The Nissan X-Trail is a very common sight on Australian roads and that’s for good reason, it’s an SUV that does pretty much everything right.
The X-Trail fits neatly between the smaller Nissan Qashqai and the larger Pathfinder. Worldwide the X Trail is a huge success and partners with the Renault Koleos.
External
There is certainly a lot of similarity between the different small/medium SUVs on the market at the moment, though the X-Trail does well to have its own feel. The distinctive front-end is the main talking point, along with the large wing-mirrors and chunky door handles.
It has a slight coupe appearance with sloping rear quarter windows and an uptick on the side at the rear. Exterior features include LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, chrome front and rear bumper finishers, chrome outside door handles, rear spoiler, automatic headlights, power door mirrors with LED turn indicators, fog lights, roof rails, privacy glass (2nd row and rear), heated door mirrors, LED headlights with auto-levelling and High Beam Assist as well as adaptive front-lighting system, tilt and slide panoramic sunroof and chrome door sill strip.
Internal
This is where the current-generation Nissan X-Trail really shines. The interior space, particularly legroom for front and second-row seat passengers, is excellent.
Fit and finish throughout is above average and there are several real highlights, particularly the nicely-padded armrests, generously-sized storage areas and easy to use controls.
There’s plenty of leather all round from the seats to the steering wheel and from the gear shifter to the console bin. The touchscreen is surrounded by buttons which looks cluttered but provides quick access to functions including sat-nav, digital radio but unfortunately no Apple CarPlay/Andriod Auto.
The colour driver info display graphics are brilliant, crisp and provide a lot of info as well as a digital speedo. Buttons on the steering wheel controls are a bit hard to press and aren’t as effortless as in other cars but are well defined. Same goes for the easily-located audio input/USB/power outlets.
Nissan have located the push button ignition higher on the dash which is great, meaning it’s easy to see and I don’t always have to go feeling behind steering wheel.
The middle row is a standard affair, with smooth leather and seats that slide and uniquely, the middle section folds down completely instead of housing an armrest, to reveal cup holders and allow access to the rear. Boot area is huge and with the fold down rear seats, provides a degree of flexibility that allows multiple uses.
Features
The infotainment system isn’t exactly cutting edge in look and feel, but is better than adequate with an 8-speaker Bose® premium audio system, while a lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is a disappointment. There is digital radio and the screen houses the clever ‘birds-eye view’ camera system. A feature sure to please those with smaller children.
It also makes parking a whole lot easier too as the camera from under the passenger-side wing mirror shows you exactly where the gutter is. Conversely, the foot-operated parking brake in the current X-Trail could be a turn-off some.
Other features include: 6-way power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support, 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, leather-accented heated steering wheel, heated front and 2nd row seats, dual-zone climate control, motion-activated tailgate with position memory, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing windshield wipers and intelligent Cruise Control.
Drive and Engine
The 2.5 litre produces 126 kW/226 Nm and that is typically enough grunt for this type of application. There is a CVT, It isn’t the worst example I have come across, but the power delivery isn’t quite as smooth and responsive as I’d like.
Conversely, the transmission does pick up some marks for working nicely to shift down, or hold a ‘gear’ when going downhill and this does help you save your brakes. One big plus in this SUV offering is the fuel economy, I averaged a very reasonably 8.4L/100km.It also comes with Intelligent 4×4 with Hill Descent Control and Hill Start assist.
Without a word of exaggeration, this is the lightest steering I have ever come across in a vehicle and actually felt quite weird at first. This light feel manages to translate a fairly dull kind of feel through to the driver, though for this type of vehicle that is unlikely to be an issue.
Safety
Nissan X-Trail comes with a five-star ANCAP safety rating. This comes with an abundance of passive and active features.
- Front, front-side and side curtain SRS airbags,
- Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System,
- Forward Collision Warning,
- child restraint anchorage (2nd row RH/LH ISOFIX + tether and centre tether),
- Intelligent Emergency Braking,
- Blind Spot Warning,
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert,
- Lane Departure Warning,
- Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection,
- knee bolsters,
- Intelligent Lane Intervention,
- 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System,
- Electronic Brake force Distribution,
- Brake Assist,
- Intelligent Trace Control,
- Intelligent Engine Brake and
- Intelligent Ride Control
Good Bits:
- Packed with standard features
- Comfortable ride
- Internal space
Not so Good Bits:
- Disconnected steering
- Infotainment/Bluetooth poor
- Foot pedal park brake
Summary
Nissan has done something right with the X Trail as it is a huge sales success around the world. As a family SUV it works better as a five seat version than the seven seat version. This gives the best use of space.
Rather than excelling at any one thing, the X Trail TI is pretty good at almost everything, and I guess that is why it is popular. It looks good, some say an acquired taste and is full of comfort and safety features as well as providing a smooth ride. It isn’t for the adventurous as the AWD capability is more suited to safety and the towing is a little lacking. Overall though the X Trail is a good offering in a very crowded segment.
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Facts and Figures: 2019 Nissan X-Trail Ti
- Engine: 2.5 litre four cylinder petrol 126kW/226Nm
- Transmission: CVT
- Safety: Five Star ANCAP
- Warranty: Five years / Unlimited KM/ 5 Years Roadside Assist
- Origin: Japan
- Price: from $45,040 MLP*
*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.
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