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After the release of the new Terra SUV in China, we expect the comeback of the 2020 Nissan Xterra as well on other markets. According to early speculations, the SUV is going to be bigger than before. The base for the new Xterra will be Terra, and there is also a possibility for the vehicle to adopt a new name. Either way, the SUV will take the position in the mid-size off-road segment. But, the US release is under the question mark. Nissan USA has already filled all spots with Murano being a two-row mid-size model, while the Pathfinder comes with a seven-seat configuration.
Still, none of them is capable of an off-road drive. The 2020 Nissan Xterra could be a specialist for all terrains. Well, the last time it was on sales, the SUV was a crossover. Now, bigger and stronger, Xterra is ready to conquer again. Speculations about the new model are saying about other possibilities. First of all, the off-road SUV could be upgraded with the Pro-4X package, to improve its performance even further. Then, there is a possibility for the Xterra to get the Nismo treatment. Finally, the SUV could get a hybrid engine. Pathfinder and Murano can’t stand the competition with such drivetrains. Xterra will be the solution to Nissan’s problems.
2020 Nissan Xterra Engines and Specs
There are a few possibilities for the engine room. The first one is the old choice. It is a 4.0-liter V6 drivetrain which is still part of Nissan’s plans. Now, the bigger 2020 Nissan Xterra could make room for this drivetrain. On the other hand, the fuel consumption and cost of maintenance were downsides of a huge V6 mill and some of the reasons why the SUV was discontinued. So, before engineers reinstall the 4.0 displacement, they will have to boost efficiency, especially the gas mileage and emissions. Well, the new Xterra will be lighter than before, and that is a good start.
Whatsoever, the new model is going to achieve much better MPG rating from a 2.5-liter petrol unit. A four-cylinder drivetrain is a power source for the new Nissan Terra. So, two close siblings could use the same engines. However, 175 ponies and 180 lb-ft of torque are not good enough for the mid-size segment in the USA. For other markets, it could be OK, but buyers in the United States will seek more power. Finally, the new Xterra could turn to Pathfinder and its V6 unit. In this case, the SUV can count on 290 horsepower.
Hybrid
Nissan is still not offering a hybrid SUV. Toyota Highlander is already there, Ford Explorer is coming in 2020, while the Honda Pilot Hybrid is announced. Nissan, as a leader in this segment, is not going to allow its rivals to take over the market without a fight. LEAF is the best-selling electric vehicle ever, and the Japanese company is definitely a proven player. So, the electrification of the new model is not an impossible task.
The Hybrid drivetrain would help Xterra gain better gas mileage. Also, the electric motors will boost the power outputs. On the other hand, the SUV is going to lose some of its off-road toughness. Still, we would like to see this upgrade as the optional drivetrain.
2020 Nissan Xterra Redesign
Definitely, besides the engine lineup upgrades, the new 2020 Nissan Xterra will also need a new styling. The redesign of an old model, with modern design language and features, will help SUV attract younger buyers. However, there are also old fans that can’t wait for the Xterra to come back.
The redesign will make the SUV more aggressive and aesthetic. Changes can start from the front fascia and continue on side skirts to tail. The new Xterra should be longer than before. Based on the SUV for the Chinese market, this model is definitely taking a position between two existing classes.
The interior needs more serious revisit before it meets the high demands of US buyers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available, as well as ProPilot features. These will allow the Xterra to do have some autonomous drive functions. Nissan announced upgrades for this technology, so, at this moment, we can’t know how far they will develop it. Navigation will be optional, as well as the leather interior, heated and ventilated seats, and premium audio.
Nismo and Pro-4X Models
The 2020 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X is likely to happen. If the SUV is going to be an off-road model, then a package that brings Bilstein shocks and special suspension settings will definitely be attractive to buyers. On the other hand, the Nismo badge brings a more aggressive appearance with unique graphics. Of course, there is also a beefed-up engine which delivers more power. Max speed and 0-60 mph acceleration will gain the most of it, while the off-road capabilities are suffering.
2020 Nissan Xterra USA Release Date
These are all speculations about the 2020 Nissan Xterra warmed up by the appearance of the Terra SUV in China. We will see which markets will open for the new model. One of them is definitely the USA, where Xterra still has a lot of fans. However, any release date schedule is not available at the moment.
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