X-Trail Review

The X-Trail has been around since 2001, originally replacing the Terrano, it has become a successful SUV in its own right. Initially based on the lucrative Primera, Nissan sold the X-Trail with Petrol and turbo-diesel engines with either a five- or six-speed manual or four-speed auto. Over the years Nissan has listened to their customers and developed the X-Trail continuing to be a sales success. Now we have the latest version with newly developed hybrid technology or e-power.

Special mention : The lighter cabin works very well with the piano black trim. Its easy to maneuver in the city, plenty of space and great comfort (except for those in the 3rd row of seats). You don’t have to plug it in to recharge the battery. Actual physical buttons for air con, fan, heated seats etc Apple Car play hooks up easily & the screen is big & easy to read.

Needs work : Hybrid engine grumbles for the first 5 to 10 mins of a journey, after that it glides along. Rear seats are small on the 3rd bench. Infotainment had a small audio glitch on the last day on test.

BHP 201 BHPPetrol / Hybrid / Auto
0-100 km/h in 7.9 secondsRoad Tax €270
Price: from €54,995
As specc’d €61,995
Boot Space 485(hybrid) – 1,298 litres

All versions of the X-Trail come as hybrid versions, from the entry-level 2 wheel drive to the 7 seat all wheel drive. The wheels of the E-Power are driven solely by electric motors, but get their power from a turbocharged petrol engine. The E-4orce version has an electric motor powering the front and rear axles for four-wheel drive for extra traction. Its main competition comes in the form of the Skoda Kodiaq and the Peugeot 5008.

For families who need easy access, the doors open very wide and the seats are set high, making it easier getting children in and out of it a breeze. There’s lots of cubbies dotted around the cabin with two spaces for cups in the centre console, large door bins and a deep storage area within the central armrest and a space under the centre console.

Front seat passengers are well catered for comfort with decent head and leg room. In the back, the rear seat bench reclines and slides which is great for added comfort on long journeys. The rear bench also has an armrest that includes space for two cups. There’s an option of including a third row with two seats which are mainly for small children, getting back there is a squeeze and knee room is tight. Depending on the trim level you go for, the seats either split 60/40 or 40/20/40. With the seats folded flat it makes those DIY / home improvement depot shopping days easier too. There’s no big lip at the edge of the boot  making loading / unloading of everyday items easier too.  There’s 575-litres of boot space in the 5 seat versions and a slightly smaller amount of 485 litres with the addition of hybrid technology. 

Driving the X-Trail is made more comfortable with the adjustable seats including lumbar support, rake & reach on the steering wheel and height adjustment too. With height comes good visibility all round. Parking sensors aren’t available on all trims and you will have to spec up if you want front and rear sensors to guide you into those spots where (especially rear visibility) is restricted. 

It’s great to see that Nissan have kept the physical dials for the air con & fan speed which are much easier to use on the move. The infotainment touch screen is easy to read, uses clear graphics and responds quickly to commands. The switches are reasonably well damped, the cabin is solidly put together with soft touch materials on the dash and tougher plastics low down where they get knocked about a bit more. 

The power plants come in the form of either a VC-Turbo with a 1.5 litre petrol engine and 12V hybrid technology, useful for added efficiency, giving a total of 161 bhp. The E-Power engine also uses a 1.5 litre petrol engine which charges a battery creating 201bhp through the electric motor on the front axle.