2021 Nissan X-Terra launched with an old name and new looks
The X-terra, instead of riding on the F-Alpha platform, it is based on the platform seen in the Navara pickup truck.
Guess who’s not back? the Nissan Xterra, but guess who is? the Nissan X-Terra. Yes, there is a hyphen in the name now, but this truck-based SUV is practically nothing like the Xterra of old years. For starters instead of riding on the F-Alpha platform, it is based on the platform seen in the Navara pickup truck.
So what we’re looking at is basically a facelifted version of the Terra, launched today in the Middle East for the 2021 model year. The “new” Three-row SUV gets some done-up LED headlights and taillights along with a new grille, which still reminds you of the Terra origin. Apparantly, these changes are also planned for the donor SUV as well.
Inside, there’s a new nine-inch infotainment system and the HVAC controls have been touched up to look more modern. There’s also an 11-inch flip-down screen with HDMI input so your kids can plug in their gaming console or Kung Fu Panda and not claw each other’s eyes out instead. The second and third rows are positioned slightly higher to provide a better look at the big screen, and they also get their own climate controls mounted in the ceiling. Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” seats for the front and middle rows also promise to reduce fatigue during extended journeys, so you get the family-oriented theme of the X-Terra.
Practicality shouldn’t be an issue considering a 60/40 split-folding layout for the second-row and a 50/50 split third-row, which means you get a flat cargo floor when you fold them down. The X-Terra also offers the luxury of armrests between the middle-row seats with a pair of cupholders, which means that in total the SUV offers 10 cupholders, and that’s a lot of drinks.
In the Middle East, the 2021 X-Terra will be sold with a four-cylinder 2.5-litre gasoline unit putting out 165 horsepower and 241 Newton-meters of torque. Now, this doesn’t sound like much for such a large and heavy SUV, but drivers do get some serious off-road kit. The 4WD models have an electronic locking rear differential and a brake limited-slip differential, along with Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist system. So you can take all your children with their 10 drinks and go offroading while they play video games. You shouldn’t need to get worried about being stuck either because the seven-speed automatic transmission also has a 4LO mode for when things get really rocky.
However, if you don’t need any of the off-road bits and features, the 2021 X-Terra is also available in a 2WD configuration in all trim levels, exceptt the range-topping Platinum offered only with 4WD.
It is yet unclear whether the X-Terra’s availability will extend beyond the Middle East, and be sold in other markets.
