Nissan X-Trail e-Power hybrid review finds luxurious efficiency

New Nissan X-Trail hybrid takes aim at Toyota’s bread and butter RAV4 … but with a more opulent spread.

Nissan’s range-topping 2023 model X-Trail Ti-L e-Power.

Queues for Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid extended to years since the pandemic.

The most in-demand models have seen many buyers wait at least 18 months. That remains the time frame for most prospective hybrid owners who walk into a Toyota showroom today.

Which makes the arrival of Nissan’s new X-Trail e-Power timely.

Available only in the two top-tier X-Trail specifications, the hybrid versions cost $4200 more than their petrol counterparts. Official fuel consumption figures in the e-Power are 6.1L/100km, compared with 7.8 in the combustion engine brethren.

Our family sampled the range-topping version to test the efficiency equation.

Large screens, one for infotainment and the other for the driver, along with quilted leather seats, sunroof and wireless phone charging are among the key internal features of the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: The latest generation X-Trail dramatically ramped up the quality and appeal, yet this hybrid version felt like it went up another level as it was so quiet.

GRANT: Operating almost like an electric vehicle, Nissan has taken a different approach to the hybrid functionality. While the RAV4 uses a combination of the engine and stored battery energy to motivate the wheels, the e-Power system uses the three-cylinder engine to purely put power back into the battery – so it’s always electric grunt fuelling all four wheels.

KEL: From the outset it felt like a premium car. Does that equate with the price?

GRANT: Our model was as good as it gets in terms of features at just over $62,000 drive-away.

KEL: That’s a big outlay, but I was impressed with the panoramic sunroof, large touchscreen, tri-zone aircon and quilted leather seats.

GRANT: The latter is exclusive to this model, which also gets 20-inch alloys, 10-speaker Bose stereo, heated rear seats and steering wheel, along with sun shades embedded in the back doors.

KEL: It’s all amazing kit, I just feel like it would be also worthwhile offering the hybrid on lower specification models for those who can’t stretch that far.

GRANT: Base model RAV4s hybrid front-wheel drives are available for about $46,000, while the top-shelf Cruiser with all-wheel drive is about $58,000 … so the Nissan is slightly more expensive at the top end, while the Toyota is a lot cheaper for the bare-bones version with fuel consumption less than 5.0L/100km.

Quiet and smooth on the road, the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power is a wonderful drive.

WHAT DID YOU LOVE?

KEL: The cabin felt plush, I liked the finishes and the driving position.

GRANT: Peripheral vision is excellent along with ergonomics. The faux timber, quality plastics and silver highlights are a fine combination, which collectively has a premium aura.

KEL: The last time we drove the X-Trail one of the highlights was internal space, this was no different. Loading sports gear was easy.

GRANT: Rear 40-20-40 folding seats are brilliant for surfboards and bikes. This model does have slightly less boot space than the standard variants due to underfloor motor, but it remains sizeable at 575L.

KEL: Wireless Apple CarPlay is always a good inclusion, and the X-Trail looked tech-savvy without being too hard to navigate.

GRANT: The driver’s head-up display is 10.8 inches, while both the centre touchscreen and instrument display are both 12.3 inches. CarPlay has the option to be wireless, but to use Android Auto it has to be plugged into the phone.

The top-shelf Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power.

WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?

KEL: While I understand the hybrid philosophy, given the advancement in EV technology what’s the point?

GRANT: Not everyone has the same access to electricity in their garage or time to wait for recharging – especially those in remote areas who travel long distances regularly. Some people living in townhouses or units don’t have the at-home charging option, hybrids offer middle ground.

KEL: Given the price premium over the petrol model, I’d want the efficiency savings to be reasonable, unless it was purely a green choice.

GRANT: During our tests, we achieved 5.9L/100km in the hybrid and 8.0L in the petrol. Given the hybrid prefers premium unleaded, it would take at least five years to break even. Capped price servicing is only $5 cheaper in the hybrid model over six years.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: Feeling close to driving a pure electric vehicle, the pivotal difference was when the engine was running it generated a gentle hum.

GRANT: The driver can select ‘EV’ mode via a dash button, but ask for additional performance and a message pops up on the display saying acceleration has exceeded the capacity and the engine kicks into gear to boost battery power. Maintain slow speeds around town and the engine isn’t required as long as there is enough capacity in the battery.

KEL: There was always ample power available and I really liked the experience behind the wheel.

GRANT: It’s a far superior drive compared to the petrol-powered version. Changes in direction are particularly impressive, with a well balanced feel in rural and city confines. From the 55-litre tank, we managed nearly 900km.

Boot space in the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power is nearly 600L.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: I’ve moved on from the hybrid appeal, and I think given the price I’d be more likely to buy the Nissan Leaf. The X-Trail is beautifully appointed and offers great space, but for my money I’d be investing in the future.

GRANT: Without doubt, this is the best X-Trail buy. The hybrid performance runs rings around the petrol variants, but unfortunately the entry-level price would challenge many family budgets.