Recent trademark renewals for the Nissan Xterra name suggest a potential revival of the robust SUV.
Nissan submitted applications for trademark renewals regarding “Xterra” and “Nissan Xterra” in the U.S. on December 23, 2024. The trademarks cover “motor vehicles, specifically automobiles, sport utility vehicles, and their structural components.”
Filing for trademarks can signal that an automaker is considering reviving a past model. For instance, Honda renewed the Prelude trademark in the U.S. in 2023, subsequently confirming that the coupe is set to return as a hybrid. However, not all filings lead to immediate outcomes; for example, there has yet to be a new Ford Thunderbird.
While the Xterra name may not have the extensive history of the Thunderbird or Prelude, it carved out its own niche by prioritizing off-road capabilities compared to other Nissan SUVs during its era. The Xterra debuted in the U.S. for the 2000 model year and underwent a redesign in 2005. This second generation remained in production until 2015, when the model was phased out.
2015 Nissan Xterra
Strong sales within the SUV market could create the momentum needed for a new Xterra model, an idea Nissan has hinted at since 2017. Additionally, the brand has resurrected the name to some extent with the introduction of the X-Terra in the Middle Eastern market, which is a version of the Terra body-on-frame SUV that started production there in 2020. The Terra made its debut in 2018, heightening speculation that it might serve as a foundation for a new U.S.-market Xterra, although updates may be necessary given its current lifecycle stage.
It remains uncertain how much of a priority a new Xterra would be for Nissan, particularly as the company looks to merge with Honda by next year. The two manufacturers confirmed discussions for a merger last month, potentially offering Nissan a much-needed boost. In November, a source indicated that the automaker had only 12 to 14 months left to ensure its survival.
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