Nissan unveils electric Juke and next-gen X-Trail hybrid

At its global Vision event, Nissan pulled the wraps off two SUVs, the all-new, third-generation Nissan Juke and the fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail, a step forward in its electrification strategy, particularly for Europe.

The headline act is the Juke, now reborn as a fully electric model for the first time since its debut in 2010. Alongside it, the X-Trail adopts Nissan’s e-POWER hybrid tech in its next iteration, broadening the brand’s multi-path approach to electrification.

Juke goes electric

The new Juke EV marks a significant shift for one of Europe’s most recognisable compact crossovers. While the original carved a niche with its unconventional design, the third-generation model pushes that identity even further into the electric age.

Visually, the Juke EV remains as polarising as ever. It features sharp creases across nearly every panel, a contrasting blacked-out roof and bonnet, and a dramatic rear design. Signature elements like split headlamps, hidden rear door handles integrated into the C-pillar, and asymmetrical alloy wheels reinforce its edgy character.

Under the skin, the Juke EV is built on the CMF-EV platform, shared with the Nissan Leaf. While official specifications are yet to be confirmed, it is expected to borrow the Leaf’s battery options, likely 52kWh and 75kWh packs paired with a front-mounted electric motor.

This makes the Juke EV a natural addition to Nissan’s electric portfolio in Europe, which already includes models like the Nissan Ariya and the Townstar electric van. Notably, the Juke EV will also support Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, enabling it to feed energy back into the grid—an increasingly important feature in Europe’s evolving energy ecosystem.

Production will take place at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the UK, underlining the facility’s importance in the company’s global EV manufacturing strategy. The model is slated for a market launch in spring 2027.

X-Trail adopts hybrid tech

In contrast to the radical Juke, the new X-Trail takes a more conventional design approach, focusing on robustness and family-friendly appeal. It features a bold front fascia with a large blacked-out panel housing the headlamps, hexagonal DRL elements, and a patterned grille.

The side profile remains upright with a generous glass area, while the rear gets chunky LED tail-lamps and a muscular bumper, giving it a more mature and SUV-like stance.

The biggest update, however, lies under the hood. The new X-Trail debuts Nissan’s e-POWER series hybrid system in this generation. Unlike traditional hybrids, the setup uses a petrol engine purely as a generator, while the wheels are driven by electric motors. This delivers an EV-like driving experience without the need for external charging.

Nissan has confirmed a dual-motor configuration for the X-Trail, indicating an all-wheel-drive layout, though detailed specifications remain under wraps.

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