The Xterra won’t stand alone as Nissan’s only truck-based SUV, as its return could also signal a back-to-basics Pathfinder revival along with several additional models.
If everything goes according to plan, 2028 can’t arrive soon enough. That’s when the Nissan Xterra is expected to return to showrooms. Produced from 1999 through 2015, the Xterra carved out a solid reputation as Nissan’s compact off-road SUV well before overlanding became mainstream. Now that off-road-focused vehicles are everywhere, Nissan appears ready to reclaim its place in that segment.
This isn’t mere speculation. Nissan officially confirmed the Xterra’s revival in August 2025. Even better, the automaker is aiming for a starting price under $40,000 for the truck-based SUV. With the average price of a new vehicle hovering around $50,000, that target is particularly appealing.
The Xterra may only be the beginning. Dealer principals were shown a “family of body-on-frame vehicles” during the North American Automotive Dealer Show. One of the models previewed was reportedly the Xterra.
The Xterra’s return is the most obvious piece of the puzzle, but the remaining four vehicles are especially intriguing. Reports suggest that a truck-based Pathfinder was also shown to dealers, along with the next-generation Frontier.
If that’s the case, the Pathfinder would return to its rugged roots, likely positioning itself between the Xterra and Armada within Nissan’s SUV lineup. As for the Frontier, an all-new generation is long overdue.
The expansion wouldn’t stop at Nissan, either. Infiniti-branded versions of the Xterra and Pathfinder are also rumored. While the luxury take on the Xterra hasn’t been named, the more upscale Pathfinder could wear the QX60 badge. That model, in particular, could emerge as a legitimate rival to the Lexus GX.
These vehicles couldn’t arrive at a more critical time for Nissan. In the U.S., truck-based models, whether SUVs or pickups, account for a significant share of sales, and Nissan has largely been absent from that space for years.
Currently, the brand’s only true body-on-frame offerings are the Armada and Frontier, along with the Infiniti QX80. That’s a modest lineup compared to Toyota, which fields models like the Tacoma, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia, as well as the Lexus GX and LX.
Nissan clearly has ground to make up. A great deal hinges on these upcoming products, with the company’s near-term future very much in play. Still, the strategy represents a bold step forward, and a clear signal that Nissan is determined to remain competitive.
Also Read: Top 10 BMW Models That Delivered The Most Power Ever
