Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the long-awaited X-Trail NISMO on August 21, 2025, with its release scheduled for September 24. This model, which will be introduced as part of a major minor change to the current X-Trail , is a sports SUV that brings together the technologies of Nissan’s high-performance brand, NISMO. Developed under the concept of “a grand touring SUV that delivers a passionate experience,” this innovative SUV embodies the NISMO road car philosophy of “a car that is faster, more comfortable, and safer to drive.”
It combines aerodynamic performance and design, utilizing racing know-how, and achieves outstanding driving performance through special tuning. It is attracting attention as a full-fledged sports SUV that overturns the conventional concept of an SUV.
Overview of the 2025 X-Trail NISMO model
NISSAN X-TRAIL NISMO
Announcement and release schedule
- Announcement date : Wednesday, August 21, 2025, 10:00 AM
- Release date : September 18, 2025 (Monday)
- Market : First release in Japan
Target audience
The new X-TRAIL NISMO is targeted at customers seeking both driving performance and utility, particularly those who:
- Those who value a sports mindset
- Those who want to enjoy a serious, sporty driving experience even in an SUV
- Those who want to combine everyday use with active weekend activities
Design and exterior features
NISSAN X-TRAIL NISMO
Specially tuned electric 4WD system
The biggest feature of the X-TRAIL NISMO is its specially tuned “NISMO tuned e-4ORCE” electric drive all-wheel control technology, which has the following features:
- Increased rear tire drive force distribution : Significant improvement in cornering performance
- Specialized front tire cornering control : Achieves excellent line tracing performance
- Dedicated tuning for each drive mode : optimal driving on various road surfaces, including snowy roads
First use of Kayaba Swing Valve suspension
This is the first Nissan model to use Kayaba Swing Valves in its shock absorbers. This achieves a balance between the conflicting performance requirements of suppressing body motion, a challenge specific to SUVs, and ensuring ride comfort for all occupants, resulting in high stability and a high-quality ride.
Michelin Pilot Sport EV adopted
The Aria NISMO also uses highly acclaimed Michelin Pilot Sport EV wheels. The 20-inch wheels and wider rims significantly improve steering response.
Aerodynamic performance and design | Exterior that pursues functional beauty
NISSAN X-TRAIL NISMO
Aerodynamic package that reduces lift by 29%
The X-Trail NISMO combines high-level design and aerodynamic performance:
Front section
- Dark chrome accents on top of the grille
- A sense of horizontal width created by the continuity with the signature lamp
- Front under spoiler with NISMO logo
Side part
- Red accented side under spoiler
- Enhanced downforce through expansion of the negative pressure area on the underside of the vehicle
Rear section
- Diffuser-shaped bottom design
- Rear fog lights reminiscent of racing cars
Exclusive 20-inch aluminum wheels made by ENKEI
The specially designed 20-inch aluminum wheels are made using the “MAT” method, which achieves both light weight and high rigidity. The larger opening area in the center improves brake cooling, and the flat outer periphery provides a streamlining effect.
These functional designs have resulted in an astonishing improvement in aerodynamic performance , with lift reduced by 29% compared to the standard vehicle .
VCM exclusive tuning | A powertrain suitable for a grand touring SUV
Special tuning of the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) enables two distinctive drive modes:
SPORT mode
- Emphasis on response as an electric vehicle
- Powerful acceleration characteristics
- Optimized for sporty driving
AUTO mode
- Emphasis on acceleration growth
- Comfort for everyday use
- Pursuing “speed and comfort” in a variety of situations
High-quality interior | A fusion of sportiness and comfort
NISSAN X-TRAIL NISMO
NISMO-like design coordination
The interior is based on black with red accents throughout, achieving both the high quality and sportiness you expect from a NISMO model. Building on the comfort and functionality that the X-Trail is known for, it creates a special interior space exclusive to NISMO.
NISMO-exclusive tuning RECARO sports seats (optional)
For customers seeking a sportier driving experience, NISMO-exclusively tuned RECARO sports seats are available as a manufacturer option:
- High holding power : Reduces body movement when cornering
- A sense of unity with the car : powerful support for driving
- Comfort features : Power reclining mechanism and seat heater
- Material : Leather/Alcantara®
A wide range of NISMO-exclusive dealer options
NISSAN X-TRAIL NISMO
NISMO exterior full package
The uniform red and carbon-look design give the exterior a sportier look:
- NISMO pillar garnish
- NISMO wing side garnish
- NISMO antenna garnish
- NISMO back door garnish
Nismo Basic Plus
Recommended packaging options for first-time buyers:
- NISMO floor mats (for one vehicle)
- NISMO license plate rim
- NISMO license plate lock
- NISMO plastic visor
- NISMO Security Wheel Lock
Other dedicated parts
- NISMO door step accent plate : Carbon-look x Red stripe design
- NISMO Door Inner Protector : Functionality and design
- NISMO luggage mat : Black thread fabric with NISMO logo patch
- NISMO air valve cap : Vitro finish with NISMO logo
Powertrain and performance specifications
Continued adoption of e-POWER system
1.5L inline 3-cylinder VC turbo engine e-POWER system
The X-Trail NISMO will use the same second-generation e-POWER system as the standard model:
- Engine : 1.5L inline 3-cylinder VC turbo engine (for generator)
- Total system output : 211hp (157kW/215PS)
- Maximum torque : 525 Nm (387 lb-ft)
- Drivetrain : e-4ORCE (all-wheel drive) only
NISMO exclusive tuning
Although there is no power increase, the following special tuning has improved driving performance:
- Special settings for electric power steering
- Optimized suspension springs and shock absorbers
- Software improvements to the e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system
Body color variations
Available in 6 colors
Monotone colors (3 colors)
- Prism White
- Diamond Black
- Dark Metal Gray
Two-tone color (3 colors)
- Prism White x Super Black Roof
- Cardinal Red x Super Black Roof
- NISMO exclusive Stealth Gray x Super Black roof
Price and grade structure | 4WD model exclusively for two-row seats
The new X-Trail NISMO will be available in all grades with 4WD (e-4ORCE) and two-row seating.
Price list (including consumption tax)
| grade | Drive system | price |
|---|---|---|
| NISMO e-4ORCE | 4WD | 5,416,400 yen |
| NISMO advanced package e-4ORCE | 4WD | 5,962,000 yen |
It is worth noting that this model will be handled by Nissan Motorsports & Customization Co., Ltd. (NMC) as a registered vehicle, which will provide more specialized after-sales support and a special purchasing experience unique to the NISMO brand.
Possibility of expansion into the North American market
According to overseas media reports, the next-generation Rogue (the North American name for the X-Trail) for the American market is scheduled to be released in mid-2026, and a NISMO specification is also being considered. However, there has been no clear announcement regarding the expansion of NISMO to the current model.
Other grades added in the minor change
The following new grades will also be added at the same time as the X-Trail NISMO:
X-TRAIL AUTECH
- ROCK CREEK – Outdoor Grade
- AUTECH SPORT SPEC – Autech sports spec
2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek
Comparison with competing models
TOYOTA RAV4 GR SPORT
X-Trail NISMO’s main competitors:
- Toyota RAV4 – GR Sport grade
- Mazda CX-5 – High-end model
- Honda CR-V – Sport version
- Subaru Forester – Sport Grade
Summary and key points
The 2025 Nissan X-Trail NISMO is a car worth noting for the following reasons:
Main Attractions
- Full-scale sports tuning by the NISMO brand
- Powertrain configuration that does not impair practicality
- Differentiation through exclusive design
- A wide range of grades available
Future developments
- Detailed specifications will be revealed at the official announcement on August 21, 2025
- On sale from September 18th
- Possibility of expansion into the North American market
The X-Trail NISMO, which incorporates technology from Nissan’s sports brand NISMO, is likely to become a noteworthy model that offers a new option to the SUV market.
A word from the editorial department
The X-Trail NISMO is a next-generation sports SUV that combines Nissan’s electrification technology with NISMO’s racing know-how. Pricing starts at around 5.4 million yen, which is by no means cheap, but it offers a full range of equipment and performance that matches the price, including a specially tuned e-4ORCE system, an aerodynamic package that reduces lift by 29%, and a high-quality interior.
This model embodies NISMO’s philosophy of “a car that is faster, more comfortable, and safer to drive,” and establishes a new category called the Grand Touring SUV. As a noteworthy vehicle that brings a new option to the sports SUV market, we can’t wait for its release on September 24th.
NISMO
