Nissan X-Trail review
The revised Nissan X-Trail is an attractive buy. It offers decent off-road capability in a dynamic and practical package
The Nissan X-Trail is something of an unsung hero in the compact 4x4 market. The boxy lines make it hugely practical, yet in terms of dynamics, the X-Trail has great on-road manners, so it's competitive when compared to rivals. It feels less agricultural than a Land Rover Freelander both inside and out, with a luxurious but practical cabin. The X-Trail represents great value, too, with bags of standard kit and strong residuals. If you need a dependable but enjoyable SUV, then the X-Trail shouldn’t disappoint.
Our choice: X-Trail 2.0 dCi (171) Sport
Styling
In terms of looks, the Nissan X-Trail has remained largely unchanged since its launch in 2001, although it received a light update in 2007. It's a winning formula and has seen Nissan thrive in the SUV market alongside established rivals like the Land Rover Freelander and Honda CR-V. The rugged styling hints at the X-Trail’s capabilities, and the chunky bumpers and dark plastic scuff plates make you immediately aware that this SUV is as at home off-road, as it is on. Inside, the X-Trail has ditched the cheap, utilitarian feel in favour of a more upmarket setup. However, the dash does look a little awkward, with the centrally mounted screen on top-spec models looking like a botched aftermarket accessory.
Driving
There's only a single engine option for the X-Trail, a 2.0 dCi diesel, but it comes with two power outputs – 148bhp or 171bhp. Delivery from the standard six-speed manual is smooth, but the ride is firm, with road noise becoming particularly intrusive at motorway speeds. However, the harsh set-up benefits the X-Trail in the bends, feeling more connected than the agricultural Land Rover Freelander. So long as you are prepared to work the manual ‘box, the X-Trail can be quite an entertaining drive – it has an appetite for revs and thrives as you let them build. Stopping, however, isn’t the Nissan’s strong point – taking 62.6 metres to reach a halt from 70mph – a full ten metres longer than the larger Kia Sorento.
Reliability
In terms of safety, the X-Trail gets front, side and curtain airbags across the range, with ESC as standard. Drivers can switch between two and four-wheel-drive at the touch of a button, giving confidence in adverse weather or on uneven ground. Perhaps surprisingly, the Nissan only manages four stars for occupant safety in the Euro NCAP crash tests, putting it on a par with the Toyota RAV4 but behind the Land Rover Freelander - which boasts a maximum five stars. That’s not to say owners aren’t a satisfied bunch, Nissan has always had an above average reliability record, and the X-Trail SUV is no exception. It placed an impressive ninth in our Driver Power survey.
Practicality
The Nissan X-Trail scores highly in terms of practicality. It boasts 193-litres more boot space than the car it replaces, making the 603-litre, wipe-clean load area, more comparable to that in a Land Rover Freelander. Although it isn’t as physically large as the Freelander, the space is versatile and the configuration options are useful. Fold the seats and the X-Trail opens up, offering a huge 1,773 litres, which is more than 100 litres more than you'd find in a Freelander. Rear legroom is good and cabin storage impressive – there is a huge glovebox and plenty of cubbyholes. The package is topped off with a comfortable driving position with plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment – meaning long journeys in the X-Trail are a pleasure rather than a chore.
Running Costs
The 171bhp X-Trail scores similarly to its rivals in terms of economy. It does 44.1mpg on the combined cycle, beating the Honda CR-V (43.5mpg) but falling short just of the Land Rover Freelander (45.6mpg) and Toyota RAV4 (47.1mpg). However, the X-Trail does represent good value, undercutting the other three in terms of initial outlay. Kit levels are impressive across the range, with the best-selling Sport including a full-length sunroof, CD changer and Bluetooth preparation as standard. What’s more, residuals are good, meaning the Nissan is an appealing package whether you buy new or used.
For an alternative review of the latest Nissan X-Trail 4x4 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
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Had a horrific motoway rear shunt in an xtrail and I and my wife walked away!! I am happy.. the other car was a total mess and driver in hospital. Depands on what you value in the end?