Nissan X-Trail

“Demand for second-hand models in this sector of the market is beginning to go south, but our shortlisted cars are the best in the business.” Simon Henstock

X marks the spot in the SUV category, thanks to the Nissan X-Trail. The chunky off-roader is getting on, but it still reigns supreme as the ultimate used SUV by combining decent on-road manners with genuine off-road capabilities.

A hardwearing and spacious cabin makes the X-Trail an outstanding family holdall, while its 350-litre boot can swallow all manner of junk. As with Toyota’s RAV4, the Nissan also has an impeccable reliability record. And as a proven performer in Auto Express’s annual Driver Power survey, where it finished in 36th place this year, it’s a first-rate proposition.

A facelift in 2003 brought revised lights and interior improvements, but otherwise there’s little to separate later cars from early models. All post-facelift examples boast air-con, and if you plump for the flagship T-Spec trim, you’ll get leather upholstery and satellite navigation, too.

Engines options include 2.0 and 2.5-litre petrols, but the 136bhp 2.2 dCi is the best. The oil-burner joined the line-up only at the end of 2003, and the 2.2 Di which preceded it has only 112bhp. It’s still a sound selection, though, and both diesels feature a six-speed manual gearbox, which is ideal for the motorway.

Nissan unveiled the all-new X-Trail at the Geneva Motor Show last month, but you’d be forgiven for missing it! The new motor will look very much like the current model when it hits showrooms this
summer, thanks to its evolutionary styling, and that’s sure to ease the drop in used values that new cars normally provoke.

Commended: Toyota RAV4

(2002 to 2006)

Car-like handling and smart looks make the Toyota a judges’ favourite, but it can’t quite topple the more able Nissan. It still comes highly commended, though, and the second-generation model has never been cheaper. The 2.0 VVT petrol can hit 38mpg, too, so you may not have to stump up the £1,000 premium for the 46mpg D-4D oil-burner.

Commended: Audi Allroad

2000 to 2006

Okay, so it’s not a conventional SUV, but our judges were impressed by the Allroad’s crossover appeal. With public opinion questioning traditional off-roaders, the jacked-up estate strikes the perfect balance between ability in the rough and on-road manners. The smart, spacious and classy four-wheel drive is available with a choice of two engines, and the 2.5-litre TD is the one we reckon you should go for.