Remember when Nissan applied the Pathfinder name to a unibody crossover for 2013? It was like Nissan was watching Dodge introduce a four-door Charger and thought, “Let’s also do something that makes no sense!” So, will Nissan exhibit more common sense with the reintroduction of the Xterra for 2028?
Yup, you’re reading that right—according to Bloomberg, Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier has confirmed that the Xterra will be returning for 2028 and will be built at Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi plant. “The dealers are super excited about it because it’s going to be a great example of Nissan coming back,” Meunier told Bloomberg. Wasn’t the Z supposed to do that?
Nonetheless, the rumors have been around for several months already. Automotive News reported this past August that a supposed 2028 Xterra vehicle would rely on a hybrid V6 powertrain.
Car and Driver approached Nissan for a statement and received this: “We are considering the revival of the Xterra nameplate as a hybrid SUV, with a potential launch in 2028. Production is being evaluated for our Canton, Mississippi facility. The return of Xterra would represent a strategic move to strengthen our position in the mid-size off-road SUV segment.” Car and Driver adds that the Xterra has been substituted in the place of a planned EV SUV.
Nissan has already commenced with plans to release 20 new and updated models for America and its northern neighbor through the spring of 2027—now we can say at least 21 models through 2028. If you look at Nissan’s current SUV portfolio, note that it leans heavily towards crossovers, so we’re betting that the Xterra will most certainly be the “Comeback Kid” that Nissan fans are hoping for.
