Nissan confirms 2027 X-Trail hybrid, Juke EV and returning Skyline
Nissan has revealed the next-generation 2027 X-Trail hybrid and all-new Juke EV in Japan, while confirming the Skyline and Xterra will return before the end of the decade.
Rob Leigh
Key takeaways
- 2027 Nissan X-Trail adopts e-Power hybrid as its core powertrain
- Nissan Skyline and GT-R both confirmed to return this decade
- Juke EV is Europe-only; Australian X-Trail timing not yet announced
Nissan has used a global strategy conference at its Yokohama headquarters to unveil two new models and confirm the return of several icons. The 2027 Nissan X-Trail hybrid leads the charge, joined by the all-new Juke EV and confirmation that the Skyline, GT-R and Xterra are all coming back before the decade is out.
It's the clearest statement of intent Nissan has made in years, arriving as the brand battles declining global sales and works through a significant restructure.
2027 Nissan X-Trail hybrid: what we know
The new X-Trail moves to e-Power hybrid technology as its primary drivetrain, with no non-electrified powertrain options flagged at the reveal. The system works by using a petrol engine as a generator to power electric motors, rather than driving the wheels directly. Australian buyers already know it from the current Qashqai, where it made its local debut.
For Australia, e-4orce all-wheel drive is expected to be standard across all variants. A bolder exterior design features a triangulated grille and sharper lighting signature, while the new X-Trail also debuts Nissan's AI Drive technology - an integration designed to make safety and vehicle control systems more intuitive day-to-day.
A formal global unveiling is expected within months with US sales as a 2027 model likely starting later this year. Australian timing and pricing remain unconfirmed.
Skyline, GT-R and Xterra confirmed
The headline news beyond the X-Trail is the return of some serious nameplates. The Skyline is coming back as a premium sports car, sitting above the Z in Nissan's lineup. Separately, the GT-R will return as a full halo supercar. Nissan hasn't detailed how the two will coexist, but both are confirmed.
The Xterra will also return for the US market, built on a body-on-frame platform with a V6 petrol-electric hybrid powertrain developed through a partnership.
Juke EV: Europe only
The all-new Juke EV was revealed alongside the X-Trail, but Australian buyers won't see it. Nissan has confirmed it as a Europe-focused product. With the petrol Juke already discontinued locally, that's no surprise.
The new model carries familiar rounded headlights but adopts a sharper, more aggressive body with prominent plastic cladding - a significant departure from its predecessor.
Where Nissan goes from here
As part of its broader recovery strategy, Nissan is cutting its global model range from 56 to 45 vehicles. The brand is concentrating on three core export markets - the US, Japan and China - which together are projected to represent 80 per cent of total sales volume.
Global sales for February 2026 were down 7.4% year-on-year so the pressure to get this right is real. The 2027 X-Trail hybrid is central to that recovery plan and for Australian buyers it's the most relevant model in this announcement by some distance.
Frequently asked questions
When will the 2027 Nissan X-Trail arrive in Australia?
No local launch date has been confirmed. A formal global reveal is expected within months, with Australian timing likely to follow US sales later in 2026.
What engine does the 2027 Nissan X-Trail use?
The new X-Trail runs Nissan's e-Power hybrid system, which uses a petrol engine as a generator to drive electric motors. No traditional petrol-only variants have been announced.
Will the new Nissan Juke EV come to Australia?
No. Nissan has confirmed the Juke EV as a Europe-only model. The petrol Juke was already discontinued in Australia, and there are no plans to replace it locally.
