A Nissan VP has suggested the Xterra could return as an authentic off-roader
- Nissan is considering an Xterra revival
- The model would reportedly be “authentic” and a “serious truck”
- The body-on-frame SUV was dropped in the United States after the 2015 model year
Off-road focused SUVs are a hot commodity, but Nissan has been watching from the sidelines. While the company does offer a slightly more rugged Pathfinder Rock Creek, it doesn’t hold a candle to its body-on-frame predecessor or the old Xterra.
The latter model is back in the news as Ponz Pandikuthira, Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer for Nissan Americas, recently hinted at a possible revival. Speaking to Autoblog, Pandikuthira said a new Xterra is being “very actively considered.”
He went on to say a new Xterra would need to be an “authentic” and “serious truck.” Pandikuthira added the model would also have to be relatively affordable.
While nothing has been approved, the Xterra has a loyal following despite being discontinued nearly a decade ago. The 2015 Xterra started at $23,660 and had a 4.0-liter V6 developing 261 hp (195 kW / 265 PS) and 281 lb-ft (381 Nm) of torque.
It was connected to a standard five-speed automatic transmission, although a six-speed manual was available on higher-end variants. Customers also had a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive.
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The range-topping Xterra Pro-4X was particularly noteworthy as it featured full underbody skid plates, an electronic locking rear differential, and an off-road focused suspension with Bilstein shocks. The model also came equipped with a roof rack and gear basket as well as 16-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. Thanks to the upgrades, the model had improved approach and departure angles of 33.2 and 29.4 degrees, respectively.
If Nissan were to approve a new Xterra and keep it authentic as promised, it would presumably follow in the footsteps of the Frontier and be positioned as a Toyota 4Runner competitor. The truck has a 3.8-liter V6 developing 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 281 lb-ft (381 Nm) of torque. It’s paired to a nine-speed automatic, which can be backed up by an optional four-wheel drive system.
