The Nissan X-Trail has been a strong contender in the family SUV market since its debut in 2001, evolving from a boxy off-roader to a refined crossover. The latest generation, launched in 2022, builds on this legacy with a stronger focus on electrification, comfort, and versatility. It comes with a choice of advanced powertrains, including Nissan’s innovative e-POWER range-extender hybrid system. Overall, it’s a well-rounded, versatile SUV that combines the latest technology, thoughtful practicality, and a choice of efficient powertrains, making it an appealing choice for modern families.
The Nissan X-Trail is a highly competitive family SUV, with a good blend of comfort, space, and technology. Its versatility, choice of seating layouts, and comprehensive safety features make it a good family car which, if you can rn to it, is best experienced with Nissan’s super-smooth e-POWER powertrain,
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioNew Nissan X-Trail prices start from £36,225 for the entry-level Acenta Premium mild hybrid petrol, rising to £46,135 for the flagship Tekna+ e-POWER 4WD model.
In the used market, recent models can be found from around £25,000, and the earliest 2022 cars can be picked up from around £16,000 on AACars.com.
The X-Trail offers a choice of mild hybrid and e-POWER range-extender powertrains. The entry-level front-wheel-drive 1.5-litre turbocharged mild hybrid petrol engine produces 163bhp and 300Nm of torque, achieving 0–62 mph in approximately 9.6 seconds.
The standout option is Nissan’s e-POWER hybrid, which uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine as a generator to power an electric motor, delivering 204bhp in 2WD guise, and up to 213bhp with e-4ORCE all-wheel drive. The e-POWER 4WD accelerates from 0–62 mph in just 7.0 seconds, offering brisk performance.
All models are fitted with automatic transmission, and the e-4ORCE system provides enhanced grip and stability on loose surfaces.
The X-Trail is quite a bulky car and although it’s easy-to-drive and manoeuvre, it isn’t as relaxing to drive as some of its rivals, with a firm and unsettled ride over broken road surfaces.
That said, the steering is light and accurate and visibility is great, aided by Nissan’s 360-degree Surround View camera system.
Road and wind noise are well suppressed, despite the car’s chunky and boxy dimensions.
The X-Trail’s chassis provides secure and predictable handling, but it’s not what you’d call engaging to drive – but this is also unlikely to be a primary consideration for anyone buying one.
The suspension absorbs bumps well around town, maintaining composure, but tends to jiggle around a bit at higher speeds over broken tarmac – especially on models fitted with larger wheels.
The optional e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system further enhances stability and control, particularly in adverse weather, giving drivers added confidence on twisty roads or light off-road trails.
Open the door and you’re greeted by a contemporary, upmarket cabin. The dashboard features a digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Premium materials, ambient lighting, and ergonomic seating create a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
Headroom and legroom are generous in the front and middle rows, and the second row offers sliding and reclining seats. Seven-seat models feature a third row suitable for children or occasional adult use, but this is much less spacious.
There are ISOFIX points on the outer rear seats and on the third row, making it an appealing choice for larger families.
With five seats in place, the X-Trail provides a generous 585-litre boot. Fold the second row, and this expands to 1,424 litres, making it easy to carry bulky items. Seven-seat variants offer 485 litres with the third row stowed, reducing to 177 litres when all seats are in use.
The boot features a low loading lip, underfloor storage, and versatile cargo solutions, while in-cabin storage includes large door bins, cupholders, and a sliding, dual-lid centre console.
Standard equipment on all X-Trails includes dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, navigation, wireless smartphone integration, keyless entry, and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, meaning even the lower trim levels are better-appointed than many rivals at a similar price point. Higher trim levels add a panoramic sunroof, Bose premium audio, head-up display, and Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist semi-autonomous driving features.
The Nissan X-Trail is available in four main trim levels, kicking off with the Acenta Premium, which comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a digital instrument cluster, and a host of comprehensive safety features such as multiple airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot intervention, and traffic sign recognition. It also includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and dual-zone climate control. For a base model, it’s supremely well-equipped.
Moving up to the N-Connecta trim, buyers can expect 19-inch alloy wheels, an enhanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen, wireless phone charging, privacy glass, roof rails, keyless entry and start, as well as a 360-degree Surround View camera for easier manoeuvring.
The Tekna trim introduces 20-inch alloy wheels for a more commanding presence, while the interior benefits from luxury upholstery; either full or part-leather depending on specification. It also gets heated front seats and steering wheel and a premium Bose audio system. Additional highlights include Nissan’s ProPILOT advanced driver assistance systems and a powered tailgate.
At the top of the range, the Tekna+ trim offers bespoke exterior styling details, quilted leather seats, front seat ventilation and massage function, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display.
Colour choices include classic Arctic White, Diamond Black, Gun Metallic, Champagne Silver, and vibrant Ceramic Grey, with a range of two-tone options for added personalisation.
The latest X-Trail was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2022, achieving 91% for adult occupant protection, 90% for child occupant protection, 70% for vulnerable road user (pedestrian and cyclist) protection, and 95% for safety assist features.
Standard safety kit includes multiple airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot intervention, and traffic sign recognition.
Nissan recommends servicing every 12 months or 18,000 miles, with a standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty and extended cover available, while the e-POWER system is covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.
The mild hybrid petrol engine returns official WLTP fuel economy figures of 39-43 mpg, while the e-POWER hybrid achieves 48-54 mpg, making it one of the more efficient large SUVs. CO2 emissions range from 143 to 161 g/km, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Annual road tax for most models is £195, with higher-priced versions subject to the Expensive Car Supplement, meaning a £620 annual road tax bill for the first five years.
Insurance groups range from 18 to 30, so are quite low for the class – helped by Nissan’s standard safety features.
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