Nissan Xterra price and specs: Sub-$40K Target for Rugged New SUV

The Xterra was once Nissan’s straight-cut rival to the Toyota 4Runner—compact, rugged, and stripped of anything unnecessary. Now, it’s official: Nissan intends to bring the Xterra back, and the Nissan Xterra price and specs are designed to be as straightforward and appealing as the original. The company is set on delivering a rugged midsize SUV that’s “fun, simple, and capable” and, crucially, costs under $40,000.

This commitment to affordability positions the new SUV beneath its main rivals, aiming to attract buyers who want something trail-ready but don’t want to cross the threshold into full-size off-roader territory.

1st generation Nissan Xterra yellow — Source: Nissan

Here is a closer look at the philosophy and the mechanical details confirmed for the upcoming model.

The Sub-$40,000 Strategy

Nissan senior vice president Michael Soutter confirmed that the new Xterra “has got to start sub $40,000.” That figure is not arbitrary; it’s a direct response to the segment’s rising entry costs.

Rival Vehicle	Starting Price (Approx.)	Note
Jeep Wrangler	$49,895	Most expensive full-size competitor.
Toyota 4Runner	$41,570	Direct competitor, which the Xterra aims to undercut.
Ford Bronco	$40,495	Closest price rival in the US.
New Nissan Xterra	Sub-$40,000	Nissan’s target to attract value-conscious off-road buyers.

By landing beneath all three key competitors, Nissan aims to revive the Xterra as an affordable alternative for genuine off-road capability.

2nd generation Nissan Xterra off-roading — Source: Nissan

Mechanical Focus: Simple and Capable

Soutter emphasized that the Nissan Xterra price and specs reflect a strategy of trimming back high-cost tech features and leaning instead on mechanical capability and utility.

Platform: Confirmed to be a US-built body-on-frame vehicle, anchoring a future family that includes the Frontier and potentially a body-on-frame Pathfinder.
4×4 System: A two-speed transfer case with a proper low range is confirmed, essential for serious trail use.
Modification-Ready: Nissan acknowledged past flaws and will address them by including accessory-ready provisions, mounting points, and proper wiring straight from the showroom floor, embracing the enthusiast modification culture.
Design Nostalgia: The SUV will feature the original model’s most iconic color: yellow.

Nissan doesn’t view a manual transmission as essential to the Xterra’s mission, and features like removable doors are still being debated due to added cost and complexity. Ultimately, the new Xterra is about delivering everything the customer needs—and nothing they don’t—at a price point designed to win back the value-focused off-road buyer.

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