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.

Overall Auto Express Rating

3.0 out of 5

Interior, design and technology Rating

4.0 out of 5

Price
£32,830 to £49,645
Find your Nissan X-Trail
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Advertisement

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.

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. 

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.

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.5 MHEV 163 Visia 5dr Xtronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £32,200

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.5 E-Power 204 Acenta Premium 5dr Xtronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £36,665

Fastest

  • Name
    1.5 E-Power E-4orce 213 Acenta Premium 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £38,865

Most Popular

New Nissan Qashqai to get radical look and all-electric power
Nissan Qashqai exclusive image - front
News

New Nissan Qashqai to get radical look and all-electric power

Major investment in Nissan’s Sunderland plant underpins the new fourth-generation Qashqai
8 Dec 2023
New Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2024 review: big estate with value boost
Jaguar XF Sportbrake - front tracking
Road tests

New Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2024 review: big estate with value boost

Jaguar's XF Sportbrake may be 8 years old but it just got a whole lot cheaper!
7 Dec 2023
New Omoda 5 to take on the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson when it arrives in early 2024
Omoda 5 - front
News

New Omoda 5 to take on the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson when it arrives in early 2024

The new Omoda 5 SUV will only be available with an all-electric powertrain when it hits the UK next spring, but a hybrid option is expected later
8 Dec 2023