The boxy SUV will be joined by a second concept at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show.
The hardcore off-roader has auxiliary lights and beefy all-terrain tires.
If a production version follows, it could be exclusive to China.
It’s safe to say it has been a busy week for Nissan. Aside from teasing the return of the Xterra and showing an electric Juke, the troubled automaker also previewed the next Skyline and Rogue. The week isn’t over yet, and with the Beijing Auto Show right around the corner, there’s more to come. Rather than previewing additional production models, the newest teaser focuses on two concepts.
Sadly, Nissan isn’t saying much about either, but it’s safe to assume the one on the left is by far the most interesting. It’s clearly an off-roader, with a lifted suspension and meaty all-terrain tires. The auxiliary lights on the hood and roof are hard to miss, while a roof rack appears to be hiding in the shadows.
Nissan has trimmed the front bumper’s corners to improve the approach angle and mounted marker lights on all four fenders. It’s hard to say what powers the concept, but some form of electrification is expected, either a plug-in hybrid or a full EV. The use of conventional side mirror caps suggests it could reach production, though it’s too early to say for sure.
Photo by: Nissan
The five glowing rectangles remind us of the Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid truck introduced in China last year. However, it’s unclear whether there’s any connection between the electrified pickup and this new concept. It’s worth noting that the truck isn’t a fully in-house effort, but rather a derivative of the Nissan Dongfeng Z9.
While the off-roader features prominent Nissan lettering, the other concept sticks to the company’s logo. It clearly has an on-road focus, with an LED signature reminiscent of the new Leaf. We’re not entirely sure, but there appears to be a protrusion on the roof, likely housing LiDAR or a camera for an advanced autonomous driving system.
When Nissan outlined its long-term plan earlier this week, China was named one of its three major markets, alongside Japan and the United States. The strategy includes expanding its New Energy Vehicle lineup, where NEV refers to plug-in hybrid and electric models.
Mind you, new models developed in China won’t be limited to the local market. For example, the Frontier Pro mentioned earlier will also be exported to the Middle East, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. The N7 large electric sedan, launched in late 2024, is also heading to those regions.
Photo by: Nissan
Motor1’s Take: Of the two new concepts, the off-roader is the one we’d like to see reach production, ideally with availability beyond China. It’ll be interesting to see whether Nissan plans to market it under a variation of the Xterra name, given its boxy shape and rugged appearance. We’ll know more on April 24, when the covers come off in Beijing.
Nissan appears to be on the right track with its product renewal. Leaning on its Chinese partner makes sense to accelerate development and reduce costs in a fiercely competitive market. The Frontier Pro was a pleasant surprise, and this new concept could preview a go-anywhere SUV distinct from America’s reborn Xterra.
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