Could this Nissan Terrano concept preview the new Pathfinder?

Nissan has pulled the wraps off of a new SUV concept called the Terrano PHEV at the Beijing International Auto Show. Since the Terrano was the Japanese-market name for the original Nissan Pathfinder, it’s only logical to look to this concept for cues on what the upcoming body-on-frame Pathfinder will look like.

Right away we can see several design cues that reference the original Pathfinder, built from 1987-95. Distinctive and rugged box fender flares were a trademark of the WD21 and something never quite repeated on any other vehicles since. The Terrano PHEV concept also takes modern twist on the Pathfinder’s signature blocky three-spoke wheels.

At the rear sits a large integrated tire compartment, reminiscent of the Pathfinder’s rear-mounted swing-out spare. And of course, last but not least, there’s the triple mail-slot grille that also adorns the Xterra concept teased last week.

Nissan gave almost no details about the Terrano PHEV. We can assume that there’s a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but beyond that, who knows. Previously, Nissan has confirmed a body-on-frame Pathfinder based on the chassis of the upcoming Xterra, which will likely spawn an upscale Infiniti variant as well. It will likely offer both a V6 and V6-hybrid powertrain, but the PHEV might not make it here.

Remember, in China Nissan sells a PHEV Frontier that is similar but also very different from the USDM Frontier, so whether an SUV with this concept’s design comes stateside is still very much up in the air. For what it’s worth, Nissan says that a production version of the Terrano PHEV will be shown within the next year and that it will be sold in select global markets.

Images courtesy of Nissan.