Nissan X-Trail review reveals big gains in vital areas for mid-size SUV

After lagging behind the competition, the Nissan X-Trail SUV has injected itself among the best in class.

The range-topping Nissan X-Trail Ti-L.

Nissan has undertaken an SUV cleansing this year.

Embracing a diet of technology and muscle building, the Pathfinder, X-Trail and Qashqai have all been relaunched.

The mid-size X-Trail is typically the most popular among buyers of the three, considered the “Goldilocks” for families who could be cross-shopping against segment leaders including the Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5 or the Toyota RAV4.

Entering its fourth generation, the X-Trail starts from about $40,000 once on-roads are settled for the two-wheel drive ST. Add $3040 for the seven-seat derivative.

Our family tested the top-shelf Ti-L, which is only available in all-wheel drive and five with seats, which costs about $57k in traffic.

The range-topping Nissan X-Trail Ti-L starts from about $57,000 drive-away.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: I remember the early X-Trails being boxy. This new design doesn’t set any crazy new benchmarks, but it looks well proportioned.

GRANT: Wider and taller than its predecessor, it’s definitely taken a step forward in the looks department. There’s the usual array of inoffensive colours such as silver, white and black, but spend an extra $1200 and buyers can opt for orange, grey, blue or ivory with a black roof.

KEL: While you’d expect improvements, I felt like this was a monumental step forward for Nissan. The last X-Trail was OK, but there are a lot of medium-size SUVs around now.

GRANT: Competition is fierce. Being the flagship of the range comes with big expectations, and the Ti-L goes head-to-head with the likes of Mazda’s CX-5 Akera Turbo ($58,312), Kia’s Sportage GT-Line ($54,012), Honda’s CR-V VTi-LX ($53,600) and the Toyota RAV4 Edge ($58,862).

KEL: Given the price I had high expectations, so it was good to see the quilted soft leather trim, Bose stereo, heated seats front and back along with the large 12.3-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash.

GRANT: The driver also gets a full digital display, along with a head-up display which projects the speed and other info such as satnav instructions onto the windscreen.

Among the features of the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L are quilted leather trim, heated seats front and back, sunblinds embedded in the rear doors, 12.3-inch touchscreen and a Bose stereo.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: The kids accuse me of going into “Karen mode” sometimes about small things, yet I had no issue with the X-Trail cabin. I found the ergonomics to be excellent.

GRANT: Often it’s the small things which cause daily frustration. A stubby gear shifter and push-button park brake has created a useful space through the console where there is ample storage, along with a wireless phone charger as well as access to both USB A and C ports.

KEL: All the materials felt nice and looked classy. Space front and back was another big winner.

GRANT: Three kids across the back seat was easily achieved. Additional rear leg room is among the key improvements. Embedded rear window blinds are exclusive to this model and always handy – especially during these hotter conditions.

Kelly and Grant Edwards.

WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?

KEL: Only a small complaint, but the cup holders didn’t have the small retractable arms inside to keep hold of your coffee. Smaller cups tended to shift when driving.

GRANT: Pre-paid maintenance plans are becoming popular and Nissan offers three, four or five year deals. That’s a good thing, but the service distance intervals are 10,000km or annual – many competitors are 15,000km.

KEL: The drive assist systems could also be touchy and annoying depending on the road conditions. Lane assist proved aggressive on rural roads.

GRANT: Carrying only a space-saver spare means real off-roading is not a true option, even though it has various driving modes.

Boot space in the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L is among the segment leaders.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: Quiet and robust, the X-Trail was nice in just about all conditions.

GRANT: It’s a familiar four-cylinder engine under the bonnet, now with additional power and torque (9kW and 18Nm improvements).

KEL: Getting away from the traffic lights it was fast enough. Just nothing earth-shattering, especially when you put your foot down.

GRANT: That would be partly due to the continuously variable transmission. Many people don’t like them, but the Nissan transmission feels more like a conventional automatic so long as you don’t call for rapid throttle response.

KEL: I found the performance more than adequate for family duties with a great high driving position.

GRANT: The suspension was more tuned for comfort, which is fine for a family SUV. The steering feel was also quite light with minimal feedback for the keen driver, but again it’s fit for purpose.

Off-road modes are available in the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: Previously I probably wouldn’t have had the X-Trail in my top five SUV list, but the marked improvements have moved it up in the world. The Ti-L is expensive in comparison to other models, so I would probably look to one of the less expensive models to deliver bang for buck.

GRANT: Hefty improvements have been made to the X-Trail in all realms – and it was needed given the opposition benchmarks. Great space, fit and finish, the performance is adequate. A reliable and solid all-rounder without setting new standards.