Nissan Confirms V6 Engine for New Xterra, Hybrid Coming Too

A Comeback Nissan Can’t Afford to Miss

Nissan has been out of the rugged SUV game for a while, but the Xterra is finally making a comeback. It was a favorite among off-road fans before it left in 2015, and now, with more buyers looking for tough, go-anywhere SUVs, Nissan is returning to a segment it helped define.

Nissan says the Xterra will land in 2028, but this isn’t just a throwback. The new model is aimed at the same crowd that shops the big names in off-road SUVs, and the real news is that buyers won’t be stuck with just one engine choice.

Instead of picking one path, Nissan is giving the next Xterra two powertrain options. That’s important, since buyers are still divided between sticking with gas engines or trying out hybrids.

ICE First, Hybrid to Follow

According to a report from Car and Driver, Nissan is taking a measured approach to electrification with the next Xterra. Speaking at the New York Auto Show, senior vice president Ponz Pandikuthira confirmed that a pure internal combustion version is part of the plan.

“There will be a pure ICE,” Pandikuthira said, noting that it would likely feature a V6 rather than a downsized turbo-four, related to the 3.8-liter V6 currently used in the Frontier. From there, a hybrid variant would be developed off the same platform, although timing and specifics are still being worked out.

Design-wise, the Xterra is expected to lean heavily into its rugged identity. Pandikuthira described an early mock-up as “super imposing,” with tough, upright styling. Unlike some modern SUVs that prioritize aerodynamics, Nissan is reportedly finding other ways to improve efficiency while keeping that blocky, trail-ready presence.

Don’t expect a manual transmission this time, though. Nissan says they’re focusing on making the Xterra easier to use, especially for families and anyone who needs a practical SUV.

More SUVs on the Horizon

The Xterra is just the start. Nissan is working on more body-on-frame models, which means they’re getting serious about trucks and tough SUVs again.

Dealers have seen previews of a whole family of new models, including a new Frontier and a Pathfinder built for more off-road use. Infiniti versions could also be in the mix, offering a more upscale spin on the same tough platform.

If all goes as planned, the Xterra will be a key part of Nissan’s push to get back into the thick of the truck and SUV market. Right now, Nissan doesn’t have as many choices as its rivals, but that could change soon.

So the Xterra isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s Nissan’s chance to prove it can still compete in a space it once owned, now with more models and more choices for buyers.