Nissan is giving the Rogue, which it sells as the X-Trail in foreign markets, a new NISMO variant for Japan.
Performance upgrades for the NISMO version are focused on the tuning and suspension, with the NISMO utilizing a new set of swing-valve dampers.
The slick new X-Trail variant will go on sale in late September in Japan, but unfortunately, it's unlikely Nissan will bring a Rogue version stateside.
It's not uncommon for automakers to favor their home nations with exclusive variants of popular models, and Nissan is no exception. The automaker has revealed a new NISMO version of the X-Trail (Nissan's name for the Rogue in foreign markets).
Visually, the X-Trail NISMO follows in lockstep with other recent NISMO variants. It's got a more aggressive body kit emphasized by the brand's signature red accents. There's a larger splitter baked in at the front of the car, with a new diffuser bolted on at the rear. According to Nissan, the new bodywork reduces lift by 29 percent compared to the base X-Trail trim.
From a performance standpoint, Nissan focused on the chassis and tuning. The biggest upgrade comes in the form of new swing-valve dampers, which the brand said help strike a balance between minimizing body roll and retaining ride comfort. The sporty trim now rides on a set of 20-inch wheels wearing Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires. The new tire setup measures nearly three-quarters of an inch wider than other X-Trail trims.
Things appear to remain stock under the hood, which still means a 1.5-liter three-cylinder, but the X-Trail gets a slightly different setup from that of the Rogue we get at home. That's because Nissan offers the X-Trail with a series-hybrid option that mates the 1.5-liter three-pot with a pair of electric motors. Rather than actually driving the wheels, the engine works as a generator for the wheels. The horsepower is the same as our version at 201 ponies, but the torque figure is boosted from 225 pound-feet up to 243. According to Nissan, the powertrain was retuned for the NISMO to send a larger percentage of power to the rear axle.
Given that one of our chief complaints with the current Rogue is its driving dynamics, we'd love for Nissan to bring this new NISMO variant stateside. Unfortunately, the X-Trail NISMO appears to be exclusive to Japan, where it will go on sale in late September.
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