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Nissan Xterra Might Be Returning, But Not How You Remember It

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2015 Nissan Xterra

Pictured: 2015 Nissan Xterra, on its way to retirement

The Xterra put up a valiant fight before Nissan discontinued it in 2015, as its steadily declining sales resulted from poor fuel economy and safety compared to its class competitors. It was a wise decision by the automaker to retire the crossover that, though once was an award-winning model, had failed to meet ever-changing customer demands.

Who would’ve expected, then, that two years later Nissan would be talking about reviving the Xterra? A lot has changed in the crossover market in two years, and Nissan already has ideas on how to bring the Xterra back in a way that will make it competitive again.

In an interview with Ward’s Auto, senior vice president of product planning for Nissan North America Michael Bunce emphasized the brand’s interest in the off-road utility market, which it lost its stake in when the Xterra took its leave. Since then, the industry has been putting more and more attention on appealing to the “urban adventurer” market of Millennials who want a crossover that’s off-road-capable and efficient as a daily driver.

Unsurprisingly, Nissan wants back in the game, and the Xterra nameplate might be its ticket.

While the Xterra is officially still on the shelf, a new crossover based on a newly-developed platform might come to town bearing the Xterra name—a platform built for better safety, fuel efficiency, and value. Thus, it’s no guarantee that the new Xterra would resemble the crossover you remember so fondly.

If the new Xterra is going to join the Nissan family, expect to see a version of it appear at an automotive show sometime in 2018.

News Source: Wards Auto