Nissan's Revived Xterra Will Return The Pathfinder To Its Roots
Nissan, it's no secret, will likely revive the Xterra SUV. The rugged body-on-frame SUV left production a decade past, and a hole in Nissan's lineup was created at its departure. Since then, the brand hasn't really waded into serious off-roader territory, despite a few Rock Creek off-road-influenced trims. Initially, it appeared as if the Xterra would be the sole model leading this revived off-road charge, but a report fromAutomotive News alleges that the Pathfinder could follow.
The Pathfinder goes body-on-frame (again)
Nissan
According to an unnamed source, Nissan will sell both the current version of the Pathfinder, which uses the carlike unibody structure, alongside a new body-on-frame version. It's unclear how long this period of overlap will last. The brand will use its Mississippi factory, likely to attempt to dodge tariffs, and the vehicle could launch before the decade is out.
The platform will be shared with that hot new Xterra revival to keep costs down, with the brand's rugged Pro-4X badge featuring on the new Pathfinder. Pro-4X is Nissan's nomenclature for its most off-road-capable models. At first, a gas engine will be the only option, with a hybrid later, should consumer demand call for it. It'll slot in above the Xterra as a new premium option (expect the usual Infiniti variant, too).
The Pathfinder used to be a much more rugged SUV
Nissan
During the Pathfinder's first few decades in the US market, it was a much more rugged SUV. Later models even looked quite a bit like the old Xterra, and used the same body-on-frame construction. Moreover, Nissan also sold a pair of Pathfinders from 2012 to 2014 in various markets - one unibody like a car, and the other body-on-frame like a truck.
It's possible Nissan will look to simply repeat the play, seeing as it appears to have gone alright the first time around. Keep in mind: the Pathfinder used to be a much more rugged SUV 20-odd years ago. Nissan introduced it with a more powerful engine as an alternative to the Toyota 4Runner at the time. Clearly, the brand appears to be lining up the same moves this time around. If it can beat Toyota on value, this play might turn out to be a winning move.