Review - 2023 Nissan X-Trail

Atop its styling overhaul, the X-Trail comes boasting more interior space, added tech, clever safety equipment and a hybrid engine at the top of the range, marking a significant upgrade over the previous ageing X-Trail.

Just how good is the latest X-Trail, then, and how does the five- and seven-seat midsize SUV handle the pressure of a growing Australian family? Let’s find out.

Pros

• Practical and stylish interior design

• Fuel economy benefits of e-Power hybrid

• Generous entertainment & safety equipment lists

• Added towing power (up to 2000kg)

Cons

• Hybrid engine reserved for range-toppers

• Limited third-row space in seven-seat variants

• Short service intervals (10,000km)

OnlineAuto Rating: 8/10

Nissan X-Trail Competition

Starting Price: $36,750

OnlineAuto Savings: Enquire now

How Much Does It Cost?

The Nissan X-Trail lineup kicks off from $36,750 for the entry-level X-Trail ST 2WD, while the ST AWD seven-seater is priced at $39,790.

Stepping up to the ST-L grade brings prices up to $43,190 for the ST-L 2WD, while the ST-L AWD seven-seater is priced at $46,290.

The X-Trail Ti AWD five-seater is priced at $49,990 while the Ti-L AWD five-seater is priced at $52,990.

Finally, Nissan’s range-topping and hybrid-powered Ti e-Power with e-4orce is priced at $54,190, while the flagship Ti-L e-Power with e-4orce receives a $57,190 price tag.

Keep in mind that these prices are before on-road costs and subject to change, while new variants may be added to the lineup.

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You?

You could save money by using the help of one of OnlineAuto’s new car brokers to assist you in finding the best new car for you.

Nissan X-TRAIL - Ti (4WD) e-POWER (HYBRID) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Nissan X-TRAIL car page.

What Features Does the Nissan X-Trail Have?

Nissan’s entry-level X-Trail ST comes riding on 17-inch alloys and receives LED head & tail lights, a set of roof rails, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors, cloth upholstery, adaptive cruise control, 7.0-inch instrument cluster and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto which is paired with a six-speaker sound system.

Stepping up to the X-Trail ST-L adds a set of 18-inch alloys, leatherette upholstery with heated front seats, fog lights, a surround-view camera with front-mounted parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, sliding rear seats and Nissan’s ProPilot system.

The X-Trail Ti receives 19-inch alloys, as well as a powered boot lift, leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.8-inch head-up display, ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof.

Finally, the range-topping X-Trail Ti-L receives 20-inch alloys, a heated steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery with heated rear seats and an upgraded 10-speaker BOSE sound system.

Range Features:

• 17-inch alloys

• LED head & tail lights

• Rear-view camera with rear parking sensors

• Cloth upholstery

• Adaptive cruise control

• 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• 18-inch alloys (ST-L)

• Surround-view camera with front parking sensors (ST-L)

• Leatherette upholstery with heated front seats (ST-L)

• ProPilot safety suite (ST-L)

• Powered boot lift (Ti)

• Leather upholstery (Ti)

• 12.3-inch infotainment display & digital instrument cluster (Ti)

• Panoramic sunroof (Ti)

• 20-inch alloys (Ti-L)

• Nappa leather upholstery with heated rear seats (Ti-L)

Is the Nissan X-Trail Comfortable to Drive?

Nissan’s all-new X-Trail range comes powered by two engine options, with the hybrid remaining, for now, reserved for the range-topping Ti e-Power hybrid.

The base model receives a 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 135kW of power and 244Nm of torque, which is a moderate increase over the previous generation, with power sent to the wheels via a CVT automatic.

The transmission handles the power in a very smooth affair, and feels like you’re driving the car with access to one gear that slings you up to pace.

Nissan has the option of front-wheel and all-wheel drive formats for the X-Trail, and while the AWD is no doubt the pick if you’re planning on some adventures, the FWD entry-point remains impressively smooth and stable on a regular mix of driving.

“The X-Trail is a super strong contender on a mix of Australian roads, with comfortable suspension that makes for a road trip hero.”

In terms of the driving experience, Nissan’s suspension hardware works well at ironing out bumps on the road. The X-Trail is no doubt on the softer side, though this will come as good news for those looking for a comfortable commuter that stays relaxing on long holiday road trips.

Around town, the X-Trail remains user-friendly thanks to its nimble handling and lightweight steering which makes navigating traffic and squeezing into tight spots a simple and straightforward task.

Sitting atop the lineup is Nissan’s e-Power hybrid engine, which pairs a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with two electric motors for AWD stability and some added torque over the standard petrol.

For now, the hybrid remains at a very expensive premium over most of the range, so if you’re intent on a hybrid-powered midsize SUV, you can check out our list of the 10 best hybrid SUVs in Australia.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Nissan says that both 2WD and AWD variants of the X-Trail ST are rated at between 7.4 - 7.8L per 100km on a combined cycle, while the Ti and Ti-L are rated at 7.8L/100km.

This is pretty much on par for the non-hybrid midsize SUV segment.

Opting for the range-topping X-Trail e-Power hybrid drops fuel economy figures down to a much more respectable 6.1L per 100km.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

A number of the X-Trail’s key highlights can be found inside the interior, which is larger, more comfortable and practical and far more premium than the previous generation.

Up front, the driver and passenger are treated to a revised front cabin that has been cleaned up, made more refined and beefed up with some extra storage options.

Most notably, there’s a new storage compartment underneath the centre console that will come as music to the ears of large families, and is a great little hideaway for valuables or loose items that you don’t want rolling around, and a voluminous storage area inside the split-folding armrest.

The design is sleek and stylish, and while the base model is guilty of feeling a little bland, it is undeniably practical when put under the stress test of a large family and their belongings.

“While third-row space is tight in seven-seat form, the X-Trail’s cabin takes a massive leap over its replacement in everything from the design, space and practicality”

There’s still a set of physical climate control settings on the dash, while the infotainment display sits high. The base model picks up an 8.0-inch display while higher-spec variants receive a 12.3-inch display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

In terms of equipment, it might be nice to see features like a powered boot lift sitting lower down in the range, though there is enough equipment on offer in the base model to justify the price.

Move to the rear and there’s a generous amount of room in the second row, with no issues with leg or headroom, even for taller adults.

The X-Trails’ second row picks up a set of USB chargers, air vents, a folding armrest with cup holders and a place to stash your phone, as well as ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts.

In seven-seat form, occupant space and headroom are pretty tight, even for a little one, though it’s pretty much on par for part-time seven-seaters and will get the job done when needed.

In terms of boot space, the five-seat X-Trail offers a boot measuring in at 585L - which drops to 575L in hybrid form - while opting for the seven-seat X-Trail brings its boot space to a total of 465L.

Is it Safe?

Safety equipment is a strong selling point of the latest X-Trail, which comes packed to the brim with active safety technology.

The Nissan X-Trail has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, scoring 91% for adult protection, 90% for child protection, 74% for pedestrian protection and 97% for its safety assist technologies.

As standard, the X-Trail receives forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking with junction, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure alerts with lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and seven airbags.

Nissan’s ProPilot system is reserved for the ST-L and higher grades, which offers semi-autonomous driving that combines cruise control and steering assist systems for easy highway motoring.

Our Verdict: Is The Nissan X-Trail Worth it?

The latest X-Trail has come leaps and bounds over its predecessor, and enters the highly-contested SUV world with an attractive real-world offering for growing families.

The all-new styling package is matched by some serious substance inside the cabin that makes for a great addition to the world of family-friendly SUVs.

While we’re crossing our fingers for a more affordable hybrid variant in the near future, until then, we’d suggest taking a closer look at the ST-L variant in particular, which picks up some extra creature comforts without breaking the bank.

If you’re tossing up your best options in the world of family-friendly SUVs, get in touch with one of our car buying specialists who can give you a shortlist and help find you the best possible price.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with roadside assistance

2. Five- and seven-seat variants available

3. Hybrid engine reserved for top two variants

4. Five-star ANCAP safety rating

5. 585L boot space drops to 465L in seven-seat form