Nissan’s Rogue, known as the X-Trail in markets outside North America, is a compact family hauler that does most things well, albeit in a rather uninspiring fashion. In its current form, it launched in 2013 and is getting on in years, but a replacement is finally just around the corner – better late than never.
With an abundance of spy-photos capturing the next Rogue / X-trail in public, we take an illustrated preview at what it will look like, and everything else we can expect from Nissan’s best-selling SUV.
Recognizably Nissan
Whereas the out-going Rogue / X-Trail is blandly inoffensive, the 2021 redesign brings a much more youthful attitude to exterior design as seen on its Kicks and Juke production siblings, with some hints from last year’s Xmotion Concept.
Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes
Frontal styling is dominated by a rectangular split-headlamp setup, with the main units positioned just above the side intakes. Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille is bigger and more angular than ever, with the upper portions blending into the slim LED daylight running lights. Sheetmetal surfacing is muscular and toned, while the angular rear pillars and black contrasting roof make for a handsome appearance.
The rear view has a staunch appearance with chunky bumpers and full-width boomerang-effect tail lights. Outlines seen under camouflaged prototypes suggest a twin exhaust system, however, they’re non-functional and decorative only.
A Nicer Place To Be
2021 Nissan Rogue / X-Trail prototype
One big criticism of the current car is its mediocre interior. Looking like a pillow factory injected with hard plastics, it could never be praised for its aesthetic or tactile qualities. Nissan sources say that these wrongs will be rectified with a thoroughly high-quality and spacious 7-seat cabin.
A large tablet-style infotainment screen sits high on the dash incorporating WiFi and smartphone integration; along with a row of hard buttons below for quick access to camera modes, maps and menus. A fully digital instrument cluster features, as does heads-up display, and multiple terrain modes for AWD models.
We anticipate Nissan’s ProPILOT suite of driver assists to be standard; including pedestrian & cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition and blind-spot intervention which brings the X-Trail back into its lane.
Under The Hood
Whilst we know how it will look, there’s still conjecture about which powertrains it’ll employ. Expect a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre petrol unit to be the main source of propulsion, with Nissan’s 2.0-litre variable-compression turbo petrol engine to be offered in the Rogue / X-Trail for the first time. Power will be fed through a continuously variable transmission to the front wheels, or all four as an option.
As part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, the X-Trail will share its underpinnings with the upcoming Mitsubishi Outlander. In doing so, Nissan will have access to a plug-in hybrid powertrain that could offer up to 43 miles (70km) of electric-only driving.
Rivals & Reveal
Even though the X-Trail / Rogue is a global top-seller, it competes in a crowded segment that includes accomplished heavyweights like Toyota’s RAV4, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, Subaru Forester, Jeep Cherokee, Mazda CX-5, VW Tiguan, Skoda Kodiaq, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage.
An official reveal date is yet to be announced, however, we expect the covers to fall within the next few months, with sales starting in late 2020.
What are your thoughts on Nissan’s all-new 2021 Rogue? Share your views in the comments below.
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