Look out, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid! Nissan is adding an electrified e-Power option to the popular X-Trail.
The 2022 Nissan X-Trail has made its debut at the Shanghai motor show and, as expected, it’s essentially identical to the North American Rogue.
CarExpert understands the redesigned X-Trail will launch locally in 2022. Local powertrain line-up details have yet to be revealed.
Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester has previously indicated his desire to have one third of the range electrified by 2022, telling CarExpert the “market is ready” for more electrified vehicles.
First featured in the smaller Note not sold here, the e-Power drivetrain uses a small petrol engine as a generator to charge the battery, while an electric motor delivers power directly to the wheels.
The company says this gives you the feel of an electric vehicle, including the instant torque, without the need to plug in to charge.
In the redesigned Qashqai one size smaller, the e-Power powertrain features a 1.5-litre petrol engine and produces total outputs of 140kW of power and 330Nm of torque.
The e-Power Qashqai is available only with front-wheel drive.
This could be one of three electrified powertrains in the redesigned X-Trail.
With the new Outlander from Alliance partner Mitsubishi moving to the X-Trail’s CMF-C/D platform, Nissan is expected to get the Outlander PHEV’s plug-in hybrid powertrain as part of the arrangement.
A report from BestCarWeb suggests the outgoing model’s hybrid powertrain variant will also continue.
Though never offered here, it’s been available in other markets since 2015.
The hybrid X-Trail mates a 105kW 2.0-litre petrol four with a 29kW electric motor, lithium-ion battery and continuously-variable transmission, and is available with either front- or all-wheel drive.
The current model’s diesel engine is expected to disappear, though the X-Trail’s North American sibling continues to offer a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 134kW of power and 239Nm of torque.
In China and North America, the X-Trail/Rogue will also come with a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with 152kW of power and 300Nm of torque.
Continuously-variable transmissions continue to be the order of the day in the X-Trail.
The new Rogue looks larger and more grown up than the current X-Trail but it’s 38mm shorter than before and has a roofline 5mm lower.
Dimensions aren’t expected to be much different for the new X-Trail.
Though it’s shorter, the X-Trail is still expected to offer a third row of seating though don’t expect to see that available in the plug-in hybrid model due to packaging restrictions.
The new X-Trail goes on sale in China later this year and in the summer (our winter) of 2022 in Europe. That’s despite the Rogue going on sale in North America late in 2020.
