The Toyota Land Cruiser is returning this year and a new 4Runner isn’t far behind and now it sounds like another classic model may be coming back to compete with them.
The Xterra was a U.S.-built, Frontier-derived SUV that was smaller than the Pathfinder and sold across two-generations from 1999 to 2015
Nissan Americas Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer Ponz Pandikuthira told Autoblog on the sidelines of the New York International Auto Show that an Xterra revival is being “very actively considered.”
Nissan hasn’t had a small off-road, truck-based SUV in its lineup for the past decade, even as sales of the 4Runner, Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco have only gotten stronger.
NISSAN FRONTIER FORSBERG EDITION IS A RACING PICKUP FOR THE ROAD
Pandikuthira didn’t say the model was a sure thing for production, but that it would have to “be authentic” if it is rebooted.
But while that’s all the official word Nissan has on the subject, Autoblog spotted something in a promotional video about Nissan’s upcoming future product that might be a teaser for the Xterra
Seen among a fleet of shadowy vehicles was a boxy one that appeared to have roof rails, which were a signature design element on the Xterra.
It also may have a bulge in its tailgate, which was another Xterra feature that was used to store a first aid kit.
Nissan in 2022 updated the Mississippi-built Frontier’s platform, which has roots that stretch back to the 2005 model, so it should be in production for a few more years, at least.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE AMERICAN CARS AND RACING YOUTUBE CHANNEL
It might not be too long before we find out if an Xterra is on the way, as Nissan is planning to launch seven all-new models in the U.S. over the next three years.