Nissan's Body-on-Frame Gamble

A POSSIBLE 2028 NISSAN XTERRA [IMAGE: AVARVARII]

Is this the answer to a question nobody asked?

And no, I’m not talking about a new Xterra — I know that’s got a cult following, and America’s current obsession with off-roading (and vehicles that just look plain off-roadworthy) will likely last at least a couple more years.

I'm not talking about the next Frontier, either. That's a mainstay of the Nissan portfolio, even if volumes get nowhere near the Tacoma's.

An "Infiniti variant" of the Xterra could serve as an alternative to the Lexus GX or Land Rover Defender — although Infiniti’s current, smooth, sleek design language seems at odds with a rugged off-roader. But stranger things have happened...

No, the question is about the "new" Pathfinder and QX60 referenced in the aforementioned article. Although the Pathfinder started life as a body-on-frame entry (derived from the old Hardbody pickup), it has since evolved into a BFI, FWD/AWD three-row family-oriented SUV--because that's what America seems to like. Toyota sold about 99,000 4Runners last year, about half the combined sales of Highlander and Grand Highlander. Ford sold about 50% more Explorers than Broncos (combined 2D and 4D). Similar trends exist on the luxury side of the aisle, with the Lexus TX selling about 50% higher volumes than the GX.

Body-on-frame structures are great for towing and off-roading (though not so great for space efficiency and fuel economy), and I can certainly see an opportunity to add those kinds of entries to your portfolio if you don't already have them. But *replacing* the Pathfinder and QX60 with body-on-frame models seems like a recipe for lower volumes...

#nissan #pathfinder #infiniti #QX60 #bodyonframe #suv