New Nissan X-TRAIL leaked

Several images of the all-new Nissan Rogue – which is sold in Australia as the X-TRAIL – have been revealed, confirming a sleek new design and a high-tech interior fit-out.

As well as showcasing a brand-new digital speedometer/instrument panel, the images leaked from an official Nissan brochure via Worldscoop forums confirm the 2021 Nissan X-TRAIL will go significantly upmarket.

Nissan Australia representatives wouldn’t comment on the local implications but released the following statement: "We are excited about the all-new Nissan Rogue, which will go on sale in the USA later this year as planned. We do not have any additional details to share about the new model at this time."

However, carsales.com.au has it on good authority that the replacement for Australia's third best-selling mid-size SUV (behind the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5), will arrive here in the second half of next year.

While it is not yet clear what engines will be offered here (it may carry over its four-cylinder diesel and petrol powertrains), it's understood that an electrified powertrain is high on the agenda for the redesigned medium SUV, which will be based on Nissan's latest (CMF) platform architecture.

With the sell-out success of the Toyota RAV4 hybrid in Australia, the improving affordability of electrified powertrains and a global move towards cleaner powertrains, all major brands with successful models in the medium SUV segment (including the next Hyundai Tucson) are seeking to offer hybrid options.

We've previously reported that the 2021 Nissan X-TRAIL could be offered with a similar plug-in hybrid system as used by sister brand Mitsubishi in its Outlander PHEV. However, the bigger Japanese brand's homegrown e-POWER hybrid system is understood to be a more likely option.

We recently tested the e-POWER hybrid powertrain in the Nissan Note in Japan and the hybrid concept is a little different to most. An electric motor drives the wheels, while the petrol engine works purely as a device to charge the battery, resulting in very low fuel consumption and EV-like acceleration.

While there are still a lot of question marks around the all-new 2021 Nissan X-TRAIL, the leaked images match up with several speculative computer renders previously published. And while the exterior design is more sophisticated than before, it's the interior with its diamond-pattern leather upholstery, maritime-inspired gear shifter and large digital instrument panel that will raise eyebrows.

The X-TRAIL's more luxurious interior is certain to improve its appeal, as is the new touch-screen infotainment system and digital instrument cluster seen in these photos.

The new LCD instrument cluster is our first look at Nissan's all-new digitised set-up that is almost certain to make its way into most upcoming Nissan vehicles, offering a range of customisation options.

Other new features we can glean from the leaked images include new steering wheel controls, dual-zone climate control, regular USB and USB C ports and a new all-mode 4WD selector dial. Wireless phone charging is also offered.

Improvements to the ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving systems will include upgraded lane-keeping and lane-tracing systems to steer the car along the highway. Adaptive cruise control may include a traffic jam mode with a stop-and-go capability that requires no driver intervention as well.

Front- and all-wheel drive versions will be offered locally and another seven-seat option is also likely. It's too early to say if there will be price changes, but in line with its direct rivals the existing Nissan X-TRAIL is priced between $30,000 and $50,000.

Stay tuned for more details on the next Nissan X-TRAIL via the US launch of the new Rogue later in the year.