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Nissan X-Trail 2023: 1.5-litre turbo engine not an option outside of e-Power in Australia

 

Nissan Australia isn’t going to follow in America’s footsteps and swap out the 2.5 for the turbocharged 1.5 anytime soon 


Just recently, Nissan Australia launched the newest X-Trail with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol engine that’s paired with a single-speed CVT transmission.  

Rated at 135kW and 244Nm, this petrol engine’s peak outputs sit on par with the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson

It seems that this wasn’t enough for Nissan America, where the X-Trail is badged as a Rogue, as late last year this 2.5 engine was swapped out for a smaller, 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. 

Nissan X-Trail Rogue VC Turbo 2023 driving
In America, the Nissan Rogue makes use of the three-cylinder engine

Despite the three-pot’s smaller displacement, Infiniti’s variable compression system means that both power and torque eclipses that of the 2.5-litre engine, with the 1.5 producing 149kW and 305Nm. 

In Australia, buyers will be able to experience this engine when the X-Trail e-Power lands locally early next year, where it is paired with a couple of electric motors to create an electric all-wheel-drive system. 

According to Aleksandar Pecanac, the X-Trail product manager at Nissan Australia, this 1.5-litre turbocharged engine won’t be making its way into the regular petrol-powered X-Trail anytime soon. 

Nissan X-Trail Rogue VC Turbo 2023 production
Despite smaller displacement, the turbocharged engine makes more power than the 2.5

This was revealed at the local launch of the X-Trail and it seems that Nissan Australia is confident enough in the 2.5-litre petrol engine to back it through this generation’s life cycle.

If Nissan did end up putting the turbocharged engine in the X-Trail, it would follow in the footsteps of the new Qashqai, which is now powered by a four-cylinder 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 110kW and 250Nm 

Like the X-Trail e-Power, this new Qashqai is expected to hit Australian showrooms in the coming months. 

Nissan X-Trail Rogue VC Turbo 2023 engine
The VCT engine will be present in the X-Trail e-Power when it lands next year

Nissan X-Trail: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

  • ST: $36,750
  • ST (4WD): $39,700
  • ST-L: $43,190
  • ST-L (4WD): $46,290
  • Ti: $49,990
  • Ti-L: $52,990