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

2019 Nissan

X-Trail

49,780 milesManualDiesel1.8L

Cash £13,997
View X-Trail
X-Trail

2019 Nissan

X-Trail

63,689 milesManualDiesel1.8L

Cash £13,151
View X-Trail
X-Trail

2019 Nissan

X-Trail

50,209 milesManualDiesel1.8L

Cash £14,500
View X-Trail
X-Trail

2015 Nissan

X-Trail

66,385 milesManualDiesel1.6L

Cash £10,495
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 £8,555 off RRP*Used from £19,600
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £2,073 off RRP*Used from £8,450
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £5,737 off RRP*Used from £11,599
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Used from £19,899
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

AA and BSM driving schools under investigation over £3 booking fee

AA and BSM driving schools under investigation over £3 booking fee

The Competition and Markets Authority is looking at how the companies present mandatory fees to customers
News
18 Nov 2025
Chery Tiggo 8 wins Carwow Car of the Year 2026 thanks to its outstanding value
Chery Tiggo 8 - Mat Watson

Chery Tiggo 8 wins Carwow Car of the Year 2026 thanks to its outstanding value

The seven-seater family SUV also won Carwow’s Hybrid Hero award
News
20 Nov 2025
New Renault Trafic E-Tech van gets sci-fi looks and 280-mile range
Renault Trafic - front

New Renault Trafic E-Tech van gets sci-fi looks and 280-mile range

The production version of the new mid-sized Renault Trafic van has been revealed and it will hit showrooms later in 2026
News
18 Nov 2025