Nissan has been in the hot seat in recent times, and for all the wrong reasons. The company’s financial difficulties and questionable decisions have presented constant hurdles. The last questionable decision actually came from Infiniti and its QX55 fastback SUV, which features an engine that I think is unworthy of a $50,000-plus price tag. That said, there are indications that the Japanese carmaker is finally getting on its feet and making correct decisions.
One of those indications is in the form of the upcoming Nissan Xterra, which is said to arrive in 2028, likely as a 2029 model year. There are a few notable things about the upcoming SUV, and they are all great. Here’s what they are.
Nissan Xterra wants to appeal to enthusiasts in a variety of ways
No downsized engines
Judging by Nissan’s offerings, including the Frontera pickup truck, the company is aware that not everyone is big on four-cylinder hybrids, and I think that’s Nissan’s winning card. For this reason, the new Xterra will be available with, not one, but two different V-6 engines.
These will be hybrid and non-hybrid variants. Currently, Nissan’s lineup utilizes three different engines with this cylinder arrangement. - the VQ35DD 3.5-liter V-6, VQ38DD 3.8-liter V-6, which are normally-aspirated, and the VR35DDTT, 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, which is reserved for the full-size Nissan Armada (including the NISMO) and the Infiniti QX80.
In the past, Nissan Xterra slotted under the Pathfinder, so I doubt Nissan will give it a twin-turbo V-6. The 3.5-liter V-6 is the most likely option, with the 3.8-liter being another likely variant. One of these will definitely be fitted to the Xterra, but this leaves out the hybrid model. There are no details about the level of electrification it will have, but I don’t think it will be Nissan’s e-Power setup as seen in the Rogue e-Power hybrid.
In this setup, the internal-combustion engines serve purely as a generator for the electric motors, which power the wheels. It wouldn’t make sense for a big V-6 to be used solely as a generator, as the same task can easily be accomplished by a much smaller engine. This leaves us with the option of a mild hybrid, a full hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid.
Related story: The New Nissan Skyline Is Coming, And It Confirms What We Already Know About Infiniti's Return To Driver-focused Luxury Vehicles
A rugged body-on-frame design with standard 4WD
The Xterra has always been Nissan’s more off-road-oriented model. Even the old model, which was discontinued in 2015 due to declining sales, featured a body-on-frame platform. While the Nissan Pathfinder took a different approach for its current generation, the new Xterra will continue to be based on a body-on-frame chassis. It is also expected to feature four-wheel drive as standard.
The new Xterra will be significantly larger, and here’s how we know
In the latest teaser (see the video above), Nissan teased the new Xterra, and one thing stood out. The three amber market lights at the front of the vehicle indicate that the width of the new SUV model will be 80 inches or more. This is required by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The old Nissan Xterra measured 72.8 inches in width (mirrors included), which makes the upcoming model significantly wider.
Related story: 3 Models I Think Nissan Should Bring Back To Survive
Potential for a manual transmission
The old Xterra had the option of a six-speed manual, but the same cannot be said about the new model. At least, not from the factory. Known Nissan aficionado, vlogger, and salesman, Nismo Nick Sherr, recently posted about the possibility of swapping the old Xterra’s manual into the new one, as it will be a direct plug-and-play. Perhaps it can be an aftermarket option? As for the automatic, it will be the nine-speed unit seen on the Pathfinder, Frontier, and virtually every larger Nissan and Infiniti model currently on sale. The good news? No CVT.
Are you excited about the 2029 Nissan Xterra? I sure am. Which engine would you want it to have? Share your thoguhts in the comments below.
About the author
Dimitar Angelov has been an automotive journalist since 2014. His passion for cars and motorcycles led him to take up classic car restoration at the Classic Car Museum in Malta. While living there, he also graduated with a Master's in Media and Communications. Aside from Torquenews, his work can also be seen on Topspeed.com, HotCars.com, Motorheads.com, Jalopnik.com, and his own website, Ridereverie.com, where he also includes motorcycle content.
Other relevant experiences in the automotive scene include working at a Toyota dealership, professional driving, and automotive insurance. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Experience
- 2012-2017 and 2025-Present: Insurance Advisor - ANG Univers and Generali Insurance Group
- 2016-2016: Car salesman at Toyota dealership
- 2014-Present: Automotive journalist, blogger, vlogger, test driver
Education
- Bachelor's degree in International Economic Relations
- Master's degree in Marketing
- Master's degree in Media and Communications
Dimitar Angelov's work has been quoted in the following publications:
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