With a completely renovated and higher quality interior, the Japanese SUV now becomes a formidable rival for the leaders of the segment.
The fourth generation of the X-Trail, third under the name of Rogue exclusive to the United States (remember that they were born as independent models, but ended up merging), has just made its international debut. Safer and more practical than ever, this SUV is a mix between the traditional recipe seasoned with a touch of modernity that will probably help you return to lost prominence.
Aesthetically, the new X-Trail follows the path set by the new Juke generation. Thanks to its divided light groups, a floating roof and the V-Motion grille, it looks more dynamic than ever. At the same time, it provides a greater feeling of solidity. Behind, everything looks cleaner and simple, highlighting the elongated lights. It is striking that the low plastic protectors have a “metallic” finish, while the wheels are 18 or 19 inches.
Behind the scenes, the X-Trail boasts an interior space that is better used both in the first and second row of seats, despite being slightly shorter. We did not mention the third row because there is simply no more. The tailgate, by the way, is larger and announces a capacity of 1,033 liters in the boot with normal seats (up to the roof), less than the 1,100 of the previous generation.
As is the trend, the protagonism of the interior is taken by the infotainment system, consisting of an 8-inch screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while optionally you can mount a 9-inch higher resolution and satellite navigation.
For its part, the screen of the instrument cluster is 7” digital, although it can also equip a 12.3-inch one. The head-up display is 10.8 inches. At this point, it is worth mentioning that just as it happened with the new Sentra and Versa, the interior evolves dramatically in its quality. In addition to leather, we can find surfaces in black piano, chrome and wood.
As for equipment, we have a wireless charging port, panoramic roof, a 10-speaker Bose audio, ambient lighting, electric parking brake, smart key, heated seats, three-zone climate control, among others.
Regarding security, it has an extensive list of electronic assistants, highlighting the autonomous emergency brake, blind spot monitor, pedestrian detection, 360º vision camera, lane keeping assistant, adaptive cruise control. For sure, the ProPilot Assist system boasts of using a longer range radar and a wider field of view camera.
Little mechanical change
Now, based on technical data, it should be borne in mind that the new X-Trail is not debuting a new platform (although the brand indicates otherwise), but rather is based on an improved version of the CMF-C / D, which is supposed to be lighter and stiffer.
As we mentioned at the beginning, curiously it is more compact than before, although nothing itself. The new Nissan X-Trail 2021 is now 4,643 mm long (3 cm less), 1,839 mm wide, 1,683 mm high (-5.3 cm) and has 2,702 mm between the axles (-2.54 mm)
To propel itself, the X-Trail uses the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter “PR25DD” four-cylinder engine capable of delivering 181 Hp and 245 Nm of torque, coupled to a CVT automatic transmission with five driving modes: Off-Road, Snow, Standart, Eco and Sport. The traction is front, although an AWD system can also be mounted. If we compare it with the current engine (QR25DD) we have 12 Hp and 13 Nm more.
The new Nissan X-Trail / Rogue 2021 goes on sale in the United States next fall. No matter where it is sold, it will always have to rival Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan and KIA Sportage, although now without that advantage. which meant having 7 seats.
Finally, we must be very attentive to this SUV, since according to the plan of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, on its basis the next Outlander and Koleos will be built, in addition to which we can expect electrified e-Power versions. It would also not be unreasonable to see any Nismo version, powered by the Altima’s 2.0-liter turbo. But it all depends on how successful your sales are.
