Nissan Xterra Inches Closer to a Return in North America
Nissan made plenty of headlines before the holidays due to its serious financial troubles and the start of talks with Honda about a possible merger. This somewhat reminds us of that difficult stretch in the late 1990s, one that still had Nissan introducing the Xterra as a rugged SUV based on the Frontier pickup.
Will history repeat itself over a decade after the Xterra was discontinued? More signs appear to point in that direction.
- Also: 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek: Keeping the Xterra Spirit Alive
- Also: Looking For a Good Used Off-Road SUV? Check Out These Models
Remember, back in January 2021, Nissan’s U.S. Dealer Advisory Board discussed a possible return of the Xterra with the automaker’s global head of operations, Ashwani Gupta, during a meeting. Nothing came out of it, though.
In March of last year, the automaker unveiled a strategic plan called “The Arc” that includes the launch of 30 new models globally by 2027 including seven in North America. Some of them are already known, such as the 2025 Murano and the upcoming Rogue PHEV. A new Xterra could also be part of the plan.
You see, on December 23, Nissan applied for a new trademark on the “Xterra” name to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The application requested a trademark for use on "motor vehicles, namely, automobiles, sport utility vehicles, and structural parts therefore." It was approved for use through August 31, 2027.
A new Xterra could share its chassis with the Frontier once again, or maybe have connections with the next-generation 2026 Passport should the Nissan-Honda merger go ahead next year. How much will it stand out and enjoy success in the growing segment of off-road-oriented SUVs? That’s a very good question. Hopefully time will give us a real answer and not merely speculation.
Until then, Nissan enthusiasts looking for a more adventurous SUV can turn to the three-row Pathfinder Rock Creek. As for the smaller Rogue Rock Creek, Nissan Canada has confirmed to The Car Guide that it will arrive sometime in 2025, without being more specific.
