Summary
The Nissan X-Trail is a large SUV available in five-seat and seven-seat configurations. This is the latest fourth-generation model, which went on sale in the final months of 2022.
Both front-wheel and all-wheel drive models are available, and customers can opt for either a petrol mild hybrid engine, or one of Nissan’s ‘e-Power’ petrol-electric hybrid powertrains.
The X-Trail is more spacious than the smaller best-selling Nissan Qashqai, and is also a capable off-roader, but several reviewers comment that the SUV is not as economical as they were expecting – particularly the more expensive ‘e-Power’ option.
Like the Qashqai, the latest X-Trail was developed in Cranfield in the UK and about half of European sales are to UK customers. However, unlike the Qashqai, the X-Trail is built in Japan rather than in Sunderland.
“While efficiency isn’t bad on paper”, Parker‘s Alan Taylor-Jones explains, “there are lower CO2 emitting options such as the plug-in hybrid Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe that can also run on electric power for much longer distances.
What Car? concludes that, while the X-Trail is a decent family car choice, there are plenty of rivals that are more comfortable, more fun to drive and that offer even more space for a similar price. While the car is roomy when specced as a five-seater, media outlets generally agree that the third row of seating in seven-seat versions is quite cramped.
As of March 2023, the fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail holds an Expert Rating of 59%, based on 14 reviews published by UK media sources. This is still a new model, however, so the rating could move up or down by a few points as more local reviews are published.
X-Trail highlights
- Well-equipped as standard
- All-wheel drive models capable off-road
- Practical interior
X-Trail lowlights
- Cramped third row seating
- Not very fun to drive
- Could be more fuel efficient
Key specifications
Body style: Large SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol mild hybrid, petrol-electric hybrid
Price: From £32,030 on-road
Launched: Winter 2022/23
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol-electric e-4orce Tekna+
Score: 7.4 / 10
“The latest Nissan X-Trail is a big step forward in most ways, especially with its unique petrol-electric e-Power drivetrain. It drives like an EV but is powered by a petrol engine, so you fill it up like any normal petrol car.” (Stuart Masson)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The new Nissan X-Trail works well in the UK, but the efficiency of the clever e-Power set-up could be better.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Passenger space in the rear seats is generous and helped by the ability to slide the seat bench forward or back. The e-Power hybrids perform well in urban or city settings and returns decent fuel consumption figures for an SUV of this size.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Nissan seems to be on a bit of a roll with cars that aren’t flashy but just work. The new Nissan X-Trail is a relaxing, frustration-free place to spend time thanks to sensibly laid-out controls and a powertrain that doesn’t require any managing from the driver yet musters a surprising amount of performance when called upon.” (Illya Verpraet)
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Model reviewed: e-4orce Tekna+
Score: 7 / 10
“With the new Nissan X-Trail e-Power, you’ve got a car that drives like an EV, with excellent off-road performance and decent practicality. The only downside is this Nissan’s performance and 42.2mpg and 34% BIK figure can’t match the EV running costs – it’s still a decent stepping stone to an EV, however.” (Martyn Collins)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The X-Trail is a perfectly pleasant family wagon with the option of some four-wheel drive ability. Don’t expect too much from the driving experience and you’ll be totally whelmed.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Nissan X-Trail is a practical seven-seat SUV, but don’t be fooled by Nissan’s e-Power hybrid tech; it’s not hugely economical.” (Andy Goodwin)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Without costing too much more than a Qashqai, the Nissan X-Trail is a decent family car, and in mid-level N-Connecta trim, it packs excellent equipment without costing the earth.” (Mat Watson)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The highest spec models are expensive and rivals have the edge in terms of versatility, but the new X-Trail is a much more desirable choice than its predecessor.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s a rugged and versatile family SUV with more space than the popular Qashqai, while its interior feels a lot posher than the old model. It’s pretty average in the way it drives, but at least it’s comfortable.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Nissan X-Trail is by no means bad, but neither does it do anything to make it any more recommendable than quite a few existing options. Yes, it’s quiet around town and has some off-road ability, but it’s not as efficient in the real world as we’d hope and the third row isn’t very spacious at all.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The new X-Trail is very much a hit in terms of its family-focused features and utility. The e-Power drivetrain will also appeal to those who are keen to ditch diesel but aren’t ready to go fully electric, and with e-4orce the X-Trail becomes a decent off-roader, capable of tackling much more than the average buyer will throw at it.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“It isn’t going to set the world on fire, but it has been pretty carefully crafted to offer as close to all things to all family members as any car in this class could hope to.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“If you don’t ask too much of the X-Trail, it’s a comfortable and quiet cruiser that’ll fit seven people without any issues. The issue is that for similar money there are plenty of rivals that are more comfortable, more fun to drive and that offer even more space.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 90%
Vulnerable road users: 70%
Safety assist: 95%
Structurally, the Nissan X-Trail is based on the smaller Qashqai SUV, so its Euro NCAP safety rating is based on the Qashqai’s testing in 2021. However, additional tests and analysis were undertaken where there were specific differences between the two models.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of March 2023, the Nissan X-Trail has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of March 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on this latest iteration of the Nissan X-Trail to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the X-Trail, we’ll publish the score here.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volkswagen ID. Buzz has received
2023
- 4×4 Magazine Awards – 4×4 of the Year + Best Medium SUV
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Nissan X-Trail, you might also be interested in these alternatives.
Citroën C5 Aircross | Ford Kuga | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Santa Fe | Kia Sorento | Land Rover Discovery Sport | Mitsubishi Shogun Sport | Peugeot 5008 | SEAT Tarraco | Skoda Kodiaq | SsangYong Rexton | Subaru Forester | Suzuki Across | Toyota RAV4 | Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Nissan X-Trail at The Car Expert
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