Nissan Plans a Major SUV Upgrade to Turn Things Around

【PCauto】The SUV called Rogue in North America and X-Trail in other parts of the world is now key to Nissan's comeback. With factory cuts and financial losses piling up, the all-new model will arrive in Q4 2025 and carries big hopes for the brand.

It still sits on the current CMF-CD platform, but the fresh design and updated powertrain show that Nissan is ready to fight for its future.

The New Model Follows Nissan’s “NEXT” Design Language

Patent images show a design that takes cues from the electric Ariya. The front still features the V-Motion grille, but it’s smaller this time. High-end trims come with matrix laser headlights, while the five-piece hexagonal DRLs on each side give it a bold, modern look.

From the side, scalloped lines add a stronger, more muscular shape. The D-pillar borrows from the bold look of the latest Patrol SUV. At the back, wraparound LED taillights echo the front design, giving the whole SUV a sharper and more sculpted appearance than before.

The Interior Sees Big Changes Too

The early dual-screen setup didn’t make it to production. Instead, the final version uses a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a separate 10.8-inch head-up display. Most physical buttons are gone, and the wide, horizontal dashboard sticks with the clean, simple style seen in the Ariya.

Nissan Connect 3.0 is now onboard, with support for 5G and OTA updates, making the digital experience smoother and more up to date.

Three Power Options, One Big Step Forward

Nissan will offer three power options for the new model.

The gas version sticks with the 1.5T VC-Turbo three-cylinder engine, now running at 42% thermal efficiency. According to EPA ratings, it uses 8.4L/100km in the city and 6.9L/100km on the highway.

The second-gen e-Power hybrid stands out. It comes with a new lithium-ion battery that’s 15% more efficient and delivers 80 km of electric-only range under WLTC standards. The 1.5T engine acts purely as a generator, while the motor handles all the driving.

Meanwhile, A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version is also in the works.

The all-electric e-X-Trail won’t arrive until 2027. In May 2025, Nissan adjusted its strategy and lowered its 2030 electrification target from 40% to 30%. For now, hybrids will be the main focus during this transition.

The updated ProPILOT 2.5 driver assist system adds two key features. One is memory parking, which can save up to five regular routes. The other improves traffic jam assist by better detecting cars cutting in. Active safety is expected to get a boost too, with a new pre-collision system under development. But we’ll have to wait for NHTSA’s test results to see how well it works.

New SUV Launch Delayed to Q4 2025

Nissan’s official website announced the new SUV’s launch is now pushed back to the fourth quarter of 2025 due to software tuning. It’s likely to debut at either the Los Angeles or Frankfurt Auto Show. This model carries Nissan’s hopes for a strong comeback.

With the Toyota RAV4 selling 350,000 units a year as the benchmark, the new Rogue/X-Trail faces a tough challenge. Will precise pricing and solid performance help it win back ground in the crowded compact SUV market? We’ll have to wait and see.