Nissan has officially unveiled the next-generation X-Trail in the USA after months of leaks and speculation.
Set to launch in the USA late this year, CarExpert understands the critical mid-sized SUV rival to the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 is still between 12 and 18 months from arriving in Australia.
When it touches down, the higher-tech new X-Trail is expected to feature a set of modern powertrains to take on the all-conquering Toyota RAV4.
The American-market Rogue will feature a carryover 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine at launch, but the range is expected to eventually feature an e-Power option, and a hybrid to take on the Toyota RAV4.
Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester has previously indicated his desire to have one third of the range electrified by 2022. He has also told CarExpert the “market is ready” for more electrified vehicles.
Given the runaway success of the Toyota RAV4 hybrid in Australia, it’s likely the next-generation X-Trail will be offered with the option of hybrid power Down Under when it launches next year.
The new X-Trail, known as the Rogue in the USA, is a far more modern vehicle than the car it replaces. Inside, it packs a new infotainment system with a 10.8-inch colour head-up display, 12.3-inch digital dashboard, and a 9.0-inch touchscreen.
Wireless Apple CarPlay is included, with wireless phone charging at the base of the centre console. The overall cabin design is far more modern than that of the ageing current-generation X-Trail, and promises to pack nicer materials.
Nissan will offer a full ProPilot suite of active safety assists, too. Adaptive cruise control with steering assist features, backed by the navigation system – when the navigation tells the car it’s approaching a bend, cruise can slow down ahead of time.
Expect to see all the necessary safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse autonomous emergency braking, along with AEB packing pedestrian and cyclist detection.
The more advanced range of active safety features are supported by a new electric power steering system. Nissan says a new Vehicle Motion Control system works with the all-wheel drive to brake the inside wheels in a corner and tighten the car’s line
The all-wheel drive system packs a new electro-hydraulic clutch, which is designed to more accurately and quickly shuffle power to where it needs to be when slip is detected.
Externally, the new X-Trail wears a more modern face than the car it replaces, with a fashionable split headlight design in keeping with the latest Juke and Patrol.
It’s more grown up than the current car, and looks larger. That’s despite a body 38mm shorter than before, and a roofline 5mm lower.
A range of two-tone exterior finishes will be available in the USA, although whether they’ll be available locally remains to be seen.
Although it’s getting long in the tooth, the current-generation X-Trail is selling strongly in Australia. It sits third in the mid-sized SUV class so far in 2020, trailing only the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 for sales.
The new Nissan X-Trail is pictured in red, the current model in silver.
