Upcoming Nissan SUV spotted on test for the first time — Details inside

Nissan India is gearing up to launch an all-new SUV for the Indian market, which has been a long time coming if you exclude the X-Trail. The new Nissan SUV has been spotted for the first time on Indian roads, showcasing its sheer presence. Read the story to know more about the upcoming Nissan SUV design, expected features, powertrains and launch timeline. 

2026 Nissan SUV spotted in India

The upcoming Creta-rival Nissan SUV is going to be derivative of the Renault Duster. We have seen the sibling duo in the past as well—in the form of the Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano. It remains to be seen whether Nissan reincarnates the Terrano nameplate for the new SUV or chooses a new name altogether.

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Speaking about the latest spy shots, the spy images give us a sneak peek into the upcoming Nissan SUV design, which is otherwise covered heavily under camouflage. Up front, it gets a flat nose surrounded by LED head lights. In the centre, it boasts a large radiator grille with rectangular inlets. Based on the design sketches from Nissan, it is likely to boast a connected LED strip as well, adjoining the LED headlights. 

Furthermore, the spy shots also reveal camera placement on the front windscreen, confirming the presence of advanced driving assistance systems for the new SUV. Around the rear, the spy shots reveal chunky roof rails, LED tail lights and a high-mounted stop lamp. Like the front, the rear profile also features boxy proportions, gelling with the SUV design.

2026 Nissan SUV expected features

Unlike the only Nissan SUV on sale—the Magnite—the upcoming Nissan SUV is likely to boast a long list of features in order to compete with the new-gen Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos SUVs. Speaking of these features, it could pack a large touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, surround view camera, powered and ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, six airbags and a lot more.

2026 Nissan SUV engine options

Nissan India has officially ruled out any possibility of diesel engine in its upcoming range of cars. Citing the diminishing market share of diesel engines, Nissan India will consider bringing EVs and hybrids in the near future, meeting the ever-so-stringing emission norms in the country. Hence, the upcoming Nissan SUV is likely to come with petrol and strong hybrid powertrain options, the details of which are yet to be confirmed.

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2026 Nissan SUV India launch timeline

Speaking about the upcoming Nissan SUV launch timeline, which will share its underpinnings with the upcoming Renault Duster, it is said to be launched in India in the middle of 2026. The second SUV—a 7-seater iteration of the first SUV—is said to be launched in 2027, alongside its Renault counterpart. Nissan claims that the second SUV will be a proper 7-seater SUV and not just a 7-seater iteration of the first SUV.

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