The first key part of Nissan’s turnaround plan has just been unveiled. The 2021 X-Trail (aka Rogue in the U.S.) makes its global debut with a stronger, more SUV-honed body, more upscale interior, and improved powertrain.

Like Nissan SUVs of late, the 2021 X-Trail dons a large, upright V-motion grille and re-designed split-type headlights reminiscent of the Juke. Multi-level LEDs which offer an expanded area of illumination is now standard. Dimensionally, it’s around 38 mm shorter than its predecessor while also 5 mm lower. Seeking better aerodynamics, the X-Trail features details such as “3D” tire deflectors in the lower front fascia, an active grille shutter, a specially-shaped A-pillar, and more.

Inside, the X-Trail receives a 9-inch tablet-like floating infotainment screen, 12.3-inch all-digital instrumentation, and like the recently launched Sentra/Sylphy, quilted Zero Gravity seats. A new electronic shifter design adds extra storage space while contributing to the new “floating” design, while the cargo hold now comes with an easy-to-wash cargo liner and motion-activated tailgate.

The X-Trail comes with a 2.5-liter normally-aspirated direct-injected gasoline engine making 181 horsepower and 254 Nm of torque. The increase in figures is brought about by new mirror bore coating, a variable displacement oil pump, integrated exhaust manifold, and e-VTC.

Underneath, the X-Trail features a new rack-mounted electric power steering system, a revised suspension design with a rigid mount, and a new multi-link rear. For all-wheel drive models, the all-wheel drive system has been enhanced—it can selectively apply the brakes to a single wheel to help smoothen out its cornering.

With Nissan pushing its Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the X-Trail benefits from what Nissan calls the Nissan Safety Shield 360. This includes technologies such as Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking. The 2021 X-Trail also offers 10 standard supplemental air bags and extended crumple zones to help protect occupants.