Nissan South Africa has released its most advanced, most refined and most luxurious Nissan X-Trail range to date.
It is a significant moment in the marque’s year, says Nissan South Africa managing director Juan Wheeler.
“This is the first of a series of exciting launches we have planned for South Africa, and we are going to follow it up with the Tekton that has just been introduced to the world in India with even more products before the end of this fiscal year.
“It’s wonderful to begin delivering on this product promise by introducing this exciting new iteration of a model that has been incredibly popular with South African motorists since we first introduced it in 2001. This is a vehicle that has gone on to sell more than 8-million units globally, 50 000 of which have been in this country,” he says.
The new model is available immediately from Nissan’s large network of dealers across South Africa.
“We remain committed to launching SUVs in Africa, with new model introductions planned for later this year and in 2027,” says Nissan Africa managing director Mohamed Samad. “The X-Trail defined the mid-size SUV segment when it was first introduced in 2001, and this latest version does all of this while honouring its heritage. It is a model that truly encapsulates the Nissan ethos, and we pride ourselves on our engineering innovation, excellence in build quality and responsiveness to the market’s needs.”
Meanwhile there is no mistaking the new Nissan X-Trail for its predecessor, or indeed for any other SUV in the segment. The Nissan X-Trail is a quintessential Japanese mid-size SUV built in Japan and exported to global markets, including South Africa.
Says Ramy Mohareb, Head of Brand and Communications for Nissan Africa: “The Nissan X-Trail has been a trailblazer in the segment since entering the South African market. Today, the new model redefines the segment yet again by offering a fresh design, more luxury features and a full suite of safety features to its already long list of specifications.”
Design
The new 2026 model features a sturdier, more prominent road presence with a new front grille and bumper construction that uses strong horizontal lines to create a wider stance and powerful overtaking presence.
The lower bumper has been recontoured to match the new look front grille and the detailing in the polycarbonate inserts on the doors.
The strong and wide stance is emphasised by new diamond cut alloy wheels that inch up from 17” on the Visia model to 18” on the Acenta and an imposing 19” style on the Acenta Plus.
The two-tier light design features bright LED daytime running lights flanking the uppermost section of the grille, with LED driving lights lower down. All models in the updated Nissan X-Trail range are fitted with LED front and rear lights and all models offer High Beam Assist for automatic switching between standard and bright driving lights, as well as a Follow Me Home feature to keep the exterior lights on for a pre-set number of seconds to provide exterior illumination for the occupants as they leave the vehicle in the dark.
At the rear, the new LED-equipped light clusters round off the exterior changes, making the 2026 Nissan X-Trail one of the most modern interpretations yet of the Nissan design DNA.
Interior
The X-Trail’s interior cabin elevates comfort and quality while staying true to its durable, adventurous nature. Across the range, comfort-enhancing features include keyless access (including Nissan’s patented Walkaway Lock and Approach Unlock), tilt and telescopic steering adjustment of the multi-function steering wheel, paddle shifts, true wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity and a stunning 12,3” digital infotainment display.
Acenta and Acenta Plus models also receive luxuries such as dual zone climate control, an all-new full digital instrument cluster, new powered front seats with seat heating, and, in the Acenta Plus, a digital Head Up Display system.
All X-Trail models feature a second row that can slide, fold forward and recline, but on the Acenta model the rear bench features an armrest that can also allow for the loading of long items when folded down. On the Acenta Plus, the additional third row offers the same features as the second, allowing it to be folded flat, reclined or moved as required, ensuring that all seven occupants drive in true comfort.
A major upgrade to the interior of the Nissan X-Trail that deserves special attention is the new 8-camera-array Around View Monitor.
3D Around View Monitor
The updated 3D 8-point Around View Monitor system now uses wide-angle exterior cameras which gives the driver a new 360° 3D viewing mode around the vehicle at low speeds, invisible bonnet (called Invisible Hood View), and T-Junction view. When parking or navigating tight spaces, the system projects a high-definition bird’s eye view onto the central display, allowing drivers to position the vehicle with greater ease and confidence.
A new 360° 3D viewing mode lets drivers select from eight different camera angles around the car including front, rear, each side and the four corners, making it easier to identify unseen hazards that mirrors or a single camera might miss. The system works in harmony with moving object detection, which alerts the driver if it senses motion close to the vehicle during slow-speed manoeuvres.
Two specialized views enhance visibility in the most challenging environments. Invisible Hood View uses front camera imaging and predictive processing to show the placement of the front wheels as though the bonnet were transparent. This view is ideal for avoiding curbs, rocks or tight edges on uneven paths.
Meanwhile, T-Junction View offers a wide forward perspective at low speeds, improving confidence when emerging from concealed exits or intersections with limited visibility. Together, these features help protect the vehicle from everyday scrapes while supporting a more relaxed and precise driving experience.
Performance
All three models of the new Nissan X-Trail are fitted with Nissan’s popular 2.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The engine delivers a strong 135 kW at 6 000 rpm and 244 of Nm at 3 600 rpm.
The power is delivered to the front wheels via a new-generation continuously variable transmission with natural-feeling shifts. All models are equipped with a limited slip differential for improved roadholding and control under hard acceleration and when manoeuvring under full throttle.
The X-Trail offers an impressive 7.4 litre/100 km fuel consumption, which gives it a range of close to 750 km on a 55-litre fuel tank and the top speed is rated at 195 km/h.
All versions of the new Nissan X-Trail have a Drive Mode selector, which allows the driver to change the power delivery, transmission characteristics, steering and throttle feel for a more fuel efficient (ECO), comfortable everyday- (NORMAL) or performance orientated (SPORT) driving style.
On the Acenta Plus model, Nissan engineers have added a Terrain Mode selector, which allows the driver to further select between MUD, SNOW or SAND for improved traction and performance when in slippery conditions.
Nissan has also, in true Japanese style, made countless improvements to the technical underpinnings and manufacturing processes to ensure that the new Nissan X-Trail drives even smoother and offers even more exemplary road manners than before.
Safety
The new Nissan X-Trail features a full-house of safety features across its entire range. All models feature front, side and side curtain airbags with three-point seatbelts for all seats and ISOFIX-rated child seat mounts. Rear parking sensors and a reverse camera are also built in, with additional front parking sensors on Acenta and Acenta Plus models.
Nissan has upgraded its dynamic safety features to include a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) across the entire range, including Hill Start Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Emergency Braking and Trailer Stability Control.
Acenta models also feature Tyre Pressure Monitoring, the new three-dimensional Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and the next generation of Nissan ProPILOT self-driving. The Acenta Plus model adds Descent Control (HDC) to its long list of safety features.
Price, service plan and warranty
The new Nissan X-Trail is available in Visia, Acenta and Acenta Plus grades.
All models feature a 90,000 km / 3-year service plan with a mechanical warranty of 6 years or 150,000 km.
The range is available immediately, with pricing set as:
• Nissan X-Trail 2.5 Visia R599 900
• Nissan X-Trail 2.5 Acenta R688 900
• Nissan X-Trail 2.5 Acenta+ R770 900
