2017 Nissan Xterra

The Xterra was discontinued back in 2015 because it was one of the few dinosaurs of the late ‘90s still on the market. Unfortunately, Nissan hasn’t said anything about a successor, and it seems that one may not come after all. However, there are still strong rumors out there suggesting a 2017 Nissan Xterra. Even though the car is still unconfirmed, one would make a lot of sense in today’s market which is fond of crossover a lot more than some would like.

Let’s now take an in-depth look at what the new Xterra could provide. For starters, the car would more than likely remain based on a true ladder-frame chassis. This means that it will likely share its platform with the upcoming Frontier. The new chassis would be stiffer, lighter and easier to work with than that of the previous model.

Source: nissan-infiniti.com

In detail

The Frontier chassis would also mean an independent suspension in the front, a solid axle in the back and coil-overs all around the car. While these would take some of the off-road capabilities of the 2018 Nissan Xterra, they would allow much better on-road characteristics. The largest factor people look in when buying such a crossover is the towing capability, the fuel consumption and the way it drives on the road.

In order to become successful, the new Xterra will have to meet, and exceed, their expectations. So far it seems that the car may be able to tow more than 9,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Nissan Xterra Price

This would be possible with a new engine and a strengthened powertrain. The release date is still uncertain, but some suggest a late 2017 concept release and a late 2018 production model release. The price is expected to start at around $25,000 with top end models going for well over $40,000.

Source: nissan-infiniti.com

Nissan Xterra 2017

The older Xterra was pretty much a styled brick. While some said that this would be the case with the 2017 Nissan Xterra, we are not so sure. Instead, we do believe Nissan will offer a more contemporary design, more similar to what is available on the new Armada for example. Expect the Xterra to offer a really muscular look with an imposing front end. Their already well known V-shaped grille will make an appearance here as well, but everything else should be all new.

The utility found in the original will likely be back for this new generation. Things like steps molded into the bumpers to allow people to store things on the roof with more ease as well as large side-steps should be already a given.

What about the interior?

Another rather bad point of the original was the way it looked, and felt, inside the cabin. The car was old and it felt much older than it really was. The upcoming model, on the other hand, should change most of that. We will likely see an interior mostly inspired by that of their similarly priced cars like the Rogue or Murano. However, also expect a touch of off-road inspired features. Thanks to that the 2017 Nissan Xterra should have no problem blending utility with good looks and quality materials.

Five seats will be standard, but some say a seven seats model might be added as an option. This will not compete with the Armada though which is offering a lot more features and comfort for, very likely, a similar price to the rumored seven seats Xterra.

2017 Nissan Xterra Engine

The older model featured a single 4 liter naturally aspirated V6 engine. The upcoming 2017 Nissan Xterra will likely stick with the single engine offering. However, instead of the ancient 4-liter unit, we should see either Nissan’s new direct injected 3.5 liter V6 or a new 3 liter twin-turbo V6. The latter has been used by Infiniti where it makes 300 or 400 horsepower and up to 350 lb-ft of torque. While we would love this engine in the Xterra, it is more likely going to receive the 3.5-liter engine.

This should easily make around 300 horsepower and more than 270 lb-ft of torque. It will likely be mated to a seven-speed automatic and either rear or all-wheel drive. Like we said above, with an optional package, the Xterra might become the best crossover regarding towing.