The number of off-road ready, body-on-frame SUVs has been steadily dwindling in recent years as consumers flock to car-based crossovers, but a new report suggests that the Nissan Xterra will stay true to its truck roots.
Nissan engineers confirmed to Car and Driver that the Xterra SUV will retain its body-on-frame setup for the long term, unlike the new-generation Pathfinder, which has shifted (again) to a unibody configuration.
The decision for the Xterra to keep its rugged layout will help Nissan differentiate the numerous crossovers and SUV’s in its lineup: the company already has the similarly-sized Rogue crossover for buyers who want the look and elevated seating position of an SUV, while the Xterra will continue to appeal to those interested in venturing off the pavement (including Pathfinder fans put off by the new soft-roader model).
The engineers didn’t say when to expect a new Xterra, however; the current model hit the market in 2005.
References
1.’ Nissan Xterra to…’ view
