I, for one, would love to see it.
The conventional wisdom says that the Nissan Xterra (2000-2015) was outdated - a traditional, truck-based, body-on-frame (BOF), rear-wheel-drive (RWD) SUV - and that its poor fuel economy (16-18 MPG) compared to something like a Rogue (a FWD, unibody crossover-SUV), as well as its non-carlike ride, killed its appeal.
While that may be partially true, and some people just want a 4-cylinder appliance, there are others out there who want something with a bit more character, personality, and capability.
I think the arrival of the all-new Nissan Frontier gives Nissan the opportunity to bring back a really good truck-based, BOF, RWD, 4x4 (or 4x2) traditional 5 or 7-passenger SUV.
The new Frontier has what seems to be an awesome new powertrain and platform. Perfect for a “New Xterra”.
This “New Xterra” would eventually be able to take a large bite out of 4Runner and Jeep sales.
I think a lot of people are already tired of all the FWD, egg-shaped, CUVs, even though the phenomenon really has only been around for less than 15 years or so.
I believe there‘s an appetite for more vehicles with aggressive, squared-off styling, and sharp lines - like the old Xterra and previous-gen Pathfinder.
And one of the best parts is that it wouldn’t have a CVT! This new 9-speed Jatco unit, by all accounts, is pretty much the same auto trans that’s used in the Titan and Armada and the big Infiniti QX, but maybe just downsized a bit for the Frontier.
What do you guys think? Have you owned an Xterra or a previous-gen Pathfinder? How did you like it?
Would you buy a “new Xterra“ with the new 3.8/9-speed Jatco?
Review of one of the last Xterras (Pro 4X with 4WD/locking rear differential/factory 1” lift, 4.0L, 260-HP V6, 5-speed auto (6-speed manual was available):
Article proposing a return of a “new Xterra”:
While that may be partially true, and some people just want a 4-cylinder appliance, there are others out there who want something with a bit more character, personality, and capability.
I think the arrival of the all-new Nissan Frontier gives Nissan the opportunity to bring back a really good truck-based, BOF, RWD, 4x4 (or 4x2) traditional 5 or 7-passenger SUV.
The new Frontier has what seems to be an awesome new powertrain and platform. Perfect for a “New Xterra”.
This “New Xterra” would eventually be able to take a large bite out of 4Runner and Jeep sales.
I think a lot of people are already tired of all the FWD, egg-shaped, CUVs, even though the phenomenon really has only been around for less than 15 years or so.
I believe there‘s an appetite for more vehicles with aggressive, squared-off styling, and sharp lines - like the old Xterra and previous-gen Pathfinder.
And one of the best parts is that it wouldn’t have a CVT! This new 9-speed Jatco unit, by all accounts, is pretty much the same auto trans that’s used in the Titan and Armada and the big Infiniti QX, but maybe just downsized a bit for the Frontier.
What do you guys think? Have you owned an Xterra or a previous-gen Pathfinder? How did you like it?
Would you buy a “new Xterra“ with the new 3.8/9-speed Jatco?
Review of one of the last Xterras (Pro 4X with 4WD/locking rear differential/factory 1” lift, 4.0L, 260-HP V6, 5-speed auto (6-speed manual was available):
Article proposing a return of a “new Xterra”:
Nissan's Adventure-Ready Xterra May Return from the Grave - The Manual
After being discontinued in 2015, the Nissan Xterra may return in 2019.
www.themanual.com