--- title: "Nissan Xterra Is Designed for up to 35-Inch Tires From the Factory, 37s in the Aftermarket" date: "2026-04-15" modified: "2026-04-15" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/nissan-xterra-is-designed-for-up-to-35-inch-tires-from-the-factory-37s-in-the-aftermarket" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Nissan News" tags: - "suv/crossover" --- # Nissan Xterra Is Designed for up to 35-Inch Tires From the Factory, 37s in the Aftermarket ![front end of next-generation nissan xterra SUV in yellow]() *\Nissan\* What a week for Nissan Xterra fans. The brand's faithful loyalists seem to be in for a reward when the iconic nameplate returns in 2028. On Wednesday in Yokohama, Japan, Chairman Nissan Americas Christian Meunier confirmed that the upcoming Xterra will be provisioned for up to 35-inch tires from the factory, and "probably 37 or more in aftermarket." Nissan North America Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer Ponz Pandikuthira followed Meunier's comments about tire sizes by saying, "The car will be a canvas, right? So we will make it adaptable that very easily the aftermarket could do things like lift kits and to make bigger wheels and tires, fender flares, etc." Meunier said, "We will work very proactively with the aftermarket so the car can be customized for stuff that we can't typically do out of the factory. I want to bring it to SEMA next year, ideally, to start creating some buzz and interest with the aftermarket." Earlier in the day, Meunier [teased the Xterra with a second image]() this week with a simple quote noting "Badass is back." On Monday, we received our [first look at the front end of the Xterra](), and it's definitely butch, blocky, and modern. Nissan's already confirmed the Xterra will be a body-on-frame SUV [available with a V6 and a hybrid V6](). There's no turbo-four in sight. Four-wheel drive with a 2-speed transfer case is likely a given. In November, *The Drive* exclusively reported the [Xterra will cost less than $40,000]() when it arrives in 2028. Meunier reconfirmed this pricing on Wednesday noting, "I'm going to bring an Xterra with everything you need, nothing you don't, which is the slogan that was used in 2002, which we believe is right for the brand." Nissan's currently going through [a turnaround plan]() that will streamline the lineup, cut costs, and keep the goods stuff. Newly [appointed CEO Ivan Espinosa]() told *The Drive* to [tell enthusiasts "Nissan is back"]() in February. So far, things are shaping up in a positive way for enthusiasts and the brand's faithful fans. Time will tell. *Got a tip about future product? Send us a line at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()