car tests

The history of the Nissan X-Trail

With the Nissan X-Trail, the brand has had a strong model on its hands since 2000, literally and figuratively. Not only was and is the model ready for heavier work, it sold well from the start. Not surprisingly, Nissan chose an evolution of the first model for the second generation in 2007.

Yet for the third generation, Nissan took a slightly different approach in 2013. The X-Trail still stood its ground off-road, but was positioned a bit more as a spacious family car and became a lot more streamlined. It turned out that you can change a successful formula just fine, as the X-Trail became more popular than ever. So for the new model, they are opting for another evolution after all. Or not?

Nissan X-Trail all-new, but familiar

An all-new Nissan X-Trail appeared in 2020, although it initially came only in North America under the Rogue name. The following year it came to the other most markets as the X-Trail, and this year it is Europe’s turn. So in most respects the new X-Trail is another evolution of the previous model, but under the skin much has changed.

Nissan X-Trail with e-Power powertrain

In fact, the new Nissan X-Trail (in the Netherlands) is always equipped with Nissan’s e-Power powertrain. This hybrid powertrain debuted in Japan back in 2016, with the Note e-Power. This year, the technology is also coming to Europe. Recently already in the form of the Qashqai e-Power and soon, therefore, with the X-Trail.

This is how Nissan e-Power works

e-Power is basically “just” a hybrid powertrain, but is distinctive in that the wheels are always fully electrically driven. A 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor on the front wheels takes care of that. Torque is 330 Nm. The 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine is there only to generate power for the battery, which in turn thus powers the electric motor.

So there is no direct connection between gasoline engine and the wheels. Because wheel drive is so always all-electric, the Nissan X-Trail should always drive like an electric car. Read: a direct response to the accelerator pedal and a smooth drive without shifting moments. Yet at the same time you benefit from the advantages of a hybrid: low fuel consumption, with still a wide range and without having to charge the car with a plug.

Nissan e-Power with e-4ORCE all-wheel drive

Optionally, the e-Power powertrain is enhanced with e-4ORCE all-wheel drive. In that case, the Nissan X-Trail has an output of 157 kW (213 hp). More important is torque, which increases to as much as 530 Nm. Also not unimportant: the maximum towing weight increases to 1,800 kg, where the front-wheel-drive version is allowed to tow only 670 kg. Finally, of course, the all-wheel drive also makes for better handling in tricky terrain, but more on that later.

On the road with the new Nissan X-Trail

Enough theory and specifications: how does the new Nissan X-Trail e-Power drive in practice? To find out, Nissan sent us out in beautiful Slovenia in a Nissan X-Trail with both e-Power and e-4ORCE. We can quickly draw the most important conclusion: the theory comes into its own in practice. Indeed, the car drives away as smoothly and fluidly as an all-electric car. Also, the fuel engine generally keeps itself nicely in the background, so in terms of driving experience you really feel like you are in an all-electric car.

That said, there are still plenty of moments in between when you are reminded of that fuel engine. As soon as it is time to recharge the battery it comes to life humming softly. Only when a lot of power is really required, such as when accelerating briskly or climbing a mountain road, is the engine emphatic.

Amplified engine noise?

That sound is even amplified – albeit very subtly – through the speakers. The amplified sound is matched to the driving speed and the amount of “throttle” applied. This way, Nissan ensures that it becomes a “natural” sound. In other words, an engine speed that (to the ear) matches the driving conditions, despite the fact that the engine is not directly driving the wheels. Disturbing, then, is not that amplified sound.

The driving comfort of the Nissan X-Trail

In terms of other driving comfort, the new Nissan X-Trail also scores points. The chassis is tight, but not uncomfortable. For example, bad road surfaces it knows how to smooth out nicely. Even on a stretch of unpaved forest road, it does not become uncomfortable on board. Despite that comfort, the car still allows itself to be steered tightly over twisty roads. In that respect, he is of all trades.

e-4ORCE is put to the test

Under normal conditions, you don’t notice anything about the e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system. To make sure we can put the system to work properly, we also get to take the X-Trail on a short off-road course. Again: mission accomplished. Grip loss from one wheel is immediately compensated by the other wheels. Even when pulling away from a standstill on a steep slippery slope.

In the reality of the flat Netherlands, e-4ORCE offers benefits mainly with the higher towing weight, but for those who actually take their X-Trail to the forest trails or meadows, the system is thus well worth considering.

Fuel consumption Nissan X-Trail e-POWER

Consumption varied between 6.7 and 7.7 l/100 km (1 in 13 to 15) during our test miles. That is fairly on par with WLTP consumption of 6.4 to 6.7 l/100 km (1 in 14.9 to 15.6) for the version driven. That in itself is decent for such a hefty car and an improvement over the outgoing model, but from a hybrid we had actually expected somewhat lower consumption.

Such a ride in mountainous terrain is of course different from the flat Netherlands, but in theory the climbs are compensated by the energy recovery on the descent. For completeness, the front-wheel drive-only version has an average WLTP fuel consumption of 5.8 to 6.2 l/100 km (1 in 16.1 to 17.2). That’s already a lot closer to our expectations.

Nissan X-Trail just as practical

A practical family car is also still the Nissan X-Trail. Luggage space measures 575 liters with the rear seats up, or 1,396 liters with the rear seats folded down. If you opt for the third row of seats, other values apply, of course. With all seats in use, 177 liters of luggage space remains. With the third row of seats folded down it is 485 liters and with all benches folded down 1,296 liters. Also very convenient: for extra good access to the rear seat(s), the rear doors open almost ninety degrees.

Nissan X-Trail as a seven-seater

By the way, that third row of seats is mainly for children. Nissan itself indicates that they rear seats are not intended for people taller than 6 feet. Consequently, we did not try them out. Something else to consider: the maximum towing weight decreases to 1,605 kg due to the additional row of seats.

Prices and equipment Nissan X-Trail

The price list for the new Nissan X-Trail starts at 48,390 euros. That is considerably more than the starting price of the outgoing model. This is largely due to the rich standard equipment. For the full list, please refer to www.nissan.nl, but features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED lighting, keyless entry, automatic air conditioning and infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are always included. In terms of safety and assistance systems, too, the new Nissan X-Trail is of course completely up to date again.

The photos show top-of-the-line Tekna Plus, which already leaves little to be desired. The starting price is 58,440 euros, including e-4ORCE and seven seats it becomes a hefty 63,440 euros. The most economical version with e-4ORCE all-wheel drive costs 52,390 euros and the third row of seats is available from 53,390 euros.

Conclusion

The new Nissan X-Trail is an evolution of the previous model, retaining or even enhancing its strengths. The biggest news compared to the outgoing model is the e-Power powertrain. Which succeeds: the direct and smooth driving of electric propulsion, but without having to recharge.