SPIED: Nissan NP300 Navara-based SUV seen testing

The Nissan NP300 Navara appears to be getting an SUV derivative as captured in photos by spy photographers. The prototype here might strike some as the third-generation R51 Pathfinder as it does sport a number of identical elements.

Up front, it’s undoubtedly the face of a NP300 Navara, as it shares the same V-motion grille, headlamps, fog lamp insert design and arching bonnet. As such, it can be assumed that the prototype here shares the same body-on-frame chassis and multi-link rear suspension as the Navara.

From the B-pillars rearward, it’s all R51 Pathfinder. The boxy rear end, including the tail lamps, rear windscreen, bumper and even the distinctive hidden rear door handles have all been nicked from the previous-gen, body-on-frame SUV. Ford used a similar half-and-half design on an Everest mule before, mating the Ranger‘s front end to the rear of the Aussie-market Territory.

When it does go on sale, it is unlikely to sport the Pathfinder badge, as the latter now adorns a softer unibody SUV that has moved away from being traditionally based on the Navara’s underpinnings. However, it could receive the Xterra moniker – the last one, which was discontinued last year, was very similar to the R51 Pathfinder, except that it had five instead of seven seats.

Certain reports also suggest that the production version could be the replacement for the hardy fifth-generation Y61 Nissan Patrol, which is still being offered on sale alongside the more luxurious V8-only Y62 Patrol/Armada – the latter being a close cousin of the Infiniti QX80.

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