When we reported that the Nissan Xterra is officially slated to return in 2028 with a hybrid V6 and true body-on-frame hardware, the big question was how quickly the program would move from talk to tangible reality. Now we’ve got a pretty strong signal that things are progressing right on schedule. At a closed-door dealer gathering tied to the NADA show in Las Vegas, dealers were reportedly shown the upcoming Xterra, and the early reactions sound exactly like what longtime fans have been hoping for: rugged, purposeful, and not trying too hard to be a lifestyle prop.

The most interesting part is the bigger picture behind the badge. The Xterra is said to be part of a new family of body-on-frame vehicles that Nissan will build in the U.S., with multiple Nissan and Infiniti models set to share the same ladder-frame foundation. Along with the Xterra, that lineup is expected to include a new body-on-frame Pathfinder, a next Frontier pickup, and Infiniti-branded counterparts including an Xterra-style SUV and a future QX60 variant. If Nissan is truly leaning into shared bones and U.S. production to keep costs under control, that’s the kind of practical product planning that can help a revival actually stick.

As for the Xterra itself, the descriptions coming out of the dealer meeting paint a clear vibe. One dealer called it “radical looking,” while others pointed to a beefy, muscular front end and a no-frills off-road focus that still nods to the original’s character. We’re also hearing familiar enthusiast-friendly promises like a proper 2-speed transfer case with 4Lo, and chatter continues that Nissan wants the entry point to start below $40,000, with at least one bright throwback color on the menu. In other words, it sounds like Nissan understands the Xterra name only works if it feels honest and trail-ready, not just styled to look the part.

Timing-wise, the latest word pegs the Xterra’s arrival for the second half of 2028, which lines up neatly with what we outlined in our earlier coverage, including the plan for a hybridized powertrain and body-on-frame construction. The two-row layout also sounds like a smart move, keeping the Xterra squarely aimed at adventure-minded buyers who want space and simplicity over a third row they rarely use. Meanwhile, the body-on-frame Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 direction raises a new set of questions, like whether those will be positioned as more rugged alternatives to today’s unibody versions, or whether Nissan will attempt to keep both approaches alive in showrooms.

The takeaway is simple: the Xterra comeback is not just a rumor bouncing around the internet anymore, it’s a product dealers are seeing and reacting to, with a broader platform strategy forming around it. If Nissan keeps the pricing realistic, delivers real off-road hardware, and nails that tough, utilitarian feel people remember, the Xterra could slide into a very welcoming market. We’ll keep watching for the next breadcrumbs, but this sure looks like a return that’s moving from “someday” to “soon.”

Source: Automotive News