The X-Trail was added to Nissan’s off-road lineup in 2001 and is something of an unsung hero. It is a compact 4×4 with practical square lines. Dynamically, the X-trail handles very well on the road, making it a better option than rivaling the BMW X3 or Volvo X360. The X-Trail is the best choice for those who are looking for a reliable yet nice 4X4 car. It also offers excellent value for money in terms of generous standard kit and strong resale values. The overall look of the Nissan X-Trail remains the same from 2001, aside from the slight tweaks it received in 2007, but the X-Trail doesn’t really need any design changes, as it’s a winning formula that still feels fresh. and has helped the Japanese manufacturer thrive in the off-road vehicle market. The X-Trail has a tough look thanks to its thick bumpers and dark skid plates. Inside it has a luxurious yet practical cabin that feels luxurious with high quality materials.
Having said that, the dash looks a bit odd with a center display that looks like a poor aftermarket accessory. The X-Trail is powered by 171PS 2.0-litre diesel engines mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The gearbox is smooth but it drives a bit firm and on motorways there is a lot of road noise. Having said that, it performs very well in the corners thanks to the firm setup that gives it an advantage over the farm Land Rover Freelander. The X-Trail’s appetite for revs makes it a fun car to drive. Like other Nissans though, the X-Trail isn’t the best at stopping either, taking 62.6 meters to stop when the brakes are applied at 70mph, the (larger) rival Kia Sorento does the same in 52 .6 meters.
The X-Trail managed to score just four out of five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test rating, which is the same as the Toyota RAV4 but one star less than the Land Rover Freelander. However, standard safety equipment includes six airbags, anti-lock braking system, and electronic stability control. Two-wheel or four-wheel drive can be selected at the touch of a button, increasing driver confidence. Nissan cars have a strong reputation for reliability, and the X-Trail has performed very well in owner satisfaction surveys. He finished ninth in the Auto Express Driver Power Survey.
The X-Trail boasts 603 liters of boot space which can be increased to 1,773 liters by folding down the seats, that is 100 liters more than the rival Freelander, which is larger in size. There’s plenty of legroom for passengers in the rear, and the cabin features a huge glove box and plenty of cubbyholes. The driver enjoys a comfortable position thanks to the highly adjustable seat and steering wheel. All this makes long journeys easy for both driver and passengers. The X-Trail returns a fuel economy of 44.1 mpg, which is on par with its rivals. However, it enjoys high residual values compared to its rivals and the kit levels are impressive. The Sport version has a sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity and a CD changer. All of this combines to make the X-Trail an attractive package for buyers.
