Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan X-Trail (2013-2022) review - Interior, design and technology

Strong kit levels and an easy-to-use interior layout, but X-Trail can't match quality of class-leaders.

Find your Nissan X-Trail
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Take a passing glance at the Nissan X-Trail and you might initially mistake it for its little brother, the Qashqai. However, while the corporate nose is largely the same as the Qashqai’s, the X-Trail’s rounded rear is significantly different. 

The 2017 revisions are recognisable by a new, wider front grille, changes to the bumpers front and rear, chrome side mouldings and an LED daytime running light signature that throws a different pattern to that of the Qashqai - it's easier to spot the difference between the two if the lights are on. There's also a couple of new colours and alloy wheel designs. It's not a dramatic restyle, and if you were a fan of the pre-facelift model chances are you won't be offended by the update, if you even notice the changes. 

Trim levels include entry-level Visia, then Acenta, Acenta Premium, N-Connecta and top-of-the-range Tekna. Base standard kit is pretty generous with 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, a DAB radio, air con, cruise control and a multi-function steering wheel.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The flagship Tekna spec adds 19-inch wheels, self-parking and powered leather seats to the X-Trail’s lavish kitbag – but by then you’re talking about spending the best part of £33,000. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

X-Trail

2015 Nissan

X-Trail

86,000 milesManualDiesel1.6L

Cash £8,000
View X-Trail
X-Trail

2019 Nissan

X-Trail

16,727 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £19,325
View X-Trail
X-Trail

2019 Nissan

X-Trail

36,616 milesManualDiesel1.8L

Cash £15,997
View X-Trail
X-Trail

2024 Nissan

X-Trail

16,251 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £29,999
View X-Trail

Owners of the old X-Trail won’t recognise the latest one from the inside, but Qashqai owners will feel right at home. The layout is identical to the Qashqai’s, exhibiting soft-touch materials and good fit-and-finish. However, the Skoda Kodiaq, Mazda CX-5 and a number of other newer rivals offer more modern designs and a greater feeling of quality inside. 

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

As with the facelifted Qashqai, we can’t help feeling that Nissan could have done more with the infotainment and connectivity tech in the updated X-Trail, because rivals have moved the game on.

While the core features offered as part of Nissan’s Connect Evo system are okay (sat-nav, around-view monitor and some other selected app functions, such as Facebook and TripAdvisor), the seven-inch screen isn’t in an ideal position and, most importantly in this class today, the lack of smartphone features compared with its rivals highlights the X-Trail’s relatively limited tech.

Although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t supported, Bluetooth for calls and audio streaming, as well as DAB, is included with NissanConnect Evo. However, the menu system is clunky and the graphics lack clarity and definition compared with the larger, crisper screens fitted in rivals such as the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq.

At least you get a three-year subscription to Nissan’s live services, which include traffic information.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.5 MHEV 163 Acenta Premium 5dr Xtronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £35,535
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.5 E-Power 204 Acenta Premium 5dr Xtronic
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £37,540
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    1.5 E-Power E-4orce 213 Acenta Premium 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £39,790
Select car

New & used car deals

Nissan X-Trail

Nissan X-Trail

RRP £36,225Avg. savings £7,821 off RRP*Used from £20,000
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £1,429 off RRP*
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £4,521 off RRP*Used from £13,800
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,289 off RRP*Used from £10,799
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Renault 5 outsells Tesla Model Y, but both are beaten by Jaecoo 7
Renault 5 - front cornering

Renault 5 outsells Tesla Model Y, but both are beaten by Jaecoo 7

Renault’s retro hatchback topped the EV sales charts in October, but even it couldn’t come close to internal-combustion alternatives from China
News
5 Nov 2025
Car headlights are too bright, but the Government can’t do much about it
Car headlights - opinion

Car headlights are too bright, but the Government can’t do much about it

Editor Paul Barker thinks car headlights are too bright but any solution to combat headlight dazzle is some way off
Opinion
5 Nov 2025
New Audi A3 e-tron confirmed: low-cost EV to get retro A2 looks
Audi A3 e-tron - front 3/4

New Audi A3 e-tron confirmed: low-cost EV to get retro A2 looks

The design of Audi’s latest EV appears to have been inspired by the unconventional Audi A2 hatchback
News
4 Nov 2025