Nissan Xterra Comeback Confirmed: Off-Roader to Launch in 2028 Under $40K

Nissan, the Japanese automaker, is all set to introduce the Xterra, an off-road SUV, in the US market, most probably in 2028. The Nissan Americas chairman, Christian Meunier, has confirmed that it will be introduced with a starting price under $40K, meaning it will compete with the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Toyota 4Runner, as they are also available as sport utility vehicles under $40K.

The Xterra first generation was introduced back in 1999, and it was available for sale until 2004; then its second generation was available in the market between 2005 and 2015. Now the new generation is all set to be revealed in 2027, and the launch will happen in late 2028. It will be built on a new body-on-frame in Mississippi, which will underpin other upcoming vehicles from the brand in the future too.

In the US, it will be introduced with a traditional powertrain and hybrid. The hybrid vehicle will follow the internal combustion engine vehicle. As Nissan hasn’t yet revealed it, nothing about its exterior and interior is available in public, but they recently teased its front fascia, which confirms the one thing that it has: a bold and aggressive front design to give it its modern and rugged look.

Performance 

The Xterra from Nissan is expected to have a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine, the same as the Nissan Frontier, whose power output is 310 hp and peak torque is 281 lb-ft. It will be introduced with a rear-wheel-drive drivetrain, but the option for an all-wheel-drive configuration is expected to be available.

The anticipated transmission is nine-speed automatic. The top speed is expected to be around 200 km/h, and acceleration timing for 0-100 km/h is anticipated to be between 7 and 8 seconds. The fuel efficiency is maybe 8-11 km/L for the city and 10-13 km/L for the highway. 

The hybrid will feature the same engine with a single- or double-motor setup to make it an RWD or AWD drivetrain car, and the transmission may be the same as the traditional powertrain, whose top speed and 0-100 km/h acceleration timing can be nearly similar, but the mileage will be quite better compared to an ICE vehicle.

Interior Features 

The interior is set to feature a spacious cabin with a seating capacity of five people in a layout of two and three. Its layout is practical, durable, and minimal, as Nissan has made sure to avoid overloaded tech and unnecessary features. The cabin will get a large-screen infotainment system at the center that will also act as the central control of the cabin.

Besides the infotainment system, there will be a digital instrument cluster for the driver that shows all the driving data. Both screens will support wireless connectivity such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It will also feature connected car tech, which enables the car to connect with the internet, smartphone, and other systems for convenience. 

It may also get dual-zone climate control, a wireless phone charging pad, ventilated and heated seats, a premium sound system, and keyless entry with push start. For safety, it will include multiple airbags and the Nissan Safety Shield suite, which features adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and a 360-degree camera.

Exterior Design 

Not all, but almost everything about the front-end is revealed with the teaser image. Up front, there’s big ‘NISSAN’ lettering across the grill that gives it brand identity; the yellow LED light signature makes its front end eye-catching, the split headlamp setup enhances visibility, and its upright stance shows its off-road identity. 

In profile, it is expected to feature a boxy and upright silhouette, a short front with rear overhangs, high ground clearance, and strong wheel arches. At the rear, it may get an upright flat tailgate, vertical LED tail lamps and a large bumper to make its rear look rugged and tall.