The uni-body CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) has became increasingly popular among the American vehicle buyer due to their cushier ride qualities on-highway, superior fuel mileage in many cases, and sleek styling. As a result, the sales of boxy, more off-road capable, and sturdier compact SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicle), has waned in many cases. Off Road Xtreme recently learned that one of the most popular and off-road capable compact SUVs might be on the chopping block.

The Nissan Xterra proved itself right off the bat to be a solid little SUV, and has become so popular among off-road enthusiasts that there are owners clubs all across the country, and gobs of aftermarket equipment available for the vehicle. It turned out to be a cult classic in its own way. However, a rumor has been floating around in automotive circles that this year (2015) may be the last hurrah for the tough little 4×4.

Introduced in 1999, sales of the body-on-frame compact SUV dropped in 2014, and with ever-higher numbers of automotive buyers plunking down their hard-earned cash for compact and subcompact crossovers, the possibility of the Xterra going the way of the Dodo is not out of the unimaginable. When we contacted our people at Nissan about this rumor, we got that “no comment” comment, so we’ll just have to wait and see what comes down the information pipeline later this year for the hard truth. Are you an Xterra fan? What do you think of the likelihood that the model could be discontinued?