Nissan Rogue’s Twin Gains Nismo Version With Sporty Bits But Something Is Missing

Nissan’s Nismo performance arm has been busy expanding its reach into the SUV lineup. Fresh off unveiling its take on the Armada, the division is now turning its attention to the X-Trail, the overseas counterpart to North America’s Rogue that just got facelifted in Japan.

The X-Trail Nismo features a sporty bodykit, a custom suspension setup and tweaked AWD electronics focused on improving handling and driver engagement. However, the hybrid powertrain misses out on extra power.

More Aggressive Looks

Starting with the exterior, the Japanese-spec X-Trail benefits from a mid-lifecycle update, mirroring the styling upgrades introduced by the US-spec Rogue back in 2024. However, the Nismo version which is unique to Japan dials things up a notch compared to the already available accessories from the Nismo Parts catalog and the styling packages for previous generations.

The SUV gains a prominent front splitter with Nismo branding, side skirts, and a rear diffuser with an F1-style brake light, all featuring the signature red highlights of Nissan’s performance sub-brand. According to the company, the bodykit is not only for show, as it reduces lift by 29% compared to the base X-Trail.

More: Here’s What’s Coming To The 2026 Rogue

Another highlight is the exclusive set of 20-inch aluminum wheels by Enkei, with a design that improves brake cooling. The new shoes are shod in wider Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires for added grip on tarmac. Finally, the color palette includes the Nismo-exclusive Stealth Gray shade with a contrasting Super Black roof and the aforementioned red accents.

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Sportier Cabin Touches

Inside, the cabin features black upholstery with red stitching and matching inserts. The sporty atmosphere is accentuated by the optional Recaro sport seats with integrated headrests, which are trimmed in leather and Alcantara. Besides offering greater support, these seats also have a power reclining mechanism and heating, so they don’t sacrifice comfort. While the standard X-Trail is also available with a seven-seat configuration, the Nismo is strictly a five-seater.

Handling Over Power

While a Nismo variant of the X-Trail might usually be expected to deliver more power, the model retains the standard e-Power system. This self-charging hybrid setup combines a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine that functions as a generator with dual electric motors, producing a total output of 211 hp (157 kW / 215 PS) and 525 Nm (387 lb-ft) of torque. This makes it significantly less powerful than the rival Toyota RAV4 GR-Sport which churns out 320 hp (239 kW / 324 PS) from a plug-in hybrid setup.

More: Nissan’s Most Crucial SUV Is Getting A Radical Redesign That Could Save Its Future

However, not everything is bad news as Nismo engineers focused their attention to upgrading the chassis and the electronics of the SUV, making it a lot more akin to twisty roads. The X-Trail Nismo is the first Nissan to feature Kayaba Swing Valve shock absorbers, which are said to minimize body roll without sacrificing comfort.

Furthermore, the standard e-4ORCE electric AWD system has been re-tuned for greater power distribution to the rear axle, while improving the torque vectoring abilities of the front wheels. Finally, the vehicle control module (VCM) has also been tweaked, with a Sport mode prioritizing responsiveness.

What About America’s Rogue?

The market launch of the Nissan X-Trail Nismo in the Japanese market is scheduled for September 24, priced from ¥5,416,400 ($36,700) to ¥5,962,000 ($40,400), with the optional Recaro seats adding an extra ¥489,500 ($3,300).

It is still unclear whether Nissan will keep the X-Trail Nismo exclusive to its home market or expand it to other regions. In the United States, the next-generation Rogue is expected to arrive in mid-2026, and reports indicate it could include a Nismo trim. If that proves true, Nissan may be holding back the sporty treatment for the new model rather than adding it to the current Rogue lineup.

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