Nissan appears to be looking backwards to ensure its future survival. In a move to grow sales volumes, the Japanese brand plans to add five new hybrid-compatible models spun from one new body-on-frame chassis architecture.

The plan is driven by the shift in demand for the company’s models in North America, where EV sales have plummeted as emissions targets for that market have been dismantled. In an effort to keep sales strong, five new models with a focus on parts commonality are on the way.

Orange Nissan Pro-4X pickup parked on a dirt trail with green mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.
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Long-running US models like the Camry-rivalling Altima sedan will be retired. Instead, Nissan will turn to a more rugged body-on-frame chassis, as used beneath SUVs and pick-up trucks.

The exact model mix is yet to be revealed, but one of the SUV models is expected to revive the Xterra name (pictured below), used in North America from 1999 until 2015. One will likely adopt the Pathfinder name, and two will be for Nissan’s luxury Infiniti brand.

Nissan also has room to introduce a pick-up truck, which could arrive as a replacement for the Frontier (pictured avove). Mitsubishi has also announced plans to use a Nissan platform for its re-entry into the US pick-up market, which could see the Frontier’s replacement get pushed forward.

Automotive News reports that Nissan will be looking to generate cost savings through a high level of commonality between models. The five newcomers are expected to share as much as 70 per cent of their parts content, largely differing in styling and equipment rather than chassis or powertrain systems.

By the end of the decade, the new-gen ladder-frame models will introduce a petrol V6 parallel hybrid powertrain, bringing a modern element to the line-up. While all-electric vehicles have failed to generate sales, Nissan will continue to electrify its range, adding a hybrid version of the Rogue (sold here as the X-Trail) with the e-Power system that uses its petrol engine as a generator. It will also add a ‘regular’ parallel hybrid powertrain for the large SUV models.

Front-left view of a gray Nissan SUV driving on a rural road with green fields beside it.
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With a strong focus on the North American region for the body-on-frame range, opportunities outside that market may be limited. Europe’s acceptance of EVs means Nissan will continue to focus on models like the Leaf and Ariya, with a new-gen Juke EV in the pipeline.

Japan’s preference for smaller vehicles means the large ladder-frame models hold limited appeal, and the resulting lack of right-hand-drive demand could potentially see Australia miss out on models that might otherwise be a good fit for local conditions.

The first of the new models is expected to roll out in 2028, with Nissan preparing to lead its revised range with the Xterra.