Nissan Announces New X-Trail SUV for Canada Only

X-Trail Fills Compact SUV Roll Below Rugged Xterra. But Only in Canada? Pity! Taking a cue from rival brand Toyota, that just recently introduced its European Yaris as the Echo Hatchback on the Canadian market, Nissan has announced that its global X-Trail SUV will now be going north of the 49th parallel. Neither vehicle will be available in the U.S., reversing a trend that previously saw automakers snub Canada for niche products, introducing them only to the United States. But then again the X-Trail wont fill a niche vehicle roll for Nissan Canada, but rather slot in below the rugged Xterra, to compete head on with the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander and others.

Nissans X-Trail SUV is on its way to Canada, but wont be available in the U.S. Whats going on here Nissan North America? (Photo: Nissan Canada)

Its not like its particularly underpowered, featuring a 165-hp 2.5-L 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder engine, developing an authoritative 170 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive

The Canada-only model features a 165-hp 2.5-L 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder engine, developing an authoritative 170 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

Power obviously isnt the problem, as it will easily outperform the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, both of which have a relatively strong following in America. Possibly Nissan doesnt have the production capacity to meet the potential U.S. demand, and Canadas much smaller population is the ideal number to allow the plants to work to their maximum capacity? Its hard to say really.

All that can be said is American consumers will be missing out, as the X-Trail not only delivers solid good looks, but a bevy of standard features. These include

The X-Trail will offer a long list of standard, optional and unique features when it hits the Canadian Market. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

An impressive list of options includes heated seats in cloth or optional leather, an extra large sunroof, alloy rims, plus a 6-disc in-dash CD changer.

Along with the usual list of standard and optional features, X-Trail offers some unique items sure to cause interest in the segment. These include a washable cargo floor, warm/cool storage box, dent-resistant front fenders, and a ski pass-through.

The X-Trail could offer American Nissan customers a smaller SUV than currently available, perfect for young adults and young families alike. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

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