Nissan X-Trail review: Double life leads to sales success

The Japanese brand had a tough 2019, but there was some good news with one of its most important models still a hit with Aussie families and for good reason.

The mid-size family SUV segment is dominated by the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. But there is a string of quality contenders that sit just behind them and the Nissan X-Trail is the leader of that pack in terms of sales. The X-Trail’s versatility as an everyday family-hauler and as a weekend adventurer is one of its secret weapons, but it has a few others, too.

Value

Far from the newest kid on the mid-sized SUV block, Nissan’s X-Trail was still the third-best selling vehicle in the class last year. Put that down to a combination of smart pricing, versatile cabin and cargo area and the fact the X-Trail cedes little to its newer rivals in terms of looks. Heading the all-wheel drive petrol range is the X-Trail Ti at $45,340 before on-roads. That’s cheaper than anything except the top-spec Subaru Forester, Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Outlander. So the price is right and the Nissan has the features to impress.

The X-Trail represents great value compared to some of its rivals.

Comfort

Any outboard seat in the X-Trail Ti is a good place to be. Heated and covered with leather-highlighted upholstery, all seats are decently supportive. The rear seats recline in a 60-40 split and receive airflow from adjustable vents. Add eight-speaker Bose audio, dual-zone aircon, digital radio and satnav, kick-to-operate tailgate, adaptive LED headlamps and panoramic sunroof and the Nissan looks to have the feature set covered. The downside is the seven-inch infotainment screen — size matters when it comes to displays but its relatively low resolution highlights the X-Trail’s age, as does the absence of smartphone mirroring.

Safety

The five-star rating from ANCAP in 2017 reflects the X-Trail’s structural strength. Active safety aids include autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert and lane-keep assist. The Ti is also fitted with adaptive cruise control that works well without leaving a massive gap to the car in front. That helps avoid the hard auto-braking that occurs in some cars when other drivers decide to dart into the vacant space.

The X-Trail Ti has a mountain of gear thrown in.

Driving

The Ti rolls on 19-inch wheels, up from 17s in the grade below, and they don’t help the low-speed ride on roughed-up roads, where the tyres are tend to soak up the initial shock before the suspension kicks in. As a result there’s a faint jitter that is probably more pronounced because in most situations the X-Trail’s ride is hard to fault. It sits flat around the corners and there’s little jostling in the rear seats. The engine needs to be worked for decent acceleration — you’ll then hear the CVT drone but at least it is decently muted. The light steering doesn’t detract from the drive and makes the Nissan easy to take to the shops or on the school run.

Verdict 4/5

As a genuine all-rounder, the X-Trail Ti rates well. It is versatile family transport, can get away on the weekends and its sticker price is more than competitive.

Alternatives

Mazda CX-5 Akera, $48,130 plus on-roads

Looks sharp inside and out. The 2.5-litre engine has better performance and uses less fuel than the Nissan.

Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed, $43,290 plus on-roads

Showing its age inside but the Mitsubishi lacks little in convenience or safety features and it seats seven.

Toyota RAV4 Edge, $47,490 plus on-roads

It’s not the trendy hybrid version but the Edge will hold its own in this company for ride and features.

Nissan X-Trail Ti vitals

Price: $45,340 plus on-roads

Warranty/servicing: 5 years/unlimited km; $1539 for 5 years/50,000km

Safety: 5 stars, 6 airbags, AEB, blind spot alert, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert

Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cyl, 126kW/226Nm

Thirst: 8.3L/100km

Spare: Space-saver

Boot: 565L

Originally published as Nissan X-Trail review: Double life leads to sales success