- The brand new Xterra will debut with an ICE-only powertrain.
- It would use a V6, not a turbocharged four-cylinder.
- No guide transmission possibility deliberate.
Enjoyers of straightforward, rugged off-road autos can, tentatively, rejoice. Nissan’s US chief of product planning has stated there “will likely be a pure ICE” V6 model of the upcoming Nissan Xterra revival, alongside a hybrid V6 variant. That, people, is nice information.
When chatting with Automotive and Driver, Nissan US chief of product planning, Ponz Pandikuthira, laid out the plan for the upcoming Xterra. It would, after all, be an old-school body-on-frame SUV just like the Toyota 4Runner, however it would take a unique technique from Toyota.
As a substitute of small turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains, Nissan goes to stay with a V6. Which V6 is unclear, however Nissan at present has two: the twin-turbo 3.0-liter within the Nissan Z and Infiniti Q50, and the naturally aspirated 3.8-liter within the Frontier. It’s extra probably that Nissan will use the three.8-liter… however wouldn’t it’s sick if it had been the twin-turbo engine?
Both approach, Pandikuthira made one crucial promise: An ICE-only variant. This can hold it easy for patrons in search of longevity and ease, and is particularly engaging with the naturally aspirated V6. Meaning Nissan goes to make an old-school truck with brand-new methods, and that’s extremely interesting in a market filled with problems.
That doesn’t imply the choice will not be there. Pandikuthira continued by saying Nissan will construct a hybrid from the ICE-only model, that means it’s probably that the Nissan will launch with a non-hybrid Xterra. If patrons need extra effectivity and horsepower, then they’ll have the ability to pony up for extra.
What’s useless within the water are any plans to make an EV Xterra or a guide ICE Xterra. It will likely be automatic-only, which is a disgrace however not completely surprising. Nonetheless, a pure-ICE V6 Xterra in a market pushed by downsized, emissions-capable engines is an fascinating proposition. We’ll simply have to attend for 2028 when the brand new Xterra debuts.
Motor1’s Take: Nissan providing a non-hybrid gasoline V6 Xterra can solely be seen as a very good factor. It will hold the truck easy to make, develop, and personal. And, it would entice patrons in search of one thing less complicated.
