As far as compact SUVs go, the Xterra is one of the most talked about modern options. The automaker made the off-road SUV from 2000 to 2015. During that time, it gained a reputation for being tough and being an excellent choice for buyers who wanted a simple SUV. However, it is also a discontinued vehicle, many people wonder why it is no longer in production. For this reason, requests have been renewed for Nissan to revive the Xterra nameplate with a fantastic new version. After all, the Xterra is one of the most important vehicles in the history of the automaker. That’s why Nissan discontinued and has to bring it back.
Why is the Nissan Xterra discontinued?
Unfortunately, like many vehicles, the Xterra has experienced a decline in popularity in its later years. However, the Nissan Xterra has quite an extensive history. This is despite the SUV being one of the more modern options for buyers which of course the Xterra was never the most popular SUV on the market, but it sold well enough to be a hit.
, sales of the Nissan Xterra fell 77% in a decade. Overall sales were just 16,505 in 2005. Additionally, Nissan’s all-terrain SUV sold just 69,714 units between 2011 and 2014. option in the United States. Prior to the sales drop, MotorTrend even called Xterra twice Sport Utility of the Year.
The Nissan Xterra hasn’t aged well
The Nissan Xterra not keeping up with the times is a significant reason for its discontinuation. For one, the Xterra had a look that wasn’t quite as sporty as newer SUVs of the time. During the Xterra’s run on the market, crossover SUVs became all the rage. Because of this, the Nissan Xterra looked dated compared to those options. Naturally, Nissan redesigned it for the 2005 model year, but those changes weren’t enough to keep pace with a changing market.
Besides looks, the Nissan Xterra wasn’t as fuel efficient as newer SUVs. Before the decline of the Xterra, customers didn’t buy SUVs to save fuel. However, its competitors helped change the market, and people both wanted bigger vehicles and saved money at the fuel pump. The EPA estimates the 2015 model gets just 17 combined miles per gallon.
Nissan has to bring this off-road SUV back to life
Car buyers have been asking Nissan to bring back their favorite off-road SUV. This desire for a new Xterra comes from a few places. For one, it reminds fans of Xterra SUVs. The thinking is that using the truck as inspiration would make building a new Xterra reasonably easy. Also, a remake of the 2024 SUV has been making the rounds on the internet. Indeed, it seems how many would assume that a brand new model appears. It’s rugged, it has a bold stance, and this reimagining looks great off-road.
over the years due to increasing competition. While there are no guarantees, bringing back Xterra could be a recipe for success. The renewal of the old nameplates worked in the case of the Ford Bronco. Perhaps the public’s desire for a new model of their favorite Nissan off-road SUV would translate into sales. With all the time that has passed, Nissan could easily make a fuel-efficient Xterra for the modern era of SUV buyers.
