Nissan has debuted a Nismo-tuned performance variant of the X-trail e-Power medium SUV, giving the Japanese brand a rival to Toyota’s new RAV4 GR Sport.
Nissan’s in-house tuning division, Nismo, has revealed a performance-oriented variant of the X-Trail mid-size SUV for the Japanese market.
Based on the all-wheel drive X-Trail e-Power hybrid, the X-Trail Nismo features a range of handling tweaks designed to deliver improved responsiveness, but unlike other Nismo versions, it leaves power outputs untouched.
The most noticeable changes to the X-Trail Nismo are seen on the outside, where the new variant picks up a dark chrome grille, dark chrome headlight surrounds, and a new front lip spoiler, side skirts and rear diffuser with red pinstriping.
Nismo claims the body changes contribute to a 29 per cent reduction in lift compared to the regular X-Trail without increasing aerodynamic drag.
The X-Trail Nismo rides on 20-inch Enkei cast alloy wheels, manufactured using a process that the wheel manufacturer claims matches the strength of forged alloys, as often used on performance cars.
The alloy wheels feature a flat outer surface to minimise airflow disruption, with a large centre opening to improve brake cooling. They're wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres in a 255/45 R20 profile – the same size already fitted to high-spec models of the X-Trail in Australia.
Suspension changes include the Nissan-first use of Kayaba Swing Valve dampers, manufactured by Japan’s KYB Corporation, which promise to blend stable and predictable handling with a smooth ride.
Nissan has also retuned the X-Trail e-Power’s e-4orce all-wheel drive system, with increased input from the rear axle's electric motor in an attempt to reduce load on the front tyres, claimed to enhance steering input and produce a more accurate cornering line.
Adjustments to the front-rear torque balance can be made via the drive mode controller, with each setting altering the power split characteristics.
Changes to the steering have also been made to complement the changes to tyres and suspension.
On the inside, the X-Trail Nismo adopts a black and red interior colour scheme with red highlights on the starter button, and a 12 o’clock marker on the steering wheel.
Optional Recaro front sports seats will also be available, offering deep side bolstering and a one-piece backrest design with integrated headrests and pass-through loops that imitate the racing harness points found in race cars.
With no mention of changes to the powertrain, the X-Trail Nismo looks set to continue with 150kW front and 100kW rear electric motors driving the wheels powered through a hybrid system.
It is charged by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that functions as a generator, but doesn’t connect to the driven wheels directly. Combined outputs are listed at 157kW.
Nissan’s tuning program closely mimics that of Toyota’s for the new RAV4 GR Sport, which doesn’t alter power and torque outputs, and instead focuses on changes to steering, suspension, and handling response, plus styling upgrades to give it a more aggressive look.
The Nissan X-Trail Nismo is set for a Japanese market launch on September 24, 2025. A Nissan Australia spokesperson confirmed it is "destined for the Japanese domestic market only."
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
