The revival and revitalization of basic off-roaders is proving to be very fashionable with consumers, and extremely worthwhile with automakers, notably with fashions just like the Defender, Bronco and revamped Land Cruiser. There are a few exceptions that have not appeared to completely capitalize on this development, with one noteworthy instance being Nissan. Probably its most well-known off-roader, the Frontier-based Xterra, has been absent for the reason that 2015 mannequin yr, almost a decade in the past. However after speaking with Nissan Americas Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer Ponz Pandikuthira, it appears we may even see a revival, but.
To be completely clear, Pandikuthira did not affirm an Xterra. However he did say that the concept is being “very actively thought of.” Moreover, we discovered him to have a clearer concept of a contemporary Xterra than anticipated for one thing that is not actually confirmed. One of many chief standards he listed was that “it is bought to be genuine,” and that it must be a “severe truck.” Principally, it could possibly’t be only a Rogue with all-terrain tires, however one thing with actual truck functionality. He additionally famous that it could each have to be comparatively cheap, in addition to incorporate some trendy design particulars. Each of these sound refreshing in a world of extraordinarily costly and retro-styled off-road rigs. Moreover, that would appear to line up with one thing that Nissan’s Senior Vice President for International Design Alfonso Albaisa informed us about how he sees the chance now to have retro designs which are extra delicate and allude to previous design cues with out being restricted by them.
As such, whereas we may see some retro cues and options, it appears to us that this hypothetical neo-Xterra would most likely be primarily based on an present truck platform, most likely the Frontier’s, which might be proper in step with the unique, and certain what followers of the mannequin would love. However it won’t be as retro as anticipated, with nods being low-key and fewer apparent. Nissan has been releasing some fairly radical trying ideas previously yr, too. One in every of them being the Hyper Journey idea you see at prime. That would present some design inspiration for the ultimate product.
These are our greatest guesses primarily based on what we all know, they usually usually appear so as to add up. The market appears proper, the usage of an present platform would hold prices down and feasibility up, and it looks as if Nissan higher-ups have an interest. So we expect a brand new Xterra may have a great shot at actuality. If nothing else, it looks as if a terrific concept to us.