After running for a decade and a half, Nissan stopped the Xterra's production in 2015; the obvious reason being dwindling sales. While this mid-size SUV came with a body-on-frame design and impressive off-road skills, it all came at the cost of good city and highway driving. But, rumor has it that the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi alliance is planning to revive the Xterra again at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show.

While the 4Runner is not precisely a new model, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler sure is. With one veteran being too long in the tooth, the Xterra would try to foil the Wrangler's monopoly in the mid-sized SUV segment. Ford has thrown its hat in as well with the Bronco, but its planned 2020 launch is still far away.

Author's Take

The new generation today is looking for SUV's that not only provide a relaxed Point A to Point B drive but also some off-roading fun for the weekends. While the Xterra excelled at the latter, comfortable rides on smooth terrain were not its cup of tea. And, when coupled with poor fuel efficiency, the Xterra had to be laid to rest. But now, when its chief rivals – the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner – are seeing the sales rise steadily, Nissan is planning a comeback to enjoy its share of the pie. Hopefully, this time Nissan gets the right blend of both, along with an engine that's not so thirsty and gives cut-throat competition to its competitors.

References

Nissan Xterra

Read our full review on the 2014 Nissan Xterra.

Jeep Wrangler

Read our full speculative review on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler.

Toyota 4Runner

Read our full driven review on the 2015 Toyota 4Runner.