I’ve driven a handful of third-generation Nissan X-Trail models over the years and not once have I walked away from a drive feeling particularly impressed. So, when I was approaching a week-long review of the all-new, fourth-generation model, I was expecting to be let down. I wasn’t. In fact, I was blown away by how much the SUV has improved and now consider it one of the best offerings in its segment.
Few would deny that the third-gen X-Trail, known as the T32, was produced for just a little too long. Indeed, it was sold in Australia for almost a decade and over the past couple of years, still remained in the local range despite this new model launching in North America in 2021. When it was new, the T32 was decent but it quickly started to show its age and has felt downright outdated since 2019.
So, you can imagine my surprise when I discovered that the new X-Trail is leaps and bounds above its predecessor. Every single aspect of the new SUV is vastly superior to the old model and it could help the brand top the mid-size SUV sales chart in Australia.
New and improved
Nissan Australia has launched all-new generations of the Qashqai, X-Trail, and Pathfinder in quick succession, helping to modernize its family of models and allowing it to better rival the Korean brands that have stolen its thunder in recent years.
There are no less than eight different versions of the 2023 X-Trail available Down Under. The range kicks off from AU$40,445 ($27,112) with the ST in five-seat guise and the ST in seven-seat guise (AU$43,575 / $29,210). Then there’s the ST-L also offered in five- and seven-seat forms, priced at AU$47,077 ($31,557) and AU$50,326 ($33,675) respectively. Then there’s the five-seat Ti that we tested starting from AU$54,211 ($36,340) and the seven-seat Ti-L kicking off at AU$57,361 ($38,451). All of these variants feature the same powertrain. Those after something with a little more punch can opt for the1.5-liter petrol e-Power hybrid sold in Ti and Ti-L trim levels.
The standard engine takes the form of a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol that produces 135 kW (181 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 244 Nm (180 lb-ft) of torque at 3,600 rpm. These figures represent increases of 9 kW (12 hp) and 19 Nm (14 lb-ft) over the old model. They also mean the X-Trail outguns the entry-level 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder of the Kia Sportage with its 115 kW (154 hp) and 192 Nm (141 lb-ft) and matches well against the Sportage’s 1.6-liter turbo petrol with its 132 kW (177 hp) and 265 Nm (195 lb-ft).
Paired to the X-Trail’s engine is the same CVT as the old model. As far as continuously variable transmissions go, the one found in the new X-Trail is good but we would prefer a more traditional automatic, even if that meant actually feeling the SUV shift through the gears. Nissan sells the new model in front- and four-wheel drive configurations.
This is no ordinary Nissan interior
The Nissan X-Trail Ti that we tested may not have been the top-of-the-range variant, but it was significantly more luxurious and plush than the old model and this is nowhere more visible than in the cabin.
Step inside the new X-Trail Ti and you are welcomed by an abundant number of displays. For starters, there is a high-definition 10.8-inch digital instrument cluster directly in front of the driver while sitting atop the dashboard is a 12.3-inch infotainment display. From afar, this screen looks excellent but after looking a little closer, we noticed that it was all a little blurry and out of focus. Nevertheless, it is significantly better than the old display and also rocks Nissan’s latest infotainment software, also a vast improvement. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, and six speakers are also present.
The Ti also rocks a feature that we didn’t expect to find when we picked up the keys: a digital rear-view mirror. While one could argue that digital rear-view mirrors aren’t more useful than normal mirrors, we did find it a welcome addition on the new X-Trail as rear visibility isn’t great when using the mirror function. A 10.8-inch Head-Up Display is also standard, as is tri-zone automatic temperature control, power tailgate, automatic rain sensing front wipers, and automatic headlights.
Read: New 2023 Nissan X-Trail Revealed For Europe With Electrified Powertrains
There’s plenty more to like about the cabin of the new Nissan. There’s a wireless smartphone charger and lovely faux wood trim adorning the center console that’s much nicer than the piano black you’ll find on some rivals. The leather is nice, and so are the stitching and the three-spoke steering wheel.
Our tester’s cabin was upholstered primarily in black leather but there was some nice brown leather on the dashboard and at the top of the door panels. All major touchpoints were nice and soft and gave us a feeling of quality, not something we can say about all recent Nissan models. The carmaker has even cleverly managed to engineer a center console with a floating design, meaning there is now an extra storage cubby to utilize. Both front and rear occupants also have easy access to USB-C and USB-A charging ports.
Like the previous-generation model, the rear seats of this new one can fold flat and even when they are raised, there is a respectable 585-liters of storage space. Dual luggage boards also allow you to configure the boot in one of 16 different ways.
The X-Trail has more than a nice cabin
So, the interior of the new X-Trail is much better than the old model but what about safety? Well, all Australian models come standard with Automonous emergency braking, Blind-spot assist, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, automatic high-beam, and adaptive cruise control. ST-L models and above, including the Ti, also have Nissan’s ProPILOT system with radar cruise control and an active lane-centering function. We found this system to work very well and were impressed with the ease of use.
Driving the 2023 Nissan X-Trail Ti also feels like a much more premium experience than the old model. Sure, the engine and CVT are the same, but both are more refined and quieter. It would be nice to have a little more torque off the line but the grunt on offer is more than adequate for the vast majority of driving scenarios.
Read: New 2023 Nissan X-Trail Arrives In Australia
The overall comfort of the X-Trail also impressed us. Australia is known for its wide array of road surfaces – some good, some bad – but the SUV never felt out of sorts and always remained composed. It even handles surprisingly well for the type of vehicle it is and much like its predecessors, never feels under strain over variable terrain.
Indeed, the X-Trail’s all-wheel drive system can be configured between Eco, Standard, and Sport modes, alongside five traction modes that even cater for driving on ice and snow. There is also a Hill Descent Control function that comes standard. We didn’t have the chance to see what the SUV is like for towing but Nissan says it can pull 2,000 kg, up 500 kg from its predecessor.
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder is reasonably efficient. Nissan Australia says Ti and Ti-L models return 7.8 l/100 km (30.1 mpg) over the combined cycle and while we achieved an average of 8.7 l/100 km (27.04 mpg), we have no doubt that quoted figure is achievable with a little more highway driving and less urban use.
A star of its segment
We were apprehensive about the new Nissan X-Trail. It is no secret that for the last five years or so, Nissan hasn’t been in its best form and continued to build some models that it should have retired long ago. The latest X-Trail, as well as the new Qashqai and Pathfinder, represent a new frontier for the Japanese car manufacturer and a commendable return to form.
The new X-Trail is so vastly superior to the old model that I would urge anyone tempted to buy one of the remaining third-generation models on local dealership lots to reconsider and spend a little more money on what is one of the very best mid-size SUVs on the market.
