Nissan recently applied for the "Xterra" trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on December 23, 2024, igniting speculation about its return. Interestingly, this move coincided with the merger announcement of Nissan and Honda, creating the world's third-largest automaker.
The trademark was noticed on Reddit's r/cars and is aimed at "motor vehicles, namely, automobiles, sport utility vehicles, and structural parts thereof." Unlike the 2003 trademark, the new one emphasizes the word "Xterra" in standard text and is valid until August 31, 2027.
Although it's been absent from North America since 2015, the Xterra has been available in the Middle East since 2021. The North American version was built on the Frontier's frame, while the Middle Eastern model is based on Nissan's global Navara pickup.
A revived Xterra would explore the North American 4x4 market with three possible strategies:
1. Continue with the Navara-based model.
2. Revert to the Frontier-based model.
3. Consider a new option with Honda, perhaps a Honda Passport-based model.
Whichever route Nissan decides to take, we're excited about the potential return of the iconic roof-mounted storage compartment.
Nissan is hinting at the possible relaunch of the Xterra in North America through a recent trademark filing. This revival, in the midst of a competitive 4x4 market, would coincide with Nissan and Honda's merger. With options ranging from the Navara, Frontier, or even a Honda Passport base, the Xterra's comeback could satisfy various preferences.
