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Business & Money • Automotive

Nissan Xterra

The Nissan Xterra is a body-on-frame compact SUV that Nissan sold from 1999 to 2015 in two generations.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Nissan Xterra is a body-on-frame compact SUV that Nissan sold from 1999 to 2015 in two generations. It was marketed as a rugged, off-road-oriented vehicle based on Nissan truck platforms, and Nissan has said an all-new Xterra is planned for a late-2028 return.

History

The Xterra debuted in 1999 for the 2000 model year and remained in production until 2015. It went through two generations before Nissan ended production, later saying the nameplate would return in a new form.

Design and platform

The Xterra was built as a truck-based SUV with body-on-frame construction. The first generation shared major underpinnings with the Nissan Frontier, and the second generation used Nissan’s F-Alpha platform.

Market position

Nissan aimed the Xterra at buyers seeking a rugged, outdoor-oriented SUV rather than a comfort-focused crossover. Its features and advertising emphasized off-road use, cargo utility, and durability.

Discontinuation and revival plans

Nissan discontinued the Xterra in 2015, but later confirmed plans for an all-new model targeted for late 2028. Media reports describe the revival as a body-on-frame SUV intended to compete in the off-road segment.

Key facts

  • The Xterra was introduced for the 2000 model year and sold through the 2015 model year.
  • The first generation used Nissan Frontier underpinnings, while the second generation used the F-Alpha platform.
  • Nissan positioned the Xterra as an adventure-focused SUV with off-road capability and practical cargo space.
  • Nissan has publicly indicated that an all-new Xterra is planned for a late-2028 launch.
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Canadian context

Nissan sold the Xterra in Canada, and Nissan Canada maintains a discontinued-model page for it, reflecting its presence in the Canadian market. [14]

Frequently asked questions

What is the Nissan Xterra?
It is a truck-based compact SUV sold by Nissan from 1999 to 2015, known for its rugged, off-road-focused design.
When was the Nissan Xterra discontinued?
Nissan ended Xterra production in 2015.
What platform did the Xterra use?
The first generation was Frontier-based, and the second generation used Nissan’s F-Alpha platform.
Was the Xterra built for off-road use?
Yes. Nissan marketed it as an adventure SUV with body-on-frame construction, four-wheel-drive availability, and a durable cargo area.
Is Nissan bringing back the Xterra?
Yes. Nissan has said an all-new Xterra is targeted to launch in late 2028.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Xterra
    Supports: Production years, generations, and platform overview.
  2. Cars.com — https://www.cars.com/research/nissan-xterra/
    Supports: Market positioning, body-on-frame construction, and off-road focus.
  3. The Crittenden Automotive Library — https://www.carsandracingstuff.com/library/x/xterra.php
    Supports: Discontinuation timing and production summary.
  4. Nissan USA — https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/discontinued/xterra.html
    Supports: Production dates, discontinued status, and planned late-2028 return.
  5. Nissan Canada — https://www.nissan.ca/vehicles/discontinued/xterra.html
    Supports: Canadian discontinued-model presence and V6 reference.
  6. MotorTrend — https://www.motortrend.com/features/2000-2004-nissan-xterra-underappreciated-classic
    Supports: Smyrna, Tennessee assembly and first-generation production context.
  7. Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/nissan/xterra
    Supports: Revival timing and likely body-on-frame off-road positioning.