New Nissan X-Trail hybrid SUV to be unveiled on 6 September

The UK market version of the new Nissan X-Trail will be revealed on 6 September, following the launch of the fourth-generation hybrid SUV last month in Japan. The forthcoming Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander rival will be available exclusively with hybrid power, featuring the same e-POWER technology as the latest Qashqai.

Nissan’s e-POWER setup is different from a normal hybrid, because the electric motor is the only thing that drives the wheels – the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet simply charges the 2.1kWh battery. The aim of this powertrain is to provide as close to an electric-car driving experience as possible, including quiet and smooth acceleration, and even one-pedal driving thanks to regenerative braking.

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Plus, since the engine is always running at optimum revs, Nissan claims it’s more efficient in terms of CO2 and fuel economy than a traditional hybrid car. However, efficiency figures for the X-Trail e-POWER have yet to be revealed. Power output for the front-wheel-drive version is likely to match the hybrid Qashqai's 188bhp and 330Nm of torque.

The 2022 Nissan X-Trail will also be offered with four-wheel drive. This model features an additional 134bhp electric motor on the rear axle and Nissan’s ‘e-4ORCE’ system, which debuted on the Ariya electric SUV. The setup boosts performance and can vary the amount of torque between the front and rear axles to improve stability and handling.

The torque from the dual-motor setup should also help if you take the X-Trail off-road, as will the individual driving modes for dealing with snowy, gravelly or muddy conditions. Power, fuel economy and emissions figures have yet to be released, though.

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The new X-Trail’s styling can easily be described as a chunkier version of the latest Qashqai, as both sport the ‘V-Motion’ grille design paired with sharp headlights, but the X-Trail has a more square-jawed look to it. Inside, there’s a pair of 12.3-inch screens – one central touchscreen, plus a digital driver’s display – with a 10.8-inch head-up display available on top of those.

There’s also the option of a seven-seater layout, while safety technology on offer includes Nissan’s ProPilot driver assistance system, which combines adaptive cruise control, stop-and-go functionality and lane-keeping assist. 

Exact UK pricing and specifications will be revealed closer to the car's 2022 on-sale date, but we'd expect a slight increase on the previous model's starting price of just over £27,000, likely breaking the £30,000 barrier.