Nissan has unveiled the first-ever Tekton small SUV, a new global small SUV that fuses the Patrol’s chunky styling with alliance partner Renault’s underpinnings.

The Tekton rides on the CMF-B platform. With a length of 4,349 mm, width of 1,815 mm, and height of 1,674 mm (wheelbase of 2,657 mm), it’s roughly the same size as the North American/Japanese market Kicks.


However, instead of getting an e-Power powertrain, the Tekton gets a choice between two turbocharged engines. The 1.0-liter 3-cylinder Turbo T160 (HRA0) produces 100 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 166 Nm from 2,000 to 3,750 rpm. The 1.3-liter 4-cylinder Turbo T280 (H5HA474), on the other hand, produces 163 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 280 Nm from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm. The smaller engine is equipped solely with a 6-speed manual, while the larger engine can be optioned with either a manual or 6-speed wet-type DCT.

The Patrol inspiration is very clear with its full-width chrome accent grille, Double-C contrast skid plate, and C-shaped 5-chamber LED headlights. The latter is echoed at the back with the same C-shaped connected LED taillights. Two-tone alloy wheels up to 18 inches in diameter fill the wheel arches. At the side, a “Himalayan Crest” contribute to its adventure theme.


The Patrol-inspired design is meant to highlight the Tekton’s capabilities including a 212 mm ground clearance and “best-in-segment” approach (26.9 degrees) and departure (34.7 degrees) angles. It’s also mighty practical with its 700-liter cargo space. It’s also built to achieve the highest levels of safety with a body shell made up 62 percent high-strength steel and ultra-high strength steel.

Inside, the Tekton features a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Google built-in and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Other features include a flat-bottom steering wheel, an electronic e-shifter, panoramic sunroof, voice-assisted dual zone climate control with Plasmacluster ionizer, ventilated front seats, air-cooled wireless charger, 48-color ambient lighting, and an Arkamys 3D Auditorium Surround Sound System.


The power tailgate reveals a 700-liter cargo space (518 liters to the parcel shelf) that’s expandable to a whopping 1,789 liters with the rear seats down.

Safety is a core pillar of the Tekton proposition. Apart from the reinforced structure, it has six airbags and an advanced suite of driver assistance technologies (ADAS), including Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Warning.


So far, the Tekton has been launched in India where it’s made at Nissan’s plant in Chennai. However, it will be exported to 50 global markets, but right now, it’s mostly concentrated in the Middle East and Africa.