Test Drive - Nissan X-Trail N-Trek

The Nissan X-Trail made its first public appearance in 2000. At that time, the popularity of SUVs was on the rise, but many models were either too basic or overly luxurious. The X-Trail of that era aimed to strike a balance between practicality, reliability, and off-road capability. The first two generations, with their rugged nature, were meant to exemplify the essence of a proper off-road vehicle. Afterward, however, it became clear that a more successful approach would be to let the X-Trail ride on the coattails of the Qashqai’s success, transforming the X-Trail into a larger version of the brand’s bestseller.

The first X-Trail was built on the Nissan FF-S platform, which was also used in the Almera and Primera. This provided the car with a strong and durable base but also allowed for the higher ground clearance and stability needed for off-road driving. The biggest advantage of this model was its All Mode 4x4 drivetrain, which offered various driving modes. It was an excellent solution for those who needed a vehicle suitable both for everyday city driving and for adventures in the great outdoors.

The X-Trail’s interior was equally well thought out, offering a sense of practicality combined with a touch of comfort. Many still remember the first-generation dashboard, where the speedometer and other gauges were uniquely placed in the center. This design caused quite a stir—some saw it as modern and practical, while others found it unconventional. Nevertheless, it was part of the X-Trail’s character and helped set it apart from other SUVs.

In 2007, the second-generation X-Trail was introduced, retaining the best qualities of its predecessor but bringing in significant improvements. The new design was more modern and slightly larger, providing more space for both passengers and cargo. The four-wheel-drive system was also upgraded and proved surprisingly capable in challenging off-road conditions. The second-generation X-Trail became popular among those who needed a reliable partner for long journeys, whether on paved roads or winding forest trails.

The third-generation Nissan X-Trail appeared in 2013, marking a major shift in both design and technology. Whereas earlier models had a more angular and rugged appearance, the third generation adopted a smoother, more modern look that reflected a stronger urban SUV trend. This was part of Nissan’s strategy to make the X-Trail more appealing to a wider audience by combining practicality with style. The new design was well-received, as it offered something attractive to both families and adventure-seekers.

The third-generation X-Trail was built on the new CMF (Common Module Family) platform developed in collaboration with Renault. This platform allowed for better space utilization and flexibility. The interior became more luxurious, featuring higher-quality materials and innovative solutions. One noteworthy option was the ability to order a seven-seat configuration. Additionally, a wide range of driver-assistance systems appeared in the equipment list, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist—advanced features at the time.

The fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail arrived on the market in 2021, built on the completely new CMF-C platform. This setup delivers even better driving dynamics and increases body rigidity, resulting in a more stable and safer vehicle overall. The exterior looks more robust but retains a modern, aerodynamic silhouette, with LED lighting and the signature “V-Motion” front grille giving the X-Trail its distinctive appearance.

Apparently, with this model, Nissan intends to attract a slice of customers who might otherwise opt for significantly more expensive SUVs. Consequently, behind its contemporary appearance lies a comfortable and well-finished cabin. Despite offering all-wheel drive and even an off-road mode, the X-Trail is not expected to be pushed to its limits in deep mud, so the entire interior was designed to be as car-like as possible—something buyers are sure to appreciate. Add to that a large cargo area, and the overall package is quite appealing.

Hence, the X-Trail is not simply a Qashqai that has been stretched in size; in addition to more space, it offers greater comfort and enhanced off-road capability. It’s likely that a fair share of potential X-Trail buyers are adventure enthusiasts, which is precisely why Nissan introduced the new N-Trek trim package. With all-wheel drive and an interior more resistant to dirt, it allows owners to enjoy an early spring morning or a clear autumn sky a bit farther away from the last city streetlight.

Externally, it carries over the brand’s design language seen on recent models, suitably adapted for a larger vehicle. The X-Trail N-Trek’s design elements visually emphasize its more powerful presence. Up front, the dark-finished Nissan “V-motion” grille draws attention, whereas other X-Trail variants feature more chrome details. Metallic accents have been added to the lower sections of both the front and rear bumpers, and the side mirrors are black. New LED fog lights are integrated into the lower portion of the front bumper. If you’re looking for a nod to the muscular character of the earliest X-Trails, you’ll find it here. From the side, the car looks more balanced, and only the unpainted plastic trim around the wheel arches and the slightly flared fenders accentuate its robust appeal. A gently sloping roofline adds a dynamic note, ending with a small spoiler above the rear window. At the rear, you’ll see current styling trends: taillights that wrap around the corners, large lettering on the tailgate, and a highlighted lower bumper area that’s meant to evoke a diffuser-like element.

Inside, the first thing to notice is the front seats: they are comfortably soft, provide good lateral support, and are thoroughly prepared to cater to the person sitting in them for extended periods. The surrounding surfaces, where occupants might rest their limbs, are mostly soft and positioned at just the right angles. Naturally, the seats can be adjusted electrically in multiple directions, making it easy to find a comfortable position.

A new feature here is water-resistant upholstery, which allows you to get back into the car after various sports and outdoor activities without worrying about the state of the cabin.

In terms of providing the driver with vehicle information and settings, there are three different display options. Directly behind the steering wheel is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, another 12.3-inch touchscreen is located in the center of the dashboard for multimedia, and the most crucial driving data is projected onto the windshield via a head-up display.

The “button layout” combines touch-sensitive areas below the infotainment screen with genuine physical controls for the climate system. On the center console, there’s also a rotary dial for selecting pre-configured driving modes, plus a small button to start the engine. You’ll find USB ports in the same area, as well as a pad for wireless phone charging.

Overall, the front portion of the cabin feels harmonious and functional. The rear row is simpler, of course, but there’s enough space to sit comfortably, with sufficient leg- and headroom even for taller passengers. The rear seatbacks can be folded in a 40:20:40 split. With just two rows in use, the cargo area is covered by two panels that, when the seatbacks are folded, create a flat load floor. These panels can be removed, or you can store items under them if you want to keep them from rolling around or out of sight.

Passenger comfort also reflects modern consumer demands. Nissan’s four-wheel-drive system performs very well in what a typical city dweller would consider “off-road”—a larger puddle or a rutted gravel track that hasn’t seen maintenance for ages. Yet while tackling such conditions, the seat should be heated, sufficiently soft, and you shouldn’t get your shoes wet when stepping out at your destination. The X-Trail suits these moderate off-road scenarios quite well. The interior materials feel soft and pleasant to the touch, and there’s little cheap plastic in sight.

The suspension soaks up smaller irregularities effortlessly, but the body does sway noticeably over bigger bumps. You can also feel a slight body roll in higher-speed corners. The relatively light steering doesn’t offer much feedback off-road, but it’s better suited for urban conditions.

The main news in the new X-Trail is the e-Power driveline, a transitional step toward fully electric driving. It’s not a purely electric powertrain, but it does take advantage of several EV benefits. Similar systems exist elsewhere: an internal combustion engine charges the battery pack, which acts as an energy buffer to power the electric motors. The upside is that the combustion engine can run in its optimal RPM range, lowering fuel consumption, while the actual driving is done via electricity—giving you instant torque, smooth acceleration, and quiet, highly efficient city driving. Additionally, there’s no need for the large, heavy battery pack that can be problematic in plug-in hybrids. On the other hand, as basic physics tells us, energy conversion leads to losses, so in that respect e-Power still can’t match a pure electric vehicle.

Because the car is quite large and heavy—roughly two tons—one 55-liter tank of fuel lasts for about 730 kilometers in conditions where the outside temperature was just above freezing and 80% of the driving was on highways at speeds of 110+ km/h. That’s not bad, though it could be better. Official figures suggest 5.8 or 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers for the front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, respectively. Real-world usage shows about one liter more than that.

As for the internal combustion engine, the X-Trail features a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline unit delivering 213 horsepower. You can hear it in the cabin, but because it runs at more or less constant RPM, it’s not bothersome. Significant attention has been paid to noise insulation overall, so audiophiles might consider upgrading to the optional Bose Premium sound system. Even the base model includes all the safety and driver-assistance systems essential for a modern vehicle, while any additional costs are mainly for aesthetic, comfort, and functional extras such as larger wheels, a third row of seats, or additional driving modes.

Key measurements for the X-Trail are: length 4,680 mm, width 1,840 mm, height 1,725 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,705 mm. Luggage capacity ranges from 575 to 1,396 liters, and it can accommodate items up to 1,752 mm in length. The vehicle offers plenty of space and a quiet cabin, making long-distance travel a breeze. Another strong point is the user-friendly lane-keeping system. It does take some time to get used to the vehicle’s dimensions when parking, but front and rear cameras assist even less experienced drivers. Driving in the city is made easier by the e-Pedal feature, which automatically initiates braking when you lift off the accelerator, allowing you to move around town using essentially just the one pedal.

Prices for the Nissan X-Trail N-Trek currently start at around 40,500 euros and top out at nearly 43,000 euros. Incidentally, many experts note that a three-to-five-year-old X-Trail retains its value better than average in this segment, which could be an argument in favor of opting for a higher-spec version. Overall, the car looks sufficiently attractive and capable to warrant a closer inspection.