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Nissan Just Unveiled a New Nismo Model That Needs to Make Its Way to the U.S.

An up-spec X-Trail joins the lineup, but could its debut herald the arrival of a Rogue Nismo?

Close-up of a car's center console featuring a rotary dial with various driving mode icons, an electronic parking brake button labeled "P," an "AUTO HOLD" button with an orange indicator light, and a "nismo" badge on a brushed black surface with red stitching on the adjacent leather trim.Nissan
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By Gray Van Dyke

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Anyone who knows Nismo in the United States is probably familiar with the performance outfit on account of cars like the Nissan Z or the GT-R (or maybe some odd exception, such as the Juke or the Sentra).

However, in other markets around the world — especially Japan — the Nismo division works its magic on a much wider variety of vehicles. Think everything from the imposing Patrol to the subcompact Note.

A blue Nissan X-Trail Nismo SUV driving on a snowy road, kicking up snow around the wheels. The vehicle features a black grille with the Nissan logo, sleek LED headlights, and red accents on the front bumper and side skirts. The background shows a snowy landscape with trees and a cloudy sky.
The X-Trail Nismo brings Nissan motorsport expertise to a family-friendly crossover.
Nissan

With the launch of the X-Trail Nismo, Nissan has just introduced yet another model that’s tantalizingly out of reach. Thankfully, given that it’s the JDM twin to the Rogue, this crossover could very well make its way stateside.

A driver-focused family car

While the X-Trail Nismo doesn’t come with any engine upgrades compared to the standard SUV, it nevertheless offers a robust overhaul aimed at driving enthusiasts. 

Most notably, it’s the first Nissan to feature Kayaba Swing Valve shock absorbers, a suspension technology that allows for minimal body roll while still offering a comfortable ride. But that’s not all.

Interior of a Nissan vehicle featuring a black leather steering wheel with a red center stripe and the Nissan logo in the middle. The dashboard includes a digital instrument cluster displaying speed and other driving information. A large touchscreen infotainment system shows a navigation map. The center console has dual cup holders, a gear selector, climate control knobs, and various buttons, including a red start/stop button. The interior is accented with red stitching and red trim details.
As befits a special edition, it features touches of red inside and out.
Nissan

In the pursuit of optimizing its cornering ability, the X-Trail Nismo also incorporates an adapted version of the e-4ORCE electric all-wheel drive system found in the Nissan Ariya.

Together with a specially tuned vehicle control module, it provides improved turn-in and exit response along with Sport and Auto driving modes.

It’s also worth noting that the X-Trail makes use of Nissan’s e-Power hybrid system through which the turbocharger three-cylinder engine acts as a range extender for the battery and motors. Accordingly, the Nismo version even gains a set of Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires.

A blue Nissan X-Trail Nismo SUV driving on a road, shown from the rear right side. The vehicle features sporty design elements with red accents on the rear bumper and side skirts, tinted windows, and modern LED tail lights. The road and background are slightly blurred, emphasizing motion.
Beyond looking cool, the front, side and rear diffusers are functional upgrades.
Nissan

Aero aesthetic upgrades

In keeping with its driver-focused equipment overhaul, the X-Trail Nismo also features some functional aesthetic upgrades. It wears a bodykit that actually makes a difference.

In fact, between a front under spoiler, a set of side under spoilers, a rear diffuser and some special 20-inch wheels, Nissan says that the package reduces lift by 29 percent compared to the base model. 

Black and silver alloy wheel with a Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tire mounted on a Nissan vehicle. The tire size is 255/45 R20. The wheel has a modern, angular design with multiple spokes and a Nissan logo in the center.
The wheels improve airflow, cooling the brakes and reducing lift.
Nissan

Of course, even beyond their ability to generate downforce or improve airflow, there’s no denying that features like the red accents and aluminum wheels make for an impressive visual upgrade, too.

A sleek, modern Nissan X-Trail SUV in a matte blue-gray finish with black and red accents. The vehicle features a bold front grille, sharp LED headlights, sporty black alloy wheels, and a black roof. The design emphasizes a sporty and aggressive look with red trim details on the front bumper, side skirts, and mirrors. The background is a minimalist, futuristic setting with smooth, curved architectural elements and a reflective floor.
Even though it’s currently slated for a JDM release, the X-Trail Nismo could make its way to the United States as an up-spec Rogue.
Nissan

Worldwide possibilities

As of this writing, the X-Trail Nismo is only destined for Japan — it’s slated to go on sale starting September 24. However, that’s not to say that a stateside Rogue release won’t be soon to follow.

After all, Nissan is bringing its Armada Nismo to the North American market for the first time starting in 2026. Moreover, the brand has confirmed that its e-Power system will be getting a greater rollout.

About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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