In this week’s Ask Nathan:

Next Nissan Xterra?

Subaru Forester vs Honda CR-V?

Is the 2017 Toyota Yaris iA a smart buy?

This first question comes from a fan who wants to know about the next Nissan Xterra and what we would like to see on it… IF it’s built.

Q:Nathan,

Do you think Nissan will bring back the Xterra?

If so, what specs (horsepower/torque) would you like to see?

Thanks,

Bryson B.

A: Howdy Bryson!

While I did cover this question about two years back, it’s definitely worth looking at again, there are a few new things to talk about. Nissan has a different outlook than they had two-years back. You can read about that old post (here).

Nissan has (finally) finished their full roll-out of the Nissan Titan. All of the variations, including the Nissan Armada have debuted. This means that Nissan will be turning its attention towards the next Nissan Frontier. This is important for the next Nissan Xterra as the old one was based on the Nissan Frontier platform.

While Nissan has been tight lipped about the possibility of the next Nissan Xterra, no one has said it’s not coming back. They are fully aware of the return of the market as Jeep and Toyota are the main players in the body-on-frame, off-road SUV market. Sure, Nissan has the Armada, but there’s nothing to compete against the 4-runner, Wrangler Unlimited or the upcoming Ford Bronco.

Here’s what a bunch of us from team TFL want to see (within reason):

A diesel and turbocharged four-cylinder hooked to to a 6-speed manual and automatic tranny. I would love to see 300 lb-ft of torque.



An electronic locking rear diff with an optional locking front diff on a Pro-4X model.



An inexpensive base model that undercuts the competition.



A 7,000 lbs tow rating and a better load capacity than the old model.



Lots of Nismo accessories (winch, lift kits, bumpers, lights… etc.)

If they build it, I hope they keep the rough-and-tumble looks. I truly liked the way the Nissan Xterra (with the round headlights) looked.

Here’s hoping they build it!

N

This next question comes from a Canadian fan who is choosing between a Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester.

Q:Hi Nathan. I’ve watched TFL off road reviews and mashup and really appreciate the good work you guys are doing.

I had a question:

I live in Burlington, Ontario, Canada where we get lots of snow.

I like the updated 2017 Honda CRV but also wanted to wait 1 year till they update Subaru forester(2019).

Would you suggest Honda CRV or Subaru forester?

Thanks

Ganesh

A: Hi Ganesh!

Great question. We truly like the all-new Honda CR-V, it’s reasserted itself as one of the best vehicles in its class. It’s better in every measurable way than the vehicle it replaces. I’m rather fond of the powertrain too.

Still, in the snow, the current model Subaru Forester is hard to beat. While I have no information on the next Forester, and Subaru is still denying access to new ones, the current model is supremely confident in poor traction situations.

With that being said, I urge you to look at the Mazda CX-5 as well. It’s outstanding on most surfaces and, while it’s not as big as the Honda CR-V inside, or as beefy-feeling as the Forester, it’s a lot more fun to drive over both vehicles.

Hope that helps!

N

This next question comes from a Twitter note (Nathanadlen@Twitter) regarding the 2017 Toyota Yaris iA.

Q: Hi Nathan. I had a question about the Toyota Yaris iA.

My parents will help me with a new car, as long as it’s a Toyota product. I know the Toyota Yaris iA is actually a Mazda underneath, but that’s okay. I think it’s more exciting than the regular Toyota Yaris.

Is it a good car?

Thanks

K

A: Hi K!

Simply put, the 2017 Toyota Yaris iA is one of the most enjoyable cars to drive in its class. It’s a lot more fun to drive than its cousin, the Toyota Yaris hatchback. You can read one of our reviews (here).

If you get the manual transmission, you will be driving one of the more enjoyable subcompacts in its class.

Great choice!

N

Here’s last week’s video episode of “Ask Nathan!”

We’ll have a new one up at the end of the week. Promise!

Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.

From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that,as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.

Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.