Newcomer Making A Big Splash
I don’t make it a big secret; I’m no Nissan fan-boy. I’ve owned two of their products in the past, and had a good experience neither time. So, I don’t generally maintain a high level of interest in their new offerings.
But if the hype about this anticipated offering is true…
Nissan has announced plans to release an all-new Xterra in 2028 and, if the reporting on it proves out, even a brand-skeptic like myself is forced to admit that it’s going to make for a pretty compelling overlanding vehicle option.
Projected new Xterra platform, shown in both base and Pro-4X trims
This is not going to be another unibody crossover, this is expected to be a full body-on-frame off-roader built on an all new ladder frame that is planned to be the foundation for their truck lines going forward. This indicates that the new SUV will continue Nissan’s tradition of cross-model parts compatibility that makes the Frontier an attractive overlander.
The default dinosaur-burner is projected to be a naturally-aspirated V6, although a hybrid powertrain is also in the works. There has as yet been no talk about superchargers or other performance-related add-ons to the power plant, so Nissan appears to be focused on designing a workhorse vehicle with mechanical simplicity - as much so as can be expected in this day and age - as the driving engineering goal.
Did I mention that they are saying that this thing is going to be ready to fit 35s off the showroom floor?
Everything I’ve been able to find thus far indicates that the new Xterra will ride on an IFS front suspension with a live rear axle, fairly bog-standard for Japanese-designed dirt riders, and what would be an expected continuation of the current Frontier suspension. Given the aftermarket support for their L.O.F. lineup, this buggy should be no problem at all to customize.
And, it’s expected to be built right here in the U.S.ofA, in their Mississippi assembly plant.
All of this adds up to a compelling vehicle that’s at home in the dirt. But, all of that is not even the most interesting part. The interesting part is that Nissan is claiming to be aiming for a $39,000 - $45,000 price range, depending on trim levels. Now, a lot of things have changed over the past two years, and a lot more is probably going to over the next two. This projected price is obviously based upon the current cost of materials, parts, electricity, transport costs, etc., so I’m not expecting that price to stick all the way into 2028. But, it’s the price they’re targeting relative to the competition that really gets my attention.
If they were offering a platform like this today, at that price range, AND if I were in the market to change vehicles even I, as a total Toyota fanboy would be stupid not to take one of these for a test drive. This is definitely a truck worth keeping an eye on.