Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan X-Trail Crawler is built to conquer the roughest terrain

It’s just a concept but the Crawler shows what the new X-Trail is capable of

Nissan X-Trail Crawler

If you think the new Nissan X-Trail SUV was designed purely for the school run, Nissan is looking to prove you wrong with the X-Trail Crawler Concept. Although it doesn’t preview a production variant, the Crawler will be on display at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon.

Unlike the wacky ‘Hyper’ series of concepts that the Japanese firm revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in October last year, the Crawler Concept is based on a current production model. Nissan appears to have left no stone unturned when it comes to giving the X-Trail as much off-road ability as possible.

After a shadowy teaser picture that didn’t give too much away, we can now see the Crawler Concept fully revealed - from the front at least. The changes to the X-Trail’s bodywork are pretty comprehensive, there’s a new-look front end with a completely revised bonnet and front bumper - allowing for greater ground clearance and angle of approach. Two tow hooks are readily available at the front as well, in the unlikely situation that the Crawler should get stuck.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The plastic cladding of the front bumper wraps around the wheel arches where we see a set of massive chunky tyres wrapped around 17-inch alloy wheels designed for off-road use. There’s a lot more room for wheel travel within the arches too thanks to the raised suspension. Along with the LED light strip at the front, the Crawler sports a roof rack with nine individual LED light clusters on the front.

Nissan says the Crawler Concept “has a boosted off-road flavour and gear toughness”. Adding that: “The exterior represents a world of rock-crawling, running through steep and rough terrain, and the luggage area contains the tools that have always been looked for in the X-Trail.”

Given the focus on off-road capacity, the Crawler Concept uses the four-wheel drive powertrain of the standard X-Trail, rather than the lesser-powered front-wheel drive set up. This means 210bhp from a dual-motor configuration and a 1.5-litre petrol engine.

Looking for a capable off-roader? Click here to discover the best 4x4 and off-road cars currently on the market...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Nissan X-Trail review
Nissan X-Trail - main image

Nissan X-Trail review

The Nissan X-Trail is bigger and better than before, but its innovative electrified powertrain isn’t as efficient as some rivals
In-depth reviews
11 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Nissan’s X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month
Nissan X-Trail - front corner left

Car Deal of the Day: Nissan’s X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month

If the Qashqai is too small for you, then the larger X-Trail is a fine alternative. It’s our Deal of the Day for 25 May
News
25 May 2025
Best large SUVs to buy 2025
Best large SUVs - header image

Best large SUVs to buy 2025

Large SUVs are big on comfort, practicality and versatility. Here’s our pick of the best on sale now
Best cars & vans
11 Apr 2025
Best 7-seater cars to buy 2025
Best seven-seater cars - header image

Best 7-seater cars to buy 2025

We pick the best seven-seater cars for family life across a wide range of price points
Best cars & vans
11 Apr 2025

Most Popular

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025
Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy
Marcos, interior

Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy

Development is already underway on the first all-new Marcos cars in roughly 20 years
News
27 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025