A perennial pillar of the ‘SUV medium’ segment in Australia, the Nissan X-Trail has found 3437 homes in the first five months of 2024, firmly entrenching it as a class favourite.
Now sharing its bones with the Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan’s proprietary e-Power hybrid system is a key differentiator, while Mitsubishi prefers plug-in power (PHEV). What makes this system so unique is the engine acting as a generator, with no tangible connection to the wheels.
While the e-Power system has been part of the X-Trail range for a little while now, a new ST-L model lowers the entry price for those who can do without a sunroof and head-up display and other luxuries.
We took the 2024 Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-Power on an extended interstate journey to see if any of the extra accoutrements would be missed and to test the hybrid system in an environment they traditionally do not favour: highways.
2024 Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-Power: Specifications
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder hybrid
Output: 157kW / 330Nm + 195Nm
Gearbox: One-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.5, 235/60
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1841kg
Power-to-weight: 11.72:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 6.1L/100km
Our consumption: 6.0L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 55L/95 RONPower efficiency: 25.73kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.45 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.98 seconds*
60-110km/h: 4.48 seconds*
1/4 mile: 15.26 seconds at 154.5km/h*
Max acceleration: 1.043g*
100-0km/h braking: 38.62m in 3.02 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.148g*
Decibel at idle/standby: 24*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 77*
Starting price: $49,990
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-Power: How much does it cost?
Forming the new entry step to the hybrid range, the ST-L model of the Nissan X-Trail e-Power starts from $49,990, excluding on-road costs. Nissan sweetens the deal with a five-year/unlimited km warranty and roadside assistance, plus capped-price servicing every 10,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Impressively, a five-year prepaid service package is available for $2020, making it a fraction cheaper than the servicing for non-hybrid X-Trail variants.
The 55-litre fuel tank does require 95 RON fuel. At the time of writing, fuel prices had spiked, meaning Sydney’s best for premium unleaded was 224.5c/L, resulting in a refill cost of $126.22. Considering the 6.1L/100km ADR81/02 figure, you won’t be visiting the servo as much and our real-world testing actually exceeded this figure at 6.0L/100km, in a variety of conditions. This is one of those rare vehicles that can remain close to the factory claim.
2024 Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-Power: Interior & packaging
Inside, the Nissan X-Trail e-Power impresses with its surprisingly good attention to detail and quality. The steering wheel is notably sporty, featuring a chunky three-spoke design with a flat bottom that echoes the Nissan Z sports car.
Interior aesthetics are further elevated by a subtle grain reminiscent of feudal Japan, smoky patterned black oak driftwood inserts, and even the piano black accents on the centre console exhibit a refined elegance. The shifter’s avant-garde, minimalist design and the brown leather adorning the dash further accentuate the cabin’s premium feel. Fit and finish are exemplary, and the instrument cluster’s clarity and simplicity are very pleasing. You would not pick this as a base model.
Generous dimensions play a crucial role in the X-Trail’s appeal, with a length of 4680mm, a width of 1840mm, a height of 1725mm, and a wheelbase of 2705mm. Head, shoulder, knee and leg room for kids, kidults and adults alike is more than adequate, with ISOFIX child restraints also part of the equation.
The boot offers a generous 575L capacity with the rear seats up, though it’s worth noting there is no seven-seat version for this hybrid model. The vehicle’s tare mass stands at 1837kg, supporting a 1650kg braked towing capacity.
How safe is the 2024 Nissan X-Trail? Featuring Nissan’s ProPilot semi-autonomous driving suite, the X-Trail scores a jaw-dropping 97 per cent in the ‘Safety Assist’ category of ANCAP. Vulnerable road user protection was scored a less remarkable 74 per cent but adult and child occupant scores of 91 and 90 percent respectively are impressive.
A full suite of airbags, including a centre front airbag to stop head collisions is part of the equation. You can read ANCAP’s full report here.
2024 Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-Power: Powertrain & handling
The heart of the X-Trail e-Power is a 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder engine producing 106kW and 250Nm, with electric motors elevating the total system output to 157kW and 330Nm. This powertrain, coupled with the e-4ORCE AWD system, just works an absolute treat. Performance is zippy, with our timing showing a 0-100km/h time of just 6.98 seconds.
Driving the e-Power in mixed conditions reveals more pleasant surprises. The instant response from the electric drivetrain allows for brisk step-off performance reminiscent of a V6, yet fuel consumption remains astonishingly low, hovering around the 6.0L/100km mark in various driving conditions. This efficiency, combined with the absence of CVT drone and a smoother overall driving experience than a typical hybrid, positions the e-Power system very high in the market, in our opinion.
The three-cylinder engine makes a sweet note – increasing in pitch rather than volume – albeit without a functional tachometer to see what the revs are doing, while the e-Pedal regenerative braking system enhances the driving experience despite its less effective one-pedal system compared to modern EVs such as the MG4. We did find the movement of the brake pedal disconcerting and confounding, however.
Furthermore, the X-Trail’s chassis, shared with the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander, feels tighter, more connected, and more agile than its three-diamond cousin in our opinion, offering a more engaging and playful feel that’s not as soft or sloppy.
We’re just going to come out and say it; this is one of our favourite (non plug-in) hybrid systems out at the moment. Although Toyota’s system offers a real-world efficiency advantage, the smoother operation of Nissan’s e-Power system and the interesting variable compression ratio turbo engine makes it more interesting in our view.
2024 Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-Power: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Innovative e-Power system: Offers V6-like performance with impressive real-world fuel efficiency, redefining expectations for hybrid SUV driving.
- Luxurious interior and design: Feudal Japan-inspired accents and high-quality materials create a premium cabin atmosphere.
- Dynamic chassis: Shares underpinnings with the Mitsubishi Outlander but offers a more connected and engaging driving experience.
2024 Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-Power: Key considerations before you buy
- Less effective e-Pedal system compared with others: While innovative, it doesn’t quite match the effectiveness of one-pedal systems in some competitors.
- No 7-seat option: Families needing extra seating will have to look elsewhere, as this model doesn’t offer a third row.
2024 Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-Power: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
Combined with the spaciousness, safety, excellent interior quality and refinement of the X-Trail, this new ST-L e-Power model becomes one of the most appealing SUVs in its class in our view. It’s a quick, economical and high quality package. How about a NISMO version, Nissan?
