharger for added performance or even integrating an electric motor, transforming the Xterra into a hybrid SUV.
The second option holds promise not only for increased efficiency but also for reduced fuel consumption. Though this approach may result in a slightly higher price point for the New Xterra, the benefits of both power and efficiency could make it a compelling choice for prospective buyers.
2024 Nissan Xterra Price & Release Date
As of now, there hasn’t been any definitive news regarding the revival of the Xterra. It appears that Nissan’s primary focus remains on developing electric-powered vehicles. It wouldn’t be out of the question for Nissan to potentially surprise us with an off-road-oriented SUV powered by batteries, perhaps named the Xterra EV.
However, if Nissan decides to bring back the Xterra, it would likely position it between the Rogue and the Pathfinder. The base version could start at around $30,000, while the highest-tier model might reach up to $45,000 in price.
Image credit: enochgonzalesdesigns / Instagram
