New Nissan X-Terra unveiled

The 2021 Nissan X-Terra has broken cover in the Middle East, with the Nissan Navara ute-based SUV sporting the Japanese brand’s new design language.

Borrowing styling cues from the current Nissan Patrol, as well as the updated MY21 Navara and upcoming X-TRAIL, the new-look X-Terra appears to be an upgraded and reskinned version of the large seven-seat off-road wagon that Nissan Australia had considered importing here – and even invited Aussie media to test drive.

A rival for the likes of the HiLux-based Toyota Fortuner and Ranger-based Ford Everest, the Middle Eastern-spec Nissan X-Terra is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (123kW/240Nm) that pumps through a seven-speed automatic and either a 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain.

In other markets such as Thailand, the Terra is offered with a more powerful and tow-friendly 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (140kW/450Nm), as seen in the Navara.

The updated X-Terra comes with several sought-after 4x4 hand-me-downs from the ute world, including a low-range mode and an electronic locking rear limited-slip differential.

Up-spec models are fitted with a bigger 9.0-inch central infotainment touch-screen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, embedded in a cleaner, sleeker dashboard layout. A digital rear-view mirror is also offered.

There are multiple USB ports and rear seat occupants also gain access to a fold-out 11.0-inch entertainment screen, not unlike the one available on Australia’s top-selling large SUV, the Toyota Prado.

Passengers in the second and third row also get their own climate controls located in the ceiling, while the seats across the first two rows are Nissan’s “zero gravity” fatigue-defying pews.

There are also 10 cup holders covering all three rows.

Safety systems include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and a driver fatigue warning system.

Despite the improved equipment levels, the X-Terra (or Terra) won’t be coming to Australia – at least in this current generation.

Nissan Australia’s corporate communications director, Karla Leach, said the X-Terra was specifically designed for Saharan and sub-Saharan regions and is “not on our current launch plans”.

There is, however, a much stronger chance the next-gen version will get a look-in for Australia, which will likely be a far more advanced and safer model but isn’t expected to launch until after the next Navara touches down in 2024.

It will once again be based on the next Navara ute which will also be related to the next Mitsubishi Triton and presumably the next Pajero Sport too.

“If we do bring in a new car, it has to meet the demands of Aussie consumers. In current offering, it [X-Terra] doesn’t meet that,” said Leach.