The Nissan X-Trail is getting upgraded infotainment for 2026, as well as a rugged-looking Rock Creek variant and a sporty Nismo range-topper.
Nissan Australia had no update on when the refreshed X-Trail will come Down Under. It’ll go on sale in Japan from September 18.
It has, however, confirmed the new Nismo flagship won’t come here.
Externally, the updated mid-size SUV is distinguished by a new grille, a gloss black lower bumper with satin silver accents, new alloy wheel designs, and LED front and rear indicators.
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Inside, the upper part of the dashboard is now black, while the available tan Nappa leather interior has been replaced with a “more subdued” brown.
All USB-A outlets have been replaced with USB-C outlets, while the surround-view camera features a 3D view and an invisible bonnet view to show what’s going on underneath the vehicle.
The headline change inside the cabin is the more to the new-generation 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which features Google built-in.
This means Google Maps and the Google Assistant are embedded in the infotainment system, with more apps available for download using the Google Play Store.
The infotainment system also features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and in-car wi-fi.
Owners can remotely adjust climate control settings and lock and unlock the car using the Nissan Connect smartphone app.
A new Rock Creek variant joins the lineup, following its reveal late in 2024 for the X-Trail’s US-built Rogue twin.
Like the Rogue Rock Creek, it features unique styling touches inside and out though Nissan Japan makes no mention of any added off-road ability.
There’s a unique front bumper and grille, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels finished in black with Lava Red accents. There are also black roof rails and mirror caps.
The ‘hero colour’ of the X-Trail Rock creek is Canyon Beige with a Super Black roof, which will be exclusive to this new variant.
Inside, there’s waterproof upholstery with Lava Red accents found on the seats, door trims, dashboard, centre console, and steering wheel.
The Rock Creek replaces the Extremer X in the Japanese market, which closely resembles the N-Trek offered here.
As before, there’s a version of the X-Trail customised by Nissan’s Autech division. It gains a Sports Spec variant with a retuned all-wheel drive system and suspension. Autech X-Trails are exclusive to the Japanese market.
There’s one key difference between the Japanese-market X-Trail and ours, and that’s under the bonnet.
While Nissan offers the same e-Power series hybrid powertrain across both markets, the standard engine in the Japanese-market X-Trail is a 106kW/250Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine instead of a 135kW/244Nm naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four like in Australia.
No mechanical changes have been detailed for the X-Trail, though the sporty Nismo features a retuned all-wheel drive system, steering and suspension.
In addition to the difference in base engine, the Japanese X-Trail lineup differs in other ways from ours. There’s no petrol all-wheel drive option, for example, while the e-Power hybrid powertrain is offered with seven seats there.
The X-Trail has long been a popular mid-size SUV in Australia, though it’s currently being outpaced by its Mitsubishi Outlander platform-mate.
To the end of July, Nissan Australia has delivered 9648 X-Trails against 13,268 Outlanders. Both, however, are significantly outsold by the Toyota RAV4 (28,449), which dominates this segment.
