Topic: Rumor mill: Xterra set to make a comeback

[JFanaselle]

Well, it's just a rumor, but Motor Trend doesn't typically report on this stuff until there are some clear signs. Looks like Nissan will be launching a new version of the Xterra within a few years: http://www.motortrend.com/news/nissan-xterra-make-comeback/

[Celt]

That's pretty interesting, hopefully it's true as it would be a shame to see the Xterra completely go by the wayside. I wonder if they will move to the off road capability direction taking feedback from the Nissan reps that attended events like GONE Moab? Hopefully they won't go that route of the Pathfinder which completely reduced a capable off road vehicle to a grocery getter.

[JFanaselle]

There are some skeptics around the interwebs who say it'll convert like the pathfinder did - to become a small unibody crossover. I don't buy that for several reasons:

1) Nissan already makes a small and midsize crossover, both of which are very successful (the Rogue and the Murano).
2) the article specifically states that the info from inside Nissan is that it'll be a body-on-frame design, and will likely share the same platform/frame as the US version of the new Frontier. So basically, just like the previous version, it'll just be an SUV version of the Frontier
3) The article specifically says Nissan has been watching people go after Jeep like the dickens ever since Nissan left the off-road segment by discontinuing the Xterra. That makes you hope they'd at least continue to offer an off-road type trim level, equipped with locker(s), lower gear ratio, etc.

I'm not quite sure they'd go as far as something as capable as a rubicon, but something at least as capable as the Pro4X version would be nice to see continued. If it sells well enough, there will be plenty of aftermarket support.

[Celt]

Those are all super valid points. In my opinion the single most important thing they could do to give competition a run for their money is put a capable SFA up front. A Dana 44 or similar variant would be a night and day improvement without causing too much sticker price increase. The guys who wanted to modify them would have plenty of room to grow and those that just want something they can get dirty and washout will still be happy. Get rid of all the interior carpet and go a little bit more utilitarian that can take abuse vs. the current plastics they use would be a big improvement.

 In my opinion the IFS really limits it's capabilities and modifications. The X can really go places but a ton of money has to be sunk into them beforehand, then you have to worry about the constant codes being thrown as a result. I suppose it will all come down to the group Nissan is marketing to. If they want to compete with the Wrangler class vehicle who is the only one currently on the market that in stock configuration is extremely capable and easily upgradeable they better go to SFA and less electronics. I love my Xterra and it's super capable but in the end if I do something like the John Bull I plan for a good 6+ hours. If I take my Rubicon, I plan for about 1.5 hours to get through it. The expanded capacity the X has with a SFA could prove just as capable as the Cherokee before they went IFS. Lots of room to haul things and families which is what the Xterra excels at.

[beedee]

Man, if they came out with one with a SFA and other awesome Off-Road worthy features, I'd stick with Nissan. I've been considering building up an XJ in the mean time.

[zaphos]

<Rant>So they had the solution for a tough and simple everyman SUV, discontinued it just in time for Overlanding to take off, and will then bring it back just in time for gas prices to go up and Overlanding to fade. Then they’ll wonder why they don’t sell. </Rant>

Honestly, I think the SFA is dead for anything below a full size. They just ride terribly at speed and IFS is just superior in too many ways short of crawling.

I do hope they bring the X back and not lose the distinctive "stadium seating". My kids love sitting up high and the bump keeps it from looking like every other shoe-box SUV. A turbo diesel option would be ideal for both mileage and power but I don't know if emissions would be possible. Xterra turbo diesel would eat everyone else alive IMHO. The Frontier wasn't discontinued so bringing back the Xterra as a "boxed" Frontier should be a cinch.

[TurboChris]

A turbo diesel option would be ideal for both mileage and power but I don't know if emissions would be possible. Xterra turbo diesel would eat everyone else alive IMHO.

A turbo diesel option would be AMAZING. They would catch some significant sales I would think. A capable, sized right 4x4 that gets 25-28 on the freeway? It's only a matter of time before the powers that be at the auto manufacturers start selling diesel versions in the US. It needs to happen and it would be a smart move to get ahead of the curve.