- This boxy SUV will be joined by a second concept at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show.
- This rugged off-roader has additional lights and sturdy all-terrain tires.
- If a production version follows, it will probably be exclusive to China.
It’s safe to say that it’s been a busy week for Nissan. In addition to teasing the return of the Xterra and showing the electric Juke, the troubled automaker also previewed the next Skyline and Rogue. This week isn’t over yet, and with the Beijing Auto Show fast approaching, there’s more to come. Rather than previewing additional production models, the latest teaser focuses on two concepts.
Unfortunately, Nissan hasn’t said much about either of them, but it’s safe to assume that the one on the left is the most interesting. It’s clearly an off-roader, with a taller suspension and beefy all-terrain tires. Additional lights on the hood and roof are hard to miss, while the roof rack seems to hide in the shadows.
Nissan has trimmed the corners of the front bumper to improve the approach angle and installed marker lights on all four fenders. It’s hard to say what’s driving this concept, but some form of electrification is expected, either a plug-in hybrid or a full EV. The use of conventional rear-view mirror covers suggests the car could reach production, although 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 is unclear whether there is a connection between the electric pickup and this new concept. It should be noted that this truck is not homemade, but is a derivative of the Nissan Dongfeng Z9.
While the off-roader features prominent Nissan lettering, the rest of the concept sticks to the company logo. It clearly has a road focus, with an LED signature reminiscent of the new Leaf. We’re not entirely sure, but there appears to be a bulge in the roof, possibly housing a LiDAR or camera for an advanced autonomous driving system.
When Nissan outlined its long-term plans earlier this week, China was one of its three main markets, along with Japan and the United States. The strategy includes expanding the range of New Energy Vehicles, where NEV refers to plug-in hybrid and electric models.
Remember, new models developed in China will not be limited to the local market. For example, the Frontier Pro mentioned previously will also be exported to the Middle East, Latin America and Southeast Asia. The N7 large electric sedan launching in late 2024 is also headed to the region.
Photo by: Nissan
Motorcycle Pickup1: Of the two new concepts, it is the off-roader that we want to produce, ideally with availability outside of China. It will be interesting to see whether Nissan plans to market it under a variation of the Xterra name, considering its boxy shape and rugged appearance. We’ll know more on April 24, when the cover is unveiled in Beijing.
Nissan seems to be on the right track with its product updates. Leaning on Chinese partners makes sense to speed up development and reduce costs in a highly competitive market. The Frontier Pro is a pleasant surprise, and the new concept could showcase a go-anywhere SUV unlike the American-reborn Xterra.
