After 16 years, Nissan discontinued one of its iconic off-road crossover SUVs. Ever since 2015, we are listening to the stories about its comeback. Well, the Japanese company warmed up the hopes with the latest model for the Chinese market called Terra. Is this a word game, and is 2021 Nissan Xterra on its way back? Maybe. Let’s see where it can land and what does the new crossover SUV offer.
First of all, the previous Xterra won our hearts with its versatility and off-road capabilities. However, the aging design required a lot of investments. Nissan had a totally different plan – they launched an all-new Rogue. But, is this a real replacement? Xterra was 179 inches long when it was discontinued. Rogue is slightly larger and it belongs to the compact class. Well, we could judge it as a good move, since the crossover is among the best-selling vehicles in the US, not only in its segment.
On the other hand, the new Terra adds even more length. However, we don’t expect the 2021 Nissan Xterra to be 192 inches long. The vehicle could become the baby Terra, more oriented for off-road duties. In the USA, if the Rogue is too large, you can pick Rogue Sport (172 in).
Where It Can Fit?
The 2021 Nissan Xterra is a very mysterious model. Buyers in the US can be doubtful about it since the new Rogue Sport filled the vacant spot between the compact Rogue and subcompact Kicks, ex Juke. But, the Xterra could take its old position as the off-road oriented crossover. Definitely, none of the existing versions can respond to all-terrain duties. Ford is launching Bronco and the baby version of its iconic SUV. Jeep has Wrangler in this class. Nissan will try to spoil the party with Xterra.
The old version used to be based on a truck. Well, Frontier is also heading to the new generation, and we could look for clues on this model. In other parts of the world, truck-based SUVs are really popular (Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest). However, these vehicles are bigger (about 190 inches). So, the new Terra concept could have something with the 2021 Nissan Xterra.
2021 Nissan Xterra vs new Terra SUV
When the new Terra stepped into the Chinese market nearly two years ago, fans went crazy about it. Fans of the Xterra though it is the new version of their favorite SUV. Well, they were wrong. The Terra SUV is the model for the Chinese soil, equipped with a pair of diesel units and a petrol drivetrain. A 2.5-liter displacement produces 180 hp and 180 lb-ft in the gasoline configuration, or 190 hp and 300 lb-ft if you choose to pick it with a diesel setup. Still, the output fits the compact segment in the USA, while the dimensions say this is the mid-size model (192 inches long).
Off-Road Specialist
Nissan is still managing to respond to all challenges in every segment. Rogue crossover is getting more of the hybrid configuration, larger vehicles are also going through a redesign, and the premium Infiniti brand is among the leaders in the market. Still, if you are looking for an off-road vehicle, no one will recommend any Nissan’s model. Well, the Pro-4X is a package available on Frontier truck, but it can’t match the offer by Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, or Chevy Colorado ZR2. Titan Warrior is an interesting concept, but it seems this project is not getting into production any time soon.
The 2021 Nissan Xterra could fix the situation. Well, the nameplate was famous for its skills in tough terrains. Being based on the truck means the new SUV will use body-on-frame architecture. Well, that is somehow expected if you are looking for an off-road vehicle. Such a platform allows a longer life in the first place. Also, there are a lot of other advantages, while the major downsides are the increased price and the cost of maintenance. However, if you are adventurer, you won’t spare the money for the new Xterra when it comes back.
2021 Nissan Xterra Release Date
Like in the previous few years, these are only speculations about the 2021 Nissan Xterra comeback. We don’t have an official source to confirm theories. But, the arrival of the Terra SUV definitely starts a new portion of rumors about this old-school model discontinued in 2015. Nissan decided to do this after a huge dropdown in sales. Well, they made a superb impact on the new Rogue. Although some call it as Xterra’s replacement, it lacks all the things we loved on the off-road model. Well, in first place, it is not so capable to ride in tough terrains.
As said, these are only speculations but don’t be surprised if the company presents 2021 Nissan Xterra at some of the car shows in 2020. The crossover/SUV class is achieving record sales, and there is always room for new arrivals, especially with a rich history Xterra has to offer.
