Ever since Nissan discontinued the Frontier-based, body-on-frame Xterra, there's been a mud-covered SUV hole in the heart of Nissan's lineup and Nissan fans everywhere. Now Nissan has revealed a new body-on-frame SUV, apparently based on the Navara small pickup truck, and it even has a name similar to the dearly departed American SUV: Terra. Admittedly, it's not quite as unique and tough-looking as the old Xterra, but with the lack of body-on-frame SUVs on the market here, we wouldn't be picky. Unfortunately, it's not for America.
Nissan says the Terra is only going on sale in China and other Asian countries. Since it's based on the Navara, it will likely be available with two different 2.3-liter diesel four-cylinder engines making 163 and 190 horsepower, or a gasoline four-cylinder making 160 hp. And of course it will come with available four-wheel drive with a low-range. The closest competition to the Terra will be the Ranger-based Ford Everest and Colorado-based Chevy Trailblazer.
We would love to see the Terra come here, and naming-wise, all it would need is an X on the front to capitalize on the good will of the Xterra. But of course we see why it wouldn't be all that easy. Nothing about the Terra or the latest Navara it's based on, be it safety or emissions equipment, has gone through federal testing in the U.S. That would be a big investment. But, that investment wouldn't be as extraordinary if Nissan brought both the Terra and the Navara here. The Navara might even make more sense, since the Frontier is antiquated, particularly compared with the much more modern Tacoma, Colorado and Canyon. And having a modern, competitive truck will be important in the growing small truck market, which will soon be joined by the Ford Ranger. So what we're saying is, please give us both the Terra and the Navara, Nissan.
