We’re pretty hyped about the return of the Nissan Xterra. The rugged SUV has been off the market since 2015, but Nissan has already confirmed its revival in the coming years. Even better, the company aims to keep its new Xtra affordable.
In a recent interview with Drive At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Nissan SVP Michael Suter said the new Xtra “is going to start at $40,000.” This will put it in direct competition with other rugged SUVs, including the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Toyota 4Runner.
Perhaps most important for xterra fans, though, is the color. Sauter added that the SUV “has to come in yellow.” While it may borrow the yuzu yellow color from the current Kicks, we hope Nissan goes above and beyond by developing a new shade reminiscent of the original Xtra.
Nissan has previously indicated that the new Xtra will be a true body-on-frame off-roader, and will share its platform with the existing Frontier pickup. It will even be built alongside Frontier at Nissan’s factory in Canton, Mississippi.
2028 Nissan Xterra Rendering Motor 1
Photo by: Theophilus Chen | Motor 1
We expect it to use a version of the Frontier’s 3.8-liter V-6 engine, which currently makes 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, though a hybrid option isn’t out of the question. Sauter also confirmed that the Xtra 4 will offer a two-speed transfer case with LO and emphasized that it should be “fun, easy and capable.”
Although an official first date has not been announced, the Extrara could appear sometime in 2027, with sales starting with the 2028 model year. Whatever the official timeline, expectations are high for Xtra’s return.
