The body-on-frame Nissan Xterra will start from under $40,000 in the US. Recent teasers point to a rugged fascia with Bronco-style brand lettering. A hybrid V6 option separates it from the engine choices its rivals offer. It’s been five years since Ford brought back the Bronco to take on the Jeep Wrangler, and just two since Toyota gave the 4Runner its sixth-generation overhaul. Nissan has decided it wants in. The company is preparing its own rugged, body-on-frame SUV, and it’s pulling the Xterra name out of retirement to do it. The production version could look something close to what you see here. Nissan dropped a pair of teasers previewing the Xterra in recent weeks, and things look promising. The first focused on the front end. A sculpted hood, oversized Nissan lettering across the grille (the Bronco does much the same), separate headlight clusters, and LED driving lamps below them. Read: Nissan Killed The Xterra Eleven Years Ago. It Just Teased Its Return That first teaser gave Nikita Chuyko from Kolesa enough to work with, and the resulting rendering looks the part. The artist has dressed the Xterra in a blacked-out lower bumper with a silver skid plate underneath, giving it proper off-road vibes. Two teasers in, and Nissan has already shown more than most reveals manage. A second image, posted to LinkedIn by Nissan itself, captures the SUV in profile. These renderings show it with plenty of ground clearance, black pillars and a black roof, off-road wheels and tires, and an altogether very appealing look. Although we don’t yet have a clear idea of what the Xterra’s rear will look like, these illustrations show it with a side-opening tailgate, prominent tow hooks, LED lights, and a spare wheel carrier. What About Power? Illustrations Nikita Chuyko / Kolesa The Xterra will sit on a new body-on-frame platform that Nissan plans to spread across several future SUV models. Two V6 options are confirmed, one conventional and one hybridised, which should give it the muscle required to argue with a Bronco or a Wrangler on equal terms. A manual gearbox does not appear to be part of the plan, which is a shame, though hardly a surprise given where the segment has drifted. No doubt key to the Xterra’s appeal will be the price. Nissan Americas chief executive Christian Meunier has confirmed it will start at under $40,000. That lands the Xterra alongside a Bronco starting at $40,495 in Base trim and a five-door Wrangler from $39,040, while undercutting the Toyota 4Runner, which opens at $41,870. Illustrations Nikita Chuyko / Kolesa
+29 others
