Nissan Aims to Reintroduce Xterra as a Tough Hybrid SUV | Carscoops

      Nissan aims to replicate the original Xterra's success, but its current crisis situation presents challenges in resource allocation.

      Nissan North America is looking to rejuvenate its brand with a new hybrid Xterra SUV.

      Executives see the demand for a durable lifestyle vehicle similar to the Ford Bronco. However, their plans depend on prioritizing resources, which may favor electric vehicle projects.

      Currently, Nissan is in crisis mode, with anticipated net losses around $5 billion for the last fiscal year, marking its largest loss since the company's founding. Following unsuccessful merger talks with Honda, the Japanese manufacturer is restructuring its business, particularly focusing on their North American operations.

      Read: Nissan’s Financial Collapse Is Worse Than Anyone Expected And The Fallout Isn’t Over

      After canceling the replacements for the Altima and Maxima, Nissan's US division aims to concentrate on SUVs. According to company executives, reviving the Xterra brand is essential for recovery.

      The Original Xterra Was A Big Hit In The US

      Initially launched in 1999, the Xterra became popular for Nissan. Built on the Pathfinder/Frontier pickup truck platform, it offered a straightforward, capable design that appealed to buyers. It was discontinued in 2015, with a shift towards unibody crossovers.

      Throughout its run, the SUV significantly surpassed sales projections. With a modest budget, initial expectations set annual sales at about 40,000 units, but at its peak, the Xterra sold 88,000 units, more than double the estimates.

      Recapturing The Magic

      A decade after the Xterra's discontinuation, Nissan is contemplating its revival as a means to revitalize the brand. The plans extend beyond the Xterra concept supported by Nissan North America, which will debut at SEMA later this year.

      Executives such as Nissan Americas Chairperson Christian Meunier and product planning chief Ponz Pandikuthira recognize the growing consumer interest in SUVs designed for rugged outdoor use, similar to the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Toyota Land Cruiser. “If I could bring a car tomorrow, that would be Xterra,” Meunier conveyed to Auto News. “We’re working on it. We’ll find a way.” A redesigned Xterra might also transition from the compact SUV to the midsize market.

      Not A Yet Dead Cert Yet

      Although Nissan's leadership in the US is optimistic about the potential of a new Xterra, there’s a practical hurdle: resource availability. Reviving the Xterra necessitates a careful assessment against other active projects, especially electric vehicle developments.

      Given Nissan’s focus on sustainability, the Xterra would likely incorporate a hybrid powertrain instead of solely relying on internal combustion or full electric systems. Meunier suggested a series hybrid model with an electric range of 70-100 miles, enhanced by a gasoline generator to achieve an overall range of approximately 600 miles. This configuration strives to meet emission standards while ensuring practicality, particularly for towing and off-road use.

      The potential reintroduction of the Xterra highlights a wider industry trend toward rugged lifestyle vehicles. Nissan seeks to reconnect with a lucrative market segment; one dealer estimates annual sales could reach 80,000 units, fueled by nostalgia and the lasting appeal of outdoor adventure vehicles.