Nissan’s newly appointed CEO appears to be quite serious and is acting swiftly regarding the entire turnaround situation. One thing becoming evident is that Team Nissan is enthusiastic about the Xterra’s comeback.
Late Tuesday night, coinciding with midday in Japan, Chairman Nissan Americas Christian Meunier posted a teaser image of the forthcoming Xterra SUV on LinkedIn. The caption? “Badass is back.”
Enthusiasts are hopeful, Meunier. Additionally, the teaser image further supports the notion that Nissan is genuinely focused on reviving this cult classic. The image Meunier shared depicts a shadowy SUV racing across desert dunes.
While the shadows are noticeable, we can make out a well-defined outline, retro greenhouse, and overall shape with upright sides and squared corners, reminiscent of the original Xterra. It’s difficult to ascertain if there’s a stepped roof akin to the original model.
A spare tire can be spotted hanging from the tailgate, and it seems there’s plenty of ground clearance.
On Monday, Nissan provided a first look at the Xterra’s front with a sculpted hood, blocky front design, and a segmented light bar featuring amber LED daytime running lights. Those lights create triple mail slots symbolic of the original hardbody Pathfinder.
The upcoming Xterra will be offered with a V6 and V6 hybrid powertrain, and a turbo-four won’t be available. The Xterra will be built on a new body-on-frame platform that will support a range of frame-based vehicles, including a new Frontier pickup, a three-row SUV, and two Infiniti models.
The Xterra is set to debut in the latter half of 2028, with production expected to take place in Canton, Mississippi. For now, it appears we’ll be receiving numerous teaser updates over the next two years. Are we thrilled yet?
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