Nissan X-Trail SUV review (2013-2021)

The Nissan X-Trail was one of the first models in the mid-size SUV class, but the third-generation model has kept pace with rivals thanks to a facelift in 2017, along with updates to the engine range in 2019. It competes directly with an array of seven-seat SUV rivals such as the Kia Sorento, Skoda Kodiaq, SEAT Tarraco, Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, Hyundai Santa Fe and Peugeot 5008. The X-Trail is set to be replaced in 2022, with an all-new model featuring hybrid technology. 

The X-Trail’s design and decent off-road ability also make it a lower-priced rival to premium SUVs like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes GLC and Rover Discovery Sport. While it may not be as luxurious as these premium badged rivals, it costs around £10,000 less to buy and has the option of seven seats, making it one of the most practical and flexible SUVs on sale today.

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The Nissan X-Trail’s engine range was trimmed down in 2019, leaving a petrol and a diesel engine to choose from, and from 2021 only the petrol is offered. It's a shame, as an SUV of the X-Trail’s size suits a diesel engine better than a small petrol and it offered better fuel economy from it too, with the 148bhp 1.7-litre diesel returning up to 47.7mpg in two-wheel-drive form or 45.1mpg with four-wheel drive.

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The 1.3-litre petrol engine produces 158bhp while returning up to 38.5mpg. The petrol is a good choice if you only expect to use the car for short journeys around town and your annual mileage will be under 12,000 miles. It’s worth bearing in mind that the petrol model isn’t available with four-wheel drive, so those wanting to take the car off road occasionally have even more reason to look elsewhere.

The latest X-Trail is a marked improvement on its forebears when it comes to interior design and comfort. Previous models always felt a little utilitarian, but today’s car shows the influence of the popular Nissan Qashqai. There’s loads of space, particularly for those in the front and second rows, while the two optional third-row seats are best reserved for children or small adults.

The boot is a good size; with seven seats, you get 445 litres of luggage room, which increases to 565 litres if you don’t specify the third row. The only letdown inside is that some of the plastics feel rather on the brittle side – they’re not a patch on those in the X-Trail’s rivals. Our test team also complained that the front seats became uncomfortable on longer journeys.

All X-Trail models have Bluetooth, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels and electric windows. The Acenta Premium adds sat nav, automatic lights and wipers, a better stereo, panoramic sunroof, all-round parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, a ‘Smart Vision’ pack, which includes traffic sign recognition, and a leather steering wheel. As well as a long list of standard equipment, the Acenta Premium is also a fairly desirable model when it comes to time to sell.

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On the road, the Qashqai’s influence continues, as the X-Trail has light, easy steering, comfortable suspension and suffers from minimal wind noise, even at motorway speeds. The car isn’t suited to hard cornering, though: there’s noticeable body lean and enthusiastic drivers will find little reward in driving the X-Trail quickly; both the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008 are better to drive. All engines have enough power for rural driving, but models with the least powerful diesel are a little sluggish when fully laden – overtaking manoeuvres and joining fast-flowing traffic on motorways certainly can’t be described as effortless.

It’s a shame Nissan has reserved some of the X-Trail’s more advanced safety systems for higher trim levels on the options list, but this didn’t prevent Euro NCAP awarding it the full five stars. Although the X-Trail didn't feature in our 2021 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey of cars currently on sale in the UK, the mechanically similar Qashqai came 52nd out of the top 75 cars.

From early 2020, Nissan added the option for customers to select ProPilot semi-autonomous technology for X-Trail Tekna models equipped with a CVT automatic gearbox (a gearbox only available with the diesel models). ProPilot is a driver assistance system that helps with steering, acceleration and braking while using motorways.

Overall, the X-Trail makes a great all-round family car, with real utility and the ability to cope on bad roads and poor weather – few owners will need four-wheel drive and the extra costs it brings. The X-Trail offers buyers a usefully bigger alternative to the Qashqai, as well as having the style to compete with more expensive models.