Watch your back Toyota Prado and Ford Everest! 2028 Nissan Xterra is a Navara-based tough 4WD aimed at some of Australia’s favourite adventurous family off-roaders: Reports

2028 Nissan Xtera digital render. (Image: Digimods Design)

Nissan has spotted a light at the end of the tunnel.

The struggling Japanese brand is going full speed ahead with a range of rugged four-wheel drives and dual-cab utes to pull it out of its global funk.

The latest mail comes from US industry bible Automotive News, which reports Nissan showed off plans to its US dealers for the return of the Xterra 4WD in 2028 as part of a new-model onslaught in coming years.

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According to Automotive News, Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier said: “We are laser-focused on product [and] we are just getting started. We have done a better job of planning, making sure the right cars are in the right place.”

The Xterra would give Nissan a direct competitor to the hot selling Toyota Prado and Ford Everest.

There are several options for the future Xterra to borrow its underpinnings from.

2027 Nissan Navara digital render. (Image Thanos Pappas)

First is the Nissan Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid ute, which was revealed at the 2025 Shanghai motor show.

That ute uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor to pump out an impressive 300kW and 800Nm.

It’s the real deal underneath too, with five-link rear suspension, an electromechanical rear differential lock and multiple drive modes for different terrains and road conditions.

@carsguide.com.au Nissan’s BYD Shark 6 rival revealed in Shanghai #Nissan #Frontier #car #carsguide #fyp ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

The second option for the Xterra is the next-generation Nissan Navara, which is due in Australia at the start of 2027.

That ute will be based on the Mitsubishi Triton, and likely will borrow its alliance partner's plug-in hybrid power.

This opens the door to the Xterra being similar to the coming next-gen Mitsubishi Pajero Sport/Pajero 4WD, which means a rugged ladder frame and proper off-road ability are all but a lock for the Xterra.

2026 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport digital render. (Image: Thanos Pappas)

Nissan Australia boss, Andrew Humberstone, told CarsGuide previously it could employ a dual ute strategy with the new Frontier Pro and Navara both landing in local showrooms.

If both those donor vehicles are made in right-hand drive it makes it easier for the Xterra to head Down Under to battle the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest.

There is an SUV version of the current-gen Navara, dubbed the Terra, but it is only offered in China and some developing markets.