Nissan X-Trail ST-L E-Power family review reveals efficient and comfortable SUV

Cut-price Nissan X-Trail ST-L E-Power hybrid SUV is easier on the bank account without losing all luxuries.

The 2023 Nissan X-Trail ST-L E-Power.

When you’re buying a hybrid, every day is tight-arse Tuesday.

Nissan launched its e-Power version of the mid-size X-Trail SUV last year with one caveat – you had to part with more than $62,000.

There is now a cut-price version available for about $8000 less.

The ST-L version goes without a range of features, but it isn’t completely devoid of luxury.

The primary rival remains Toyota’s super popular RAV4 Hybrid, which starts from about $45,000, but is still plagued by delivery delays and lengthy queues … especially for its most popular Cruiser model that costs more than $53,000.

What do you get?

Fancier equipment such as a head-up display, in-built satnav and large touchscreen are deleted to save buyers coin.

The ST-L still comes with manmade leather trimmed seats, eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both require a cord for operation), seven-inch digital driver display flanked by analog gauges, heated front seats, 18-inch alloys and push-button start.

Nissan didn’t skimp on the safety equipment and it matches the top-shelf version with lane-keeping assistance, radar cruise control, brakes that are automatically applied if an obstacle is detected in front or behind, along with a 360-degree parking camera.

The driver has analog instruments rather than a full fancy digital display, yet there is a smaller configurable screen, which delivers a variety of information.

Capped price servicing is available for about $2100 for five maintenance visits. Servicing intervals are annual or every 10,000km.

That price is hefty in comparison with the two primary rivals, with a RAV4 costing about $1300, while the Honda CR-V undercuts both at $995.

ST-L variant features include manmade leather trimmed seats, eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seven-inch digital driver display flanked and push-button start.

How was the drive?

Compared with other hybrids, the Nissan marches to a different beat.

Under the bonnet is a
three-cylinder petrol engine which has the primary job of feeding the small battery for two electric motors.

During heavy acceleration requests, the engine can drive the front wheels, but during most conditions, the e-Power X-Trail operates like an electric car with quiet and responsive performance.

There’s no need to plug-in, the engine looks after recharging.

Nissan’s e-Pedal function can also bolster the battery by harnessing energy – the brake is needed only for heavy deceleration as simply lifting off the throttle will bring the X-Trail to a steady stop. Mastering the art means using only one pedal.

While not dynamically amazing, it’s an easy drive with seamless performance.

Our test returned average fuel consumption of 6.0L/100km.

Real-world experience has the RAV4 delivering about one litre less. Our recent review of the Honda CR-V saw it achieve 5.7L.

Excellent boot space easily handled a weekly grocery shop, as well as a few suitcases without impeding rear vision.

Old-school fans of the X-Trail will remember the cool drawer system. Modern versions aren’t quite as useful, but there is a handy divided cargo set-up under the boot floor.

Fuel consumption in the Nissan X-Trail ST-L E-Power was 6.0.L/100km during our test.

Would you buy one?

Kel: The last time I sampled the range-topping X-Trail hybrid I wasn’t convinced. I am now. It’s a great drive with awesome space. I’d happily own the ST-L version, but I would be easily swayed into the next rung higher to get the exact features I want for just under $60,000.

Grant: Easy to drive, well appointed and efficient, the cut-price hybrid is an impressive package. While still expensive, it feels like a step above the RAV4 in style and design, while it also trumps the CR-V for all-round driveability.