2023 Nissan X-Trail e-Power wants to take on RAV4 Hybrid

Nissan continues to introduce its innovative e-Power system to more and more vehicles. Aside from the Kicks and Sylphy benefitting from e-Power, the automaker has revealed the X-Trail e-Power. Confirmed as early as January 2022, the crossover now serves as the latest vehicle to come with the e-Power system that aims to deliver an EV-like driving experience in a hybrid setup.

Similar to the Kicks e-Power that is set to debut in the Philippines next month, this particular X-Trail will come with a gasoline engine that will recharge the battery pack of the electric motor. But unlike the Sylphy and Kicks which only come with a naturally-aspirated engine, the X-Trail actually comes with a 1.5-liter VC-Turbo.

That's right, this particular crossover comes with the high-tech variable compression three-cylinder turbo found in the regular X-Trail. Nissan claims that the turbocharged engine allows for faster energy regeneration in both high and low loads. Complementing the turbo three-cylinder is a new electric motor called the BM46 which puts out a healthy 203 PS and 320 Nm of torque.

The X-Trail is also fitted with the second-generation e-Power system. The automaker says it delivers improved power, a smoother drive, and a quieter driving experience. And like the Kicks e-Power, the X-Trail also benefits from the e-Pedal Step which allows for one-pedal driving.

Prefer the X-Trail with a bit more oomph? It can be fitted with the e-4ORCE electric 4WD system. It provides a more intuitive driving experience that can immediately assess road conditions and ensure grip on all kinds of road surfaces by minimizing slippage. This is made possible thanks to a rear electric motor called the MM48 that produces 135 PS and 195 Nm of torque.

Aside from having e-Power and e-4ORCE available, the X-Trail also comes with high-tech amenities and features. Providing in-car entertainment is a 12.3-inch touchscreen with an integrated navigation system, intelligent voice control, as well as Amazon Alexa. Also present is a 10.8-inch heads-up display, a Bose premium sound system, and a 100V AC power inverter with a maximum output of 1500W.

For peace of mind, the X-Trail e-Power has the Nissan Safety Assist 360 which utilizes a set of cameras, sonars, and radar technology. It can automatically apply the brakes in an event of a possible collision, monitor the car's surroundings for pedestrians or moving objects, and allow the use of ProPilot automatic parking. Nighttime visibility is also improved thanks to adaptive LED headlights.

With the X-Trail e-Power now in Japan, could it also make its way here in the Philippines? That will depend on whether the automaker will offer the crossover in the Philippines since they already discontinued it. Should it actually make a comeback in the country, we're curious if it will be available with just the 1.5-liter VC-Turbo or with e-Power.