Nissan released a teaser image of the new Xterra, and I’m hyped. Yeah – it’s just one photo. And yes – it could still be slightly conceptual. But I have a hunch this is the real deal. And I have more than a hunch – that the energy is back in the building. Previously, we mentioned that the silver-lining to Nissan’s financial turmoil, is that it put them in a do or die situation where they have nothing to lose. And THAT could actually be the best thing to happen to 21st-century Nissan (and the fanbase). To put it bluntly, it seems like Nissan is finding their balls again. And I’m fully onboard with the incoming momentum. So let’s not be smug or elitist here. Rather, let’s be supportive of a new vehicle that’s actually aimed at us – the enthusiasts & lifestylers.
Don’t lie – The embossed NISSAN goes hard…
For an entire demographic/generation of gearheads – there’s something that’s just exciting & refreshing about the NISSAN logo when it’s stamped-out like that. It punches. Perhaps it’s the symmetry, and/or maybe nostalgia of the golden era. But whether it’s on the iconic NISSAN IMSA GTP car, or whether it’s on the door of a red/white/blue Hardbody 4×4… it’s represents Nissan at their strongest & boldest. And if Nissan really means it this time & follows through, it’s not just nostalgia… it signals a bonafide comeback! It’s exciting – and that’s the feeling you should get from a car company: Blood-pumping excitement. Not ‘more mediocrity’. Look – snap out of it – mobility is NOT exciting. DRIVING is. Good cars should evoke a sense of open-ended adrenaline… not conformity & compliance. The front of this new Xterra is calling DRIVERS.
The use of amber…
Bet on this: The wieners will roll eyes & say amber is overused in today’s off-road segment. But the fanbase will see it as a legitimate throwback to Nissan’s 4×4 heritage – where the pickups & Pathfinders sported amber corner markers (see 2 photos above). Also notice – the 3 amber lightbars in the upper grille nod back to the 3 vents in the Hardbody/Pathfinder hood.
To me, the steep hood bulges favor the new Lexus GX 550 design, at least from this vantage point. I almost see a little bit of Camaro (muscle) in there as well, which is interesting. And compared with the last-generation Xterra (seen below), notice how Nissan played off the 3-sectioned grille. Botton line – this 2028 Xterra teaser has me genuinely intrigued, optimistic, and curious to see more. And it feels nice to get excited for once (rather than gut-punched) about a new model using an old name.
Here’s what we know for sure…
Nissan seem to understand the target with the new Xterra. Reinvigorate the brand. Bring some of the old energy back. Make something with an actual shape & pulse. Keep it simple stupid. Body on frame. GAS V6. Bring back the concept of a rugged, fairly analog 4×4 at a common-sense price point. And make it in yellow lol.
