The Nissan Xterra, a beloved off-road icon that disappeared from the market over a decade ago, is officially making its return in 2028. Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier confirmed the revival to Bloomberg, igniting excitement among fans who have long awaited the rugged midsize SUV’s comeback.
The new Xterra will be built at Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi production facility, sharing its underpinnings with the current Nissan Frontier pickup and Pathfinder SUV. This means it will retain a body-on-frame construction, promising genuine durability, strong towing capability, and off-road prowess.
Powering the renewed Xterra will be a hybrid V6 powertrain, combining the versatility of a gasoline engine with the efficiency and torque assist of electric motors. While specific output figures have not yet been unveiled, expect a balance between fuel economy and capability that surpasses the old model’s modest 18 miles per gallon.
The comeback of the Xterra signifies Nissan’s broader strategy shift away from pushing an electric SUV for the U.S. market, placing more emphasis on rugged, conventional models for now. Meunier also hinted at the possibility of an upscale Infiniti version of the Xterra, mirroring similar moves by other automakers that stretch platforms across multiple brands.
Pricing is expected to position the Xterra between the Nissan Frontier pickup and the larger Armada SUV, targeting adventurous families and weekend warriors who want a capable yet mid-sized trail companion.
Early reactions from dealers are enthusiastic, seeing the Xterra's return as a sign of Nissan’s renewed focus on key segments and a chance to recapture the hearts of off-road enthusiasts.
Though many details remain under wraps, the Nissan Xterra’s revival in 2028 is shaping up to be an authentic, no-nonsense off-roader prepared to carve out its slice of the highly competitive midsize SUV market once again. More updates are expected as the launch approaches, promising a blend of heritage, utility, and modern hybrid efficiency.
