The Nissan Xterra is back for the 2026 model year.

Valerie Raskovic

Aug 28, 2025

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As many of us remember, the Nissan Xterra was a rugged 4x4 SUV that entered the market in the US in 1999. It was Nissan’s answer to the Toyota 4Runner and the Jeep Wrangler. It was originally based on a body on frame truck platform and experienced mixed reviews. Some faulted the SUV for its rough and unrefined driving characteristics, poor fuel economy and outdated technology. There was also a community that praised the car for its off-road capability, reliability and overall mechanical simplicity. However, the main nail in the coffin came from declining consumer interests and dwindling sales, forcing Nissan to stop production in 2015.

The good news for all of us off-road enthusiasts and Nissan aficionados is that after a decade off the market, the long-rumored comeback of the Nissan Xterra is finally gaining substance. At a dealer meeting in Las Vegas on August 20, 2025, Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier confirmed the Xterra’s return is officially in the works. The new body-on-frame Nissan Xterra is said to hit the dealership floors as early as 2028. This new Xterra is meant to go head-to-head with fierce competition comprised of established, rugged, off-road rated brands from top auto manufacturers. This is part of a broader strategic push by Nissan as they plan to introduce 20 new or updated models in the U.S. and Canadian markets by spring 2027.

This newcomer will be assembled at Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi plant, the same location currently producing the Frontier pickup truck. According to the latest reports, the revived Xterra will come with a hybrid V6 engine and there’s even mention of an extended-range EV variant capable of up to 75 miles of electric-only driving.

Ahead of any official release, fans and designers took matters into their own hands. At the 2025 SEMA show, two Nismo-approved Xterra-inspired concept builds debuted. One featured a 3.8-liter V6 and the other a V8. Both models were built on a rugged ladder frame with off-road upgrades like rock sliders and roof racks, drawing parts from the Pathfinder and Frontier. However, it is unlikely that the new Xterra will be made available with a V8 engine, as the purely internal-combustion versions would likely struggle meeting future emissions standards.  

What to Expect:

• Release Window: Official revival slated for 2028, with hints of a concept reveal or teaser potentially appearing as early as late 2026.
• Platform: The new Xterra will utilize Nissan’s modern body-on-frame architecture, likely shared with the next-gen Frontier and Pathfinder.
• Powertrains: Confirmed hybrid V6 with talk of an optional extended-range EV version.
• Build Location: Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi plant.
• Market Positioning: A tough, affordable, adventure-ready SUV aimed at fans of the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.

Nissan’s revival of the Xterra reflects more than nostalgia; it’s a strategic bet to reclaim space in the burgeoning market for rugged, off-road-capable SUVs. With electrification and hybridization at the core, the next Xterra could combine legacy appeal with modern tech, finally delivering a true return to form.