What Is the Nissan X-Trail and Who Is It For?
The Nissan
X-Trail stands as the largest SUV in Nissan's car range, about 25cm
longer than its popular sibling, the Qashqai. The X-Trail acts as the
big brother to the all-conquering Qashqai and brings extra practicality
with optional seven seats. The X-Trail has sold more than 7.8 million
units globally since 2001, making it a major player in the SUV market.
Target audience: Families and adventurers
Young
families top Nissan's target audience list for the X-Trail, followed by
empty nesters, according to company presentations to the motoring
press. The X-Trail's appeal goes beyond these groups. Many consumers who
juggle family commitments with adventurous lifestyles find it
appealing.
The X-Trail N-Trek variant aims at more adventurous and
daring families. Arnaud Charpentier, Region Vice President Marketing
& Mobility AMIEO, puts it simply: "We started the development of the
X-Trail N-Trek with the simple motto: Let's Get Dirty. It captures the
spirit of a core group of X-Trail customers who adopt adventure, the
outdoors and want to use their vehicle to enjoy time and adventures
together".
The X-Trail's family-friendly features earned it the News UK Family Car of the Year
award. The Sun Motors Editor Rob Gill said: "If your family outgrows a
Qashqai, or you live in the green bits of Britain, you'll want an
X-Trail in your life". This award shows how practical the vehicle is for
families who need more space than typical SUVs offer.
Nissan
discovered an interesting market segment - dog owners who treat their
pets as family members. Their research shows that 90.5% of surveyed dog
owners take their pets on car trips, and 88.9% look at dog-friendly
features before buying a car.
Five vs seven-seat configurations
The
X-Trail's flexibility in seating arrangements makes it stand out. You
get five seats as standard, with seven seats available as an extra
option. This seating capacity puts it up against the Skoda Kodiaq and
Kia Sorento.
The third row comes with some limitations. Nissan
states these seats work best for passengers under 1.6m tall, which makes
them ideal for occasional use, short trips, or children. The
five-seater configuration gives tall adults plenty of space in the back,
even with a lanky driver up front.
The mild-hybrid X-Trail offers
585 litres of boot space, while the e-Power version provides 575 litres
with the rear seat pushed back. Seven-seaters get 485 litres with the
third row folded and 120 litres with all seats up. The flat bootfloor
with folded rear seats stands out as this feature becomes rare in modern
SUVs.
How it compares to the Qashqai
The X-Trail and
Qashqai share mechanical foundations, but the X-Trail offers more
interior space and better livability for a small price increase. The
optional third row of seats sets it apart, making it somewhat like a
successor to the discontinued Qashqai+2.
A five-seat X-Trail gives
you 550 litres of boot space with rear seats up and 1,982 litres when
folded. The Qashqai offers 430 litres and 1,585 litres respectively. The
X-Trail's larger size creates a more spacious cabin with class-leading
rear legroom.
Both vehicles feature rear doors that open wide to
almost 90 degrees, which makes getting in and out of rear seats easy - a
practical touch that helps in daily use. The X-Trail alone offers
all-wheel drive capability with the seven-seat option.
Most
buyers choose between these popular Nissans based on their need for the
X-Trail's extra seats or larger boot space in five-seat form. The
Qashqai might work better if you don't tow, avoid snowy areas, rarely
drive on dirt roads, and seldom have rear-seat passengers. The X-Trail's
versatility makes it more practical otherwise.
Engine Options and Driving Performance
The
Nissan X-Trail packs some innovative engine options that combine
efficiency with performance. Each option gives you different driving
characteristics based on your trip type and priorities.
1.5L VC-Turbo Mild Hybrid Overview
The
base X-Trail comes with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol
engine that uses variable compression technology. This smart engine
adjusts its compression ratio from 8:1 to 14:1 based on how you drive.
It switches to high compression to save fuel during easy cruising and
low compression when you need extra power.
You'll get 163hp
(120kW) and 300Nm of torque from this mild hybrid setup. The power goes
to the front wheels through Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable
transmission. The 12V mild hybrid system helps with torque during
acceleration and gives you extended idle stop and coasting features.
The
VC-Turbo gets about 39.9mpg in real life (39.2mpg with seven seats),
though independent tests showed closer to 36mpg. It handles daily
driving fine but struggles a bit with hills or full loads. The 0-62mph
time of 9.6 seconds makes it the slowest option available.
e-Power and e-4ORCE Explained
The e-Power system
shows Nissan's unique take on electrification. Unlike regular hybrids
where both engine and electric motor can power the wheels, e-Power uses
its 1.5-litre petrol engine just to charge a 2.1kWh battery. The battery
then powers an electric motor that drives the wheels.
This setup
gives you 204hp in front-wheel-drive form with EV-like instant
acceleration, and you never need to plug it in. The engine runs at its
best speeds to generate electricity rather than moving the car directly.
This boosts efficiency to 47.3mpg with CO2 emissions of 134g/km.
The
e-4ORCE version adds all-wheel drive capability with a second electric
motor on the rear axle. Total output jumps to 213hp with better traction
on tough surfaces. The e-4ORCE tech does more than improve grip - it
controls torque distribution precisely between all wheels to give you
better stability while cornering and accelerating.
The system
reacts incredibly fast - Nissan says its torque response beats
traditional mechanical four-wheel drive setups by 10,000 times. This
quick response helps a lot in slippery conditions or light off-road
driving.
0-60mph Times and Real-World Acceleration
Each
X-Trail version performs differently. The mild hybrid VC-Turbo hits
62mph in 9.6 seconds and reaches 124mph. The front-wheel-drive e-Power
is quicker at 8.0 seconds, though top speed drops to 111mph.
The
dual-motor e-4ORCE leads the pack by reaching 62mph in just 7.0 seconds
(7.2 seconds with seven seats). Independent tests clocked a 0-60mph time
of 7.6 seconds, confirming it's the fastest in the range.
The
e-4ORCE really shines in mid-range acceleration. It covers the
80-120km/h overtaking sprint in under 4 seconds. This makes highway
merging and passing slower cars a breeze.
Every X-Trail lets you
pick different drive modes to match your driving style. You get ECO to
save fuel, NORMAL for everyday use, SPORT for better response, SNOW for
slippery roads, and OFF-ROAD for loose surfaces.
The e-Power
models come with a neat e-Pedal Step feature that lets you drive with
one pedal above 6mph. Just ease off the accelerator to slow down - you
only need the brake pedal for quick stops or coming to a complete halt.
Ride Comfort and Handling in Different Conditions
The Nissan X-Trail
offers a ride quality that puts comfort ahead of sportiness. Its
suspension system protects passengers from rough roads effectively. This
makes perfect sense since it's built for families and stands out as one
of the most comfortable SUVs you can buy.
In-town driving experience
The
X-Trail really shines in urban settings with its soft, adaptable ride
that handles city road flaws beautifully. You'll barely notice potholes
and speed bumps - only the worst road conditions cause any noticeable
cabin disturbance. Light steering makes this big SUV surprisingly easy
to manoeuvre in tight spaces.
Nissan's e-Power and e-4ORCE models
come with a clever 'one pedal' driving system called e-Pedal Step. You
can turn it on using a switch on the centre console. This system lets
you control most of your acceleration and braking with just the gas
pedal. Let go of the accelerator and e-Pedal Step slows the X-Trail at
0.2g – enough to light up the brake lights – until it reaches a crawling
speed instead of stopping completely. This feature is a great help in
stop-start traffic since you won't need to keep moving your foot between
pedals.
The X-Trail's visibility deserves praise, thanks to its
large rear window and well-sized wing mirrors. Higher-end models add
camera systems and parking sensors that make parking even easier.
Motorway cruising and ProPilot Assist
The
X-Trail shows excellent stability and refinement on highways. Its
suspension balances comfort and control well, smoothing out road
surfaces without the floating sensation you might get in competitors
like the Citroën C5 Aircross. The cabin stays quiet at high speeds,
though tyre choice matters - some owners say the 19-inch Hankook Ventus
tyres can be quite loud.
Nissan's ProPilot Assist with Navi-link
is a standout feature for highway drives. This smart system handles
acceleration and braking within your lane, and can even bring the
X-Trail to a stop in traffic. It automatically starts moving again if
stopped for less than three seconds. The system reads road signs and
navigation data to adjust your speed for lower limits without any input
from you.
ProPilot gets even smarter by slowing down the vehicle
as you approach tight highway bends. Models with Tekna trim and above
get the full ProPilot package that helps keep you in lane and maintains
safe distances from other vehicles.
Twisty roads and off-road capability
On
curvy roads, the X-Trail handles well enough but won't excite driving
enthusiasts. The soft suspension means you'll notice some body lean in
corners, especially with quick steering movements. The best approach is
to take things easy - this SUV isn't built for sporty driving after all.
The e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system
takes the X-Trail's capabilities to new heights on challenging terrain.
The system optimises traction by controlling power and braking for each
wheel individually. It adapts to grip changes by shifting power between
front and rear wheels in under a millisecond - Nissan says this is
10,000 times faster than regular 4WD systems.
A dial on the centre
console lets you pick different driving modes, including an off-road
setting for maximum grip on loose surfaces. This helps the X-Trail
handle everything from muddy paths to beach driving surprisingly well.
With 210mm ground clearance, it can handle most light off-road tasks,
though it's not a dedicated off-roader without low-range gearing.
The
X-Trail delivers a comfortable, refined driving experience that's easy
to live with and versatile enough for various conditions. It fits
perfectly into its role as a practical family SUV that's ready for
adventure.
Nissan X-Trail Interior: Design, Tech and Comfort
The
Nissan X-Trail's cabin masterfully balances practicality with a premium
feel. The interior shows remarkable development from earlier versions.
Soft-touch materials now cover most touchpoints and areas where your
arms rest.
Dashboard layout and infotainment
A modern,
horizontal design gives the X-Trail's dashboard an extra wide
appearance. Nissan managed to keep physical buttons for vital functions,
unlike competitors who moved everything to touchscreens. The climate
control panel works entirely through buttons. Audio controls sit
conveniently beneath the display.
The X-Trail comes with two infotainment choices based on trim level:
- 8" NissanConnect touchscreen (standard on Acenta Premium)
- 12.3" HD NissanConnect touchscreen (standard from N-Connecta upwards)
Both
systems support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. They also
include Bluetooth with audio streaming and DAB digital radio.
Higher-spec models feature a 12.3" digital instrument display that
creates a tech-rich cockpit experience. The top-tier Tekna+ trim boosts
the audio experience with a Premium Bose Sound System. This system
includes 10 speakers and an Acoustimass Bass Box.
USB ports
throughout the cabin serve modern devices well. Front passengers get
both Type-A and Type-C connections. Rear passengers have access to two
Type-C charging ports. Higher specifications add a wireless charging pad
at the dashboard's base.
Material quality and trim options
The
X-Trail's interior quality takes a big step up from its predecessor.
Soft-touch materials fill the cabin and create a more upscale
atmosphere. Higher trims showcase a faux leather dashboard with contrast
stitching that matches the door trim finishes.
Each trim level
offers different upholstery. Black cloth comes standard in entry-level
models. Mid-range variants feature synthetic leather in black or grey.
The top-end Tekna+ grade includes premium leather upholstery with
quilting in black or tan. The N-Trek variant suits outdoor enthusiasts
with its water-resistant upholstery.
Dashboard trim varies by
grade. Lower specifications feature dark silver accents. Upper trim
levels include black wood elements. A unique "butterfly" opening armrest
in the centre console provides generous storage. This design lets rear
passengers access storage without a traditional rear-hinged lid.
Driver ergonomics and visibility
The
X-Trail puts you in a commanding position with great forward
visibility. Every model includes height-adjustable driver's seats.
Higher grades add electrical adjustment with memory functions and lumbar
support. A leather-wrapped steering wheel comes standard across all
grades with excellent adjustment range.
Most versions include
automatic dual-zone climate control. Upper trims offer tri-zone control
so rear passengers can set their preferred temperature. The Tekna grade
adds winter comfort with a heated steering wheel and heated seats front
and rear.
Smart design elements improve visibility. Higher
specifications come with auto-dimming rear-view mirrors, LED headlights
with adaptive beams, and electrically folding side mirrors. The Smart
Rear View Mirror turns into a digital screen that shows a camera feed
from behind. This feature helps especially when you have a fully loaded
boot.
Passenger and Boot Space: Practicality for Families
The
X-Trail's passenger space and cargo capacity make it a top choice for
families. This roomy SUV combines flexible seating with smart features
that help make daily life easier.
Second and third-row seating comfort
Adult
passengers will find plenty of space in the X-Trail's second row. The
back seats offer lots of leg and headroom, even with tall people sitting
up front. The rear doors swing out to almost 80 degrees, which makes it
easy to install child seats. This design helps a lot when you're
getting children or large items in and out.
The second row setup
varies by trim level. The Tekna grade and above come with a versatile
40:20:40 split, while other models have a 60:40 split. Many versions let
you slide the rear bench to balance boot space and legroom.
Rear passengers get some nice comfort features in higher-spec models:
- Built-in sun blinds in the rear doors shield from bright sunlight
- USB charging points (Type-A and Type-C) keep devices powered up
- You can add tri-zone climate control with separate rear temperature settings
The
third row costs an extra £1,000 and fits any trim level. Nissan
designed these seats for people under 1.6m (5'2") tall, so they work
best for kids or quick trips. The X-Trail smartly lets third-row
passengers tuck their feet under the second row seats.
Boot space in 5-seat vs 7-seat models
Boot
size changes based on your configuration. The five-seat mild hybrid
gives you 585 litres with all seats up, while the e-Power version has
575 litres. Seven-seaters offer 485 litres with the back row down but
only 120 litres with all seats up.
The load floor becomes
impressively flat when you fold down all passenger seats. Not many
modern SUVs offer this feature anymore. This setup gives you 1,298
litres in seven-seat models or 1,424 litres in five-seaters.
The
X-Trail's space is good but some competitors offer more. The Skoda
Kodiaq has 720 litres as a five-seater compared to the X-Trail's 585
litres.
Storage compartments and flexibility
Nissan packed
the cabin with practical storage spots. The floating centre console
stands out with its LED-lit storage underneath, plus you get the usual
glovebox and door bins.
Each X-Trail comes with Nissan's clever Luggage Board System.
This system creates up to 16 different boot layouts for separate spaces
or hidden storage. The boards are practical too - carpet on one side
and wipe-clean plastic on the other, perfect for dirty boots or wet
gear.
Parents with young kids will appreciate the four ISOFIX
points—two in the second row and two in the optional third row. This
setup lets you safely install multiple child seats at once, which
matters a lot for growing families.
The X-Trail shines at handling
family life with its adaptable interior. From fitting tall teens in the
back to hiding valuables under the boot floor, Nissan clearly designed
this SUV to be practical for everyday use.
Trim Levels and Pricing Breakdown
Your
choice of specification level for the Nissan X-Trail will affect both
features and final price. The model range flows through five trim
grades. Each grade adds more equipment as you go up the ladder.
Acenta Premium to Tekna+ comparison
The
X-Trail lineup starts with Acenta Premium at £36,225 for the mild
hybrid version. This base trim has a lot to offer with 18-inch alloy
wheels, dual-zone climate control, and a 12.3-inch digital driver's
display. The N-Connecta adds privacy glass and gives you a bigger
infotainment screen.
Tekna marks the premium end of the range (from £42,290). You'll get a powered tailgate,
19-inch wheels, a head-up display and better sound system. The
range-topping Tekna+ (£44,000) stands out with 20-inch diamond-cut alloy
wheels and premium interior finishes. The N-Trek variant is perfect for
outdoor families. It has water-resistant seat upholstery and rubber
floor mats.
The price gaps between trims are big. You'll pay about
£1,000 more for seven seats instead of five. The e-Power costs roughly
£2,400 more than the mild hybrid. Four-wheel drive will set you back
another £2,200.
Standard features by trim
The entry-level Acenta Premium comes ready for family life. The standard features are:
- Dual-zone climate control and heated mirrors
- 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Rear-view camera and parking sensors
- Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
N-Connecta takes a big step up. It has a 12.3-inch HD NissanConnect touchscreen,
wireless Apple CarPlay, and Around View Monitor with Moving Object
Detection. You also get hands-free power tailgate access and ambient
lighting.
Tekna makes driving easier with ProPilot Assist with
Navi-Link for motorway journeys. You'll also find a panoramic sunroof,
adaptive LED headlights, and heated front seats. The interior gets
partial leather upholstery and a 10.8-inch head-up display.
The
top-tier Tekna+ shows its worth with quilted premium leather upholstery,
a 10-speaker Bose sound system, and electric sunroof. Rear door
sunshades show this flagship model's focus on passenger comfort.
Best value-for-money option
Most
car experts say the entry-level Acenta Premium trim gives you the best
bang for your buck. What Car? points out that this spec has everything
most buyers need—18-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, digital
instruments, wireless phone charging and parking aids.
The higher
trims pack more features but don't match the value proposition. Tekna
and Tekna+ trims cost too much to recommend as they push the X-Trail's
price beyond £40,000.
N-Connecta might be your sweet spot if you
love tech features. It has a bigger infotainment screen and better
parking assistance. Your final choice should match your feature wishlist
with your budget. Remember, even the base spec gives you a really
well-equipped family SUV.
Fuel Economy, Emissions and Running Costs
Running
a family SUV can get pricey, but the Nissan X-Trail comes with
reasonable fuel economy figures for all its powertrains and keeps tax
and insurance costs competitive.
MPG figures for each powertrain
The
front-wheel drive e-Power model leads the pack among three available
powertrains. It delivers up to 49.6mpg on the WLTP combined cycle.
Owners report slightly lower numbers during ground testing, and many
achieve mid-40s mpg in mixed driving conditions. The e-Power's
preference to run in EV mode helps boost efficiency around town.
The
e-4ORCE four-wheel drive hybrid maintains a solid 45.6mpg. Ground tests
confirm around 42.5mpg - an impressive figure for a large SUV with
all-wheel capability. Some drivers managed to reach 43.8mpg in varied
conditions.
The entry-level 1.5L mild-hybrid version shows lower
numbers at 39.8mpg (five-seater) or 39.2mpg (seven-seater). Ground
figures typically stay in the mid-30s.
CO2 emissions and tax implications
Carbon
emissions vary by a lot across models, which affects road tax and
company car tax rates. The e-Power front-wheel drive produces from
129g/km, putting it in Band G for vehicle excise duty. The e-4ORCE
pushes emissions up to 141-143g/km. The mild hybrid generates
157-164g/km and falls into Band I.
All variants have a first-year
road tax of £195. Standard renewal rates range from £440 to £1,360 based
on emissions. Cars costing over £40,000 attract an extra premium tax of
£385 yearly for five years.
Business users face Benefit-in-Kind
rates of 31-32% for e-Power models, 34-35% for e-4ORCE variants, and 37%
for mild hybrids. Monthly company car tax costs range from £193-£285
for 20% taxpayers.
Insurance groups and depreciation
The
X-Trail's insurance classifications span groups 21-36. Mild hybrid
variants sit at the lower end (groups 21-25). E-Power models occupy
groups 24-27, while e-4ORCE versions demand higher premiums in groups
28-31. Seven-seater models usually jump up one or two insurance bands.
The
X-Trail keeps 41-48% of its original price after three years and 36,000
miles. This falls short of key competitors - the Skoda Kodiaq maintains
53-59%, and the Peugeot 5008 holds onto 50-54% during the same period.
Safety Features and Reliability Ratings
Safety stands out as a top priority for family SUV buyers, and the Nissan X-Trail shines in this significant area.
Euro NCAP safety score
The
X-Trail earned the highest five-star safety rating in Euro NCAP
testing. The detailed assessment showed a 91% score for adult occupant
protection. Dummy readings suggested excellent protection during front
and side impacts. Child safety scores looked even better at 90%. The
vehicle achieved full points when protecting an 18-month-old infant in
dynamic tests. Road safety tests revealed a 70% score for vulnerable
road user protection. The X-Trail's safety assistance technologies
scored an exceptional 95%.
Driver assistance systems
Nissan's complete Safety Shield suite of technologies comes standard with the X-Trail. The main features include:
- ProPILOT Assist with Navi-Link that helps you manage highway driving by keeping your lane position and distance from cars ahead
- Intelligent Emergency Braking that recognises pedestrians and cyclists
- Blind Spot Warning/Intervention that spots vehicles you can't see
- Rear Automatic Braking that stops the car when you back up toward objects
The
Around View Monitor gives you a 360-degree view and detects moving
objects. The Adaptive Driving Beam adjusts your headlights to avoid
stunning other drivers.
Warranty and brand reliability
Nissan's
X-Trail comes with a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty that covers the whole
vehicle. Paint defects get 3-year unlimited mileage coverage, and
corrosion protection lasts 12 years. You can buy extra warranty coverage
if your X-Trail is under 10 years old with less than 100,000 miles.
The
X-Trail's reliability score sits at 877/999 according to Vehicle Score
UK. However, the What Car? Reliability Survey ranked it 31st out of 32
large SUVs.
Conclusion
The Nissan X-Trail proves to be an
excellent choice for families who need versatility at a reasonable
price. This seven-seater SUV packs practicality, comfort, and technology
into a package that costs less than its competitors. While it's not the
sportiest SUV out there, the X-Trail shines where it counts - giving
you plenty of room for passengers and luggage with a smooth, refined
ride.
The e-Power and e-4ORCE powertrains are without doubt the
best options available. They deliver better efficiency and performance
than the mild hybrid version. The e-4ORCE's performance stands out with
its quick 0-60mph time of 7.6 seconds. It also maintains good fuel
economy around 42mpg in real-life conditions.
The cabin's smart
design features make family life easier. The doors open wide to almost
90 degrees so you can fit child seats easily. You'll love the Luggage
Board System's 16 different configurations. The five-star Euro NCAP
safety rating gives peace of mind to parents who want the best
protection for their family.
The Acenta Premium trim maybe gives
you the best value for money. This base model comes loaded with
everything most buyers need. Higher trim levels push prices above
£40,000 - where you might start looking at premium brands instead.
The
X-Trail stands out with its e-Power technology and solid off-road
abilities in e-4ORCE form. Your decision ended up depending on whether
you need those extra seats and boot space compared to the smaller
Qashqai.
The X-Trail won't excite you with sporty handling.
However, it delivers on its main goal - providing practical, comfortable
family transport with some adventure capability thrown in. Families who
need everyday practicality mixed with weekend exploration will find the
X-Trail a really sensible choice that meets their needs.
FAQs
Q1. What are the main drawbacks of the Nissan X-Trail?
The X-Trail's third row is quite cramped if you need seven seats. It's
not as engaging to drive as some rivals like the BMW X1. Despite its
clever engineering, the e-Power hybrid isn't exceptionally
fuel-efficient. The petrol engine can also be noisy during hard
acceleration.
Q2. How does the Nissan X-Trail perform in terms of safety?
The X-Trail excels in safety, earning a maximum five-star Euro NCAP
rating. It scored 91% for adult occupant protection, 90% for child
occupant protection, and an impressive 95% for safety assistance
technologies. The vehicle comes equipped with Nissan's comprehensive
Safety Shield suite, including features like ProPILOT Assist and
Intelligent Emergency Braking.
Q3. What are the fuel economy figures for the Nissan X-Trail?
The front-wheel drive e-Power model offers the best efficiency,
achieving up to 49.6mpg on the WLTP combined cycle. The e-4ORCE
four-wheel drive hybrid manages around 45.6mpg, while the entry-level
1.5L mild-hybrid version registers lower figures of about 39.8mpg for
the five-seater model.
Q4. How spacious is the Nissan X-Trail's interior?
The X-Trail offers generous space, especially in the second row. Boot
capacity in five-seat models is 585 litres (575 litres for e-Power
versions). Seven-seat models provide 485 litres with the third row
folded. The second row can slide to prioritise either boot space or
passenger legroom as needed.
Q5. What warranty does Nissan offer for the X-Trail?
Nissan provides a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty covering the complete
vehicle. Paint defects receive 3-year unlimited mileage coverage, while
perforation from corrosion is protected for 12 years. Owners can also
purchase extended warranty coverage for vehicles under 10 years old with
fewer than 100,000 miles.
