Nissan states that it will "find a way" to reintroduce the Xterra.

      Nissan dealers have been requesting a new Xterra for several years now. Enthusiasts would certainly welcome it, especially with the growing popularity of off-road vehicles and similar models. Recently, one of the company's senior executives has joined the call to revive Nissan’s rival to the 4Runner.

      “If I could introduce a car tomorrow, it would be the Xterra. We’re working on it. We’ll find a way,” stated Christian Meunier, chairperson of Nissan Americas, in an interview with Automotive News. He has experience in the SUV market, having previously served as the CEO of Jeep.

      However, simply having an executive's support does not guarantee that a vehicle will hit dealership lots. Nissan is currently facing more significant challenges, including considerable financial losses and the ongoing quest for an industrial partner after a potential collaboration with Honda fell through. Sales are declining in critical markets, and in March 2025, the company appointed a new CEO and cut 9,000 jobs in an attempt to execute a turnaround plan.

      It seems unlikely that a revitalized Xterra will be seen until Nissan stabilizes its financial situation. In the meantime, Meunier is compiling a wish list for the model. He mentioned to Automotive News that the next Xterra, marking the third generation of the nameplate, is envisioned as a midsize, pickup-based SUV that reflects the spirit of the original model introduced for the 2000 model year. This means it is not intended to be a diluted crossover that prioritizes appearance over performance. The suggestion of a pickup-based platform indicates that the SUV will be connected to the Frontier model. This approach is practical: since the platform is already developed, it will help Nissan manage development costs while benefiting from economies of scale. Meunier also emphasized that the new Xterra will be affordable.

      “I can spend a weekend overlanding in the desert or take a long trip. It will be something cool and cost-competitive,” he summarized.

      Ponz Pandikuthira, head of product planning for Nissan Americas, supported Meunier’s insights. “We believe it significantly benefits the brand,” he told the publication, explaining that his team is “working to determine how to authentically reintroduce that nameplate into our offerings.”

      Although it’s too early to determine a launch date, Nissan's statements indicate that the new Xterra is likely years away rather than months. This timeline also suggests the possibility of electrification. “Introducing an Xterra with only a traditional internal combustion engine in that segment doesn’t make sense in terms of emissions compliance,” Pandikuthira pointed out. While going fully electric may be off the table, it sounds like the next Xterra will at least offer a hybrid option. Notably, the current Frontier is expected to transition to hybrid before its lifecycle ends.

      Meunier proposed a hybrid system that includes a gasoline-burning range-extending generator. “This would provide an electric driving experience for 70 to 100 miles with a combined driving range of 600 miles. Perhaps an Xterra should incorporate something like that,” he suggested.

      Though an electric version of the Xterra isn't planned, Nissan is reportedly set to release an EV with some Xterra-inspired design elements, including a squared-off rear, in 2028. This unnamed model is one of five electric vehicles the company aims to launch by the end of the decade. Additionally, a new generation GT-R is also anticipated, arriving in three to five years with hybrid power, although the specifics of its electrification are not yet finalized. If everything proceeds as planned, Nissan's lineup for 2030 will be notably more exciting than what is expected in 2025.

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