Nissan Brings Hi-Cross Concept to LA, Says it Explores Future Crossover Design

If you’re experiencing déjà vu looking at the pictures of the Nissan Hi-Cross Concept, it’s because the Japanese carmaker displayed the study at the Geneva motor show in March this year to preview the next generation of the European market X-Trail SUV.

So, what’s it doing on this side of the Atlantic and the Los Angeles Auto Show then? According to the Japanese carmaker, the concept “offers a bold design statement about the next-generation of Nissan crossovers”.

Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan North America, elaborates further:

“Nissan established crossover design leadership from the introduction of the highly original Nissan Murano by exploring new ideas and concepts and implementing them on a production vehicle,” he said. “The Hi-Cross Concept stretches the compact SUV envelope in design and technology, while remaining pure to Nissan’s family adventure vehicle spirit.”

What this all means is that there’s a possibility Nissan is mulling a common replacement for the similarly sized European and Japanese market X-Trail and the North American Rogue, which would make sense, especially since it does the same with the smaller Juke and the larger Murano.

The Hi-Cross is built on a 109.4-inch wheelbase and has a 183.5-inch overall length, offering seating for seven passengers.

“The Hi-Cross Concept interior design is far more practical than most show car interiors, displaying a more realistic view of what crossover customers are looking for in the real world – style plus efficiency, clever but practical features and an enhanced driving experience,” said Castignetti.

As for the powertrain, the Hi-Cross is a hybrid model coupling a 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct injection gasoline engine with an electric motor fed by a compact lithium-ion battery similar to that utilized in the Leaf. The prototype hybrid system is linked to Nissan’s next-generation Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

“Though just a design exercise today, the Hi-Cross Concept offers an exciting blueprint for a future production Nissan crossover. It’s an idea well worth exploring,” added Castignetti.

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