Revealed at last: 2021 Nissan X-Trail debuts as the Rogue

After spy shots, patent photos, and leaks, Nissan has finally launched the next-generation X-Trail. Yes, it says Rogue, but that's what the crossover is called over in the U.S. It presents a total redesign of Nissan's CR-V and RAV4 fighter with an all-new chassis and design.

A few weeks ago, Nissan said that they will be launching 13 all-new or facelifted models within the next 18 months. The 2021 X-Trail/Rogue is among the first of many from the marque. From the front at least, this model has a different look from the soon-to-be outgoing model. For instance, there's the Juke-like headlight treatment with its high-set LED daytime running lights and bumper-mounted headlights. It also has the wide 'V-motion' grill which is now a common sight in new Nissan introduced within the past two years.

The rest of the crossover does appear more evolutionary than revolutionary. While that chrome strip above the windows is new, the shape of the windows has been made slightly more upright than before. If anything, the flanks are more angular than before, particularly the quarter panels. Whereas the previous model had soft curves, this new one had more defined edges around its hips.

It's more evolutionary over at the rear. While there is a hint of Kicks at the back, the tail lights mostly follow the form of the current lights. More creases and defined edges are seen on the tailgate, and the lower bumper has thicker cladding. There's also the wide license plate holder, likely for long European-style registration tags.

Inside, the dash has a wide, sweeping look with the now popular floating infotainment screen design. Also present are slim air-conditioning vents and a driver-oriented center stack. The steering wheel, on the other hand, takes some cues from classic steering wheels with its three-spoke look and large horn pad. One can also see the digital instrument cluster but that might be reserved for the top-spec variants. Nissan also put in an electro-mechanical gear selector in the X-Trail.

Other features? It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Google Assist, and even Siri (provided you use an Apple product). There's also rear cross-traffic alert and rear automatic braking for safer reverse maneuvers. In the U.S, the X-Trail/Rogue comes with Nissan's Intelligent Mobility safety package as well. That includes a 360-degree camera, plus automatic emergency braking. 

For now, there's only one engine option. It's a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder mill that makes 181 PS and 245 Nm of torque. It then shifts with a continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel-drive being an option.

With the Rogue now unveiled in the U.S, the international version should follow in a month or two. This means that the 2021 Nissan X-Trail for ASEAN markets might follow very soon.