2023 Nissan X-Trail review – e-Power & 2.5L (video)

The Nissan X-Trail medium-sized SUV has become an Aussie favourite since its boxy beginnings back in the early 2000s. 2022 saw the fourth-generation X-Trail launched with a new design, more features, and new powertrains – including a new ‘e-Power’ eForce plug-in hybrid.

One year on, VFACTS figures show it’s proving to be a winner. From January to June 2023, sales have increased by more than one-third (35.4 per cent) over the same months in 2022, accounting for a 3.4 per cent market share.

2023 Nissan X-Trail Ti-L 2.5: Specifications

Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Output: 135kW@6000rpm / 244Nm@3600rpm
Gearbox: CVT auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.5, 235/55
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1638kg
Power-to-weight: 12.13:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 7.8L/100km
Our consumption: 8.7L/100km*
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 55L/91 RON

Power efficiency: 17.30kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: Not tested
0-100km/h: Not tested
60-110km/h: Not tested
1/4 mile: Not tested
Max acceleration: Not tested
100-0km/h braking: Not tested
Max deceleration: Not tested
Decibel at idle: Not tested
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: Not tested
Starting price: $53,490

2023 Nissan X-Trail Ti e-Power: Specifications

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder (106kW/250Nm)
Electric: 2.1kWh battery, 1 x 150kW & 1 x 100kW e-motor
Output (combined): 157kW
Gearbox: One-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 19×7.5, 235/55
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1869kg
Power-to-weight: 11.90:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 6.1L/100km
Our consumption: 6.0L/100km*

Fuel tank/Fuel type: 55L/95 RON
Power efficiency: 25.73kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.53 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.97 seconds*
60-110km/h: 4.60 seconds*
1/4 mile: 15.23 seconds at 148.9km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.844g*
100-0km/h braking (wet): 52.03 metres at 4.21 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.075g*
Decibel at idle/standby: 24*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 79*
Starting price: $54,690

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2023 Nissan X-Trail: How much does it cost?

There are four variants to choose from; the ST, ST-L, Ti, and Ti-L. Among these, you can choose from three powertrains. An entry-level 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that powers front wheels is available in ST and ST-L trim. The same engine powering all four wheels is offered in all variants. Then a unique e-Power hybrid can be chosen in all models but the base ST variant.

The front-wheel drive ST begins the price range at $37,250. If you want the e-Power hybrid it adds between $3200 and $4200, depending on the trim level. Here, we’re putting the top-spec Ti-L in all-petrol, four-wheel drive form and the Ti e-Power under the microscope. Prices start from $53,490 and $54,690 (excluding on-road costs).

Among the medium SUV market, the entry-level X-Trail’s price tag sits roughly in the middle among other popular models. The Mazda CX-5 undercuts it by $1200, the Hyundai Tucson by $2100, the Kia Sportage auto by $2500, and the Honda CR-V by $1300. But it beats the Subaru Forester by $600, and the Toyota RAV4 by $2500. It is on par with the cheapest Mitsubishi Outlander.

2023 Nissan X-Trail: Interior & packaging

True to the X-Trail name, this fourth-generation model maintains its rugged SUV appearance while adding more athletic and modern design elements. It’s now visibly more aerodynamic and evolves Nissan’s bold ‘V-Motion’ front grille. Split LED headlights and new two-tone body colours top off its renewed appeal. At the rear, the design resembles the previous generation’s look, though more angular to give off that agile vibe.

Regarding dimensions, it is now 15mm taller and 20mm wider than the previous generation, but length has shrunk by 10mm, and the wheelbase remains the same. On the inside, this translates to a generous amount of room for an active family and enough room for full-sized adults in the second row.

Boot capacity is rated at 585 litres in the Ti-L 2.5L and a still-impressive 575L in the e-Power. In comparison, its volume is class-leading; trumping all other popular competitors. The legacy twin-board boot floor design remains, which enables the boot floor to be deepened or kept as a handy hiding spot (excluded in the base ST).

Unlike most medium SUVs in this segment, the X-Trail is offered as a seven-seater. However, you can only get the third row of seats in the base ST or ST-L all-petrol, four-wheel drive variants.

To score that ANCAP five-star safety rating, you can bet there is a catalogue of safety features as standard on all X-Trail models. Highlights include forward collision warning, auto emergency braking with junction assist and pedestrian and cyclist detection, auto emergency rear braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot and lane departure warning and intervention, driver alert detection, adaptive cruise, road sign recognition, and trailer sway control.

The only notable difference is the lack of ProPILOT+ semi-autonomous driving, surround-view cameras, front parking sensors, and tyre pressure sensors on the base ST.

Other standard appointments include a 7.0-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, auto full LED headlights and high beam, 17-inch alloy wheels, six-way manually adjustable driver seat with two-way power lumbar support, USB-A and USB-C ports for both the front and second row, two 12-volt outlets, and an 8.0-inch centre touch-screen that governs wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, digital radio, and a six-speaker sound system, as standard.

Upgrading to the Ti-L at the top of the ladder sees equipment levels positioned on par with competitors with similar price tags. You will score three-zone climate control, remote engine start, adaptive headlights, a motion-sensing powered tailgate, bigger 19-inch alloy wheels (20s on the Ti-L e-Power), rear door sunshades, a heated steering wheel and front and rear outboard seats, Nappa leather trim, 10-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats, wireless phone charger, a 10.8-inch head-up display, and a bigger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. A premium Bose 10-speaker sound system that produces brilliant sound is also added.

2023 Nissan X-Trail: Powertrain & handling

With 135kW and 244Nm, the 2.5L gets going, and keeps up to the hustle and bustle in city traffic. But it doesn’t exactly excite. 2.5 litres is a fairly large capacity nowadays; and in this instance, bigger doesn’t translate to faster.

Peak power is also not seen until 6000rpm, meaning you need to get the engine spinning to get the job done. We didn’t test 0-100km/h on this model but we’d expect a similar time to the almost-identical Mitsubishi Outlander with the same engine. We’ve previously clocked the Mitsubishi in 10.10 seconds.

That larger displacement could also contribute to a rather meagre fuel consumption. During our time, the average consumption was 8.7L/100km. The official average is listed as 7.8L/100km. Maybe the lack of a turbo boost results in more push needed on the accelerator. If you’re bound to city driving more often, beware that the official average in those conditions is listed at 10.0L/100km.

The fuel tank holds 55 litres. But with the higher consumption, we struggled to get 500km of range out of a tankful. Though, the ability to run on the lowest 91 RON fuel is welcomed. Over in the e-Power, this is a different story.

It’s a very interesting setup, comprising a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder paired with a 150kW front and 100kW rear e-motor. The turbo engine features an innovative variable compression ratio technology and produces a decent (for its size) 106kW and 250Nm.

This engine is only used to generate power for the 2.1kWh battery, which then supplies the two electric motors. It means the petrol engine is not connected directly to the wheels and does not provide any power to the wheels. Instead, the combination of the two e-motors is rated at 157kW.

During our drive we undercut the official consumption of 6.1L/100km, just, recording 6.0L/100. That’s not bad for a mid-size SUV on the larger end of the scale, but it’s not astonishing for a hybrid. We suspect extended use in the city is where you would see the biggest gains over the 2.5L. With 157kW on tap, we also clocked 0-100km/h in a dashing 6.97 seconds. And in wet conditions.

The constantly variable transmission in the 2.5L models operates smoothly, but it takes the excitement out of acceleration. One droned and dull tone is what you hear until you’re up to speed. If you’re on a long incline, a shortfall in torque creates the need for the engine to buzz higher in the rev range, and it causes the whole setup to sound breathless and harsh.

On the road, the X-Trail feels sloppy around busy, built up streets. There is a heap of buoyancy in the springs, creating an uneasy feel over bumps and across undulations. Going over a speed hump with just a mild amount of speed throws everything up in the air, including the unsecured, flappy-end part of the rear parcel tray.

In the bends, composure is also fairly sloppy. And its light steering only exaggerates it. Combining light and sensitive steering with tender suspension makes cornering feel more unstable than it should. But it does make for effortless parking and manoeuvring in constricted spaces. And the ride is very comfortable around town.

Nissan X-Trails have always been marketed for the off road, and it still is. Though, it won’t go as far as a ladder-frame Prado, Pajero Sport or Navara for that matter. Its 205mm of ground clearance is above average. You also get a tyre repair kit and no spare, which is not suitable for off-road conditions.

But the X-Trail is well-suited to soft off-road conditions with its 4×4 on-demand setup, and ‘Snow’ and ‘Off road’ driving modes. It’s also slightly above par for this segment for off-road performance. That softer suspension also helps to articulate over mounds at slower speeds on the dirt.

2023 Nissan X-Trail: Key attractions/reasons to buy

We’re loving the increasing adoption of 360-degree cameras in mainstream SUVs, and the X-Trail Ti-L gets one.
The interior also presents better than the direct competitor, the Mitsubishi Outlander, in our opinion. It feels more consistent in design flow and the multimedia screen menu looks more pleasant.

Practicality is a huge plus for the X-Trail. The interior is roomy in all rows. And if you need seven seats, the X-Trail is fourth-cheapest brand to offer this behind the Mahindra XUV, Mitsubishi Outlander and LDV D90. Rear air-con controls will be a welcomed comfort for families with kids. And the rear doors open extremely wide – almost at 90-degrees against the body – which makes buckling young ones in a little easier.

The X-Trail is overall, a delightfully easy medium-sized SUV to pilot. Features are laid out well, vision is decent, and it doesn’t take long to get your groove.

There is an interesting e-Power hybrid setup available but it is nervously complex. In saying that, the clever variable compression ratio of the 1.5 turbo is very innovative for this class, and the price difference to jump up to the e-Power system isn’t that steep.

Nissan offers a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, and the first six servicing prices are advertised upfront at a capped-price. They cost $363, $469, $532, $587, $409, then $696, and servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000km.

2023 Nissan X-Trail: Key considerations before you buy

The all-petrol powertrain uses an above average amount of fuel. There are lots of hybrids coming onto the market now – X-Trail e-Power included – that burn less fuel.

If you want an SUV that is capable of heavy off-road duties, there are more suitable options out there. Also, if you want to haul your second home and it is more than 2000kg, the X-Trail is not for you.

Although the offering of a third row is generous, the variants you can get them in is restricted to the base ST and ST-L all-petrol, four-wheel drive. If you want seven seats with the hybrid powertrain, you’re out of luck.

2023 Nissan X-Trail Ti e-Power: Video