Nissan confirmed at the 2026 New York International Auto Show that the returning Xterra will offer a pure gasoline V6 engine when it goes on sale in 2028. The midsize off-road SUV will ride on a new body-on-frame platform and will be built at the company’s plant in Canton, Mississippi.
Why This Matters
The Xterra was one of the most popular midsize off-road SUVs of its era before Nissan pulled it from the market after 2015. Its return puts Nissan back in a fight against the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco, and Jeep Wrangler. Buyers who want a simple gas engine now have a clear option from Nissan.
Nissan Xterra Gasoline V6 Engine Details
Ponz Pandikuthira, Senior Vice President and Chief Product and Planning Officer for Nissan Americas, said the gas-only Xterra will use a V6 engine. It will not get a turbocharged four-cylinder. The V6 is related to the 3.8-liter unit already used in the current Nissan Frontier pickup.
The engine will pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission from JATCO. A manual gearbox is not part of the plan. If you’re wondering how AWD compares to 4WD, the new Xterra is expected to come with a two-speed four-wheel-drive system built for real off-road use.
Hybrid Version Coming Later
Nissan plans to launch the gas-only V6 model first. A hybrid version will join the lineup after that. The hybrid will share the same platform but add electric assist to the V6 powertrain. Exact timing for the hybrid has not been announced yet.
This two-step approach lets buyers choose between a traditional gas SUV and a more efficient hybrid down the road. If you want to understand the real differences, check out our guide on hybrid vs gas cars and their hidden costs. Those who go hybrid later may also want to read up on hybrid car maintenance tips.
Body-on-Frame Platform and Production
The 2028 Xterra will share its new body-on-frame platform with the next-generation Frontier. Nissan will build both vehicles at its Canton, Mississippi assembly plant. This platform is designed from the start for rugged off-road duty.
Nissan also has plans for more body-on-frame models. A new off-road-focused Pathfinder and possible Infiniti luxury variants could follow on the same architecture. This signals a broader push by Nissan into the truck and SUV segment.
Design and Pricing
Dealers who saw an early preview described the new Xterra as tough and imposing. The design takes cues from the original model but uses a modern, upright look built for the late 2020s. Nissan hopes to price the Xterra below $40,000, which would undercut several key rivals.
The off-road SUV market is heating up fast. Jeep just showed six new off-road concepts at the 2026 Easter Safari, and Toyota continues to push the 4Runner hard. Nissan clearly wants a piece of that action.
What Happens Next
The 2028 Nissan Xterra is expected to arrive at dealerships sometime during the 2028 calendar year. The gasoline V6 model will come first, followed by the hybrid. Nissan has not yet revealed full specs, final pricing, or exact trim levels.
More details are likely to come at future auto shows over the next year. Stay tuned to AutoGearAlert for the latest updates on the Nissan Xterra and other new SUV launches.
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