In fourth generation form, Nissan's Qashqai remains the definitive, volume brand mid-sized family SUV for up to seven folk, thinks Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review

Nissan's fourth generation X-Trail evolves into a more polished contender in the segment for family-sized SUVs offering up to seven seats. The cabin is nicer, the looks are sharper and you can have efficient e-POWER semi-electric petrol propulsion beneath the bonnet. Time to take this contender more seriously.

Background

Lots of brands claim to offer the world's best selling SUV and Nissan is one of them, the brand's X-Trail angling for that title and now in its fourth generation. If you include the US market (where this car is badged as the 'Rogue'), over three-quarters of a million X-Trails are currently being sold globally every year. An awful lot of family buyers, it seems, like the idea of a mid-sized Qashqai-class crossover, but need one with a little more space and the option of a third seating row. Seven-seat functionality hasn't always been an X-Trail trait. Earlier first and second generation versions in this model line (launched respectively in 2000 and 2007) didn't offer it, but sales took off when the third generation 'T32'-series version was introduced in 2013 with three seating rows. That model was updated in 2017 and it kick started demand for mid-sized SUVs that could seat seven. Rival SUVs like Peugeot's 5008 and three VW Group designs, the Skoda Kodiaq, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and the SEAT Tarraco, quickly provided attractive class alternatives. Hence the need for this fifth generation 'T33'-series X-Trail, announced early in 2021, but not on sale here until Autumn 2022.

Driving Experience

Traditionally, almost all X-Trail sales have been of diesel models. No longer. It's an all-petrol line-up now, with the old dCi powerplants replaced by Nissan's latest e-POWER system, as used on the Qashqai. You can't plug this set-up in, but it's extremely clever, hence Nissan's claim that this is a battery car with a 460 mile range and 5 minute recharging. If you don't want to pay for that level of tech, there's an entry-level conventional 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit with 163PS, only available with front wheel drive and the brand's Xtronic CVT auto gearbox. It's quite a clever mild hybrid unit with a variable compression ratio that allows the engine to tailor its output based on either efficiency or power. Much the same engine features in the two top e-POWER variants, but with these, it acts only as a generator, drive delivered instead by an electric motor - or two, depending on your choice of models. The front-driven version has its motor on the front axle and puts out 204PS. The AWD variant we tried adds a further electric motor on the rear axle, upping output to 213PS, offering a 0-62mph potential of 7.0 seconds and delivering permanent four-wheel drive. This e-4ORCE tech is able to respond to grip changes by altering front-to-rear torque distribution in less than a thousandth of a second. Plus with the extra rear motor comes a high-tech brake vectoring and brake regeneration set-up, which is supposed to deliver a more stable ride.

Design and Build

You'll notice plenty of design cues borrowed from Nissan's smaller Juke and Qashqai SUVs in this fourth generation X-Trail. Particularly in terms of the sharper front end grille and headlamp treatment. But the big differences lie inside. Perceived cabin quality was what hobbled the previous generation model in comparison to its key VW Group main rivals and in that respect, this replacement design is a huge step forward. The materials on show behind the wheel now feel much more premium, especially the soft leather upholstery of top variants. And of course screen tech dominates. The 12.3-inch centre monitor features functions with Amazon Alexa voice control. While the instrument screen, also 12.3-inches, can be paired up with a further 10.8-inch head-up display. As before, there's a choice of either five or seven-seat versions, both offering generous second row room on the sliding bench. The optional third row, once again, isn't really for full- sized adults. Nissan says it's suitable for folk up to 5-foot 2 inches tall. Still, rearmost occupants are well looked after, with new climate controls and USB ports, plus there are sun blinds integrated into the rear doors. Owners will usually be using their seven-seat X-Trails trails with the third row seats folded flat and in this form, there's 585-litres of boot space (20-litres more than the previous generation model), plus a central ski hatch for longer items.

Market and Model

Pricing starts from around £35,000, which gets you entry-level 'Acenta Premium' spec. Most X-Trail customers though, are going to be choosing one of the mid-range 'N-Connecta' or 'N-Trek' models though, which sit in the £38,000-£47,000 bracket. Top of the line trim, as usual with Nissan, is marked by the 'Tekna' and 'Tekna+' grades. Once you've chosen your trim grade, choose you powerplant. To graduate from the base MHEV mild hybrid unit to the more efficient 'e-POWER' powerplant, you'll need around £2,500 more. To go from 'e-POWER' to an e-4ORCE' 4WD model, you'll need an additional £2,200 over that Hybrid unit. Most X-Trail customers will want seven seats rather than the standard five and with three rows fitted, you'll need an extra £1,000. Customers clearly appreciate choice, so the new X-Trail will be available in 10 body colours with five two-tone combinations, creating 15 variations to choose from. A powered hands-free tailgate on plusher variants makes accessing the boot effortless when hands are anything but free. And semi-autonomous driving is possible via Nissan's 'ProPILOT assist with Navi-link' set-up, which can accelerate and brake the vehicle within a single-lane on a highway. The system can accelerate the vehicle to cruise at a set speed and can brake the vehicle down to 0mph in heavy stop-start traffic. The system can resume automatically if the vehicle has been stationary for less than three seconds and the traffic in front of the car moves away.

Cost of Ownership

Let's get to the figures. The entry-level conventional 1.5 litre mild hybrid petrol model with five seats returns up to 39.9mpg on the combined cycle and up to 161g/km of CO2 - or, if you specific seven seats, the figures are up to 39.2mpg and up to 164g/km. There's a useful improvement if you switch up to the five seat-only front-driven e-POWER model, which records up to 48.6mpg on the combined cycle and up to 132g/km. Finally, the e-4ORCE four-wheel drive variant with five seats delivers up to 44.7mpg and up to 143g/km - or up to 43.8mpg and up to 146g/km with seven seats. Insurance groups range between 21E and 31E. Given that 70% of drive time is likely to be spent in suburban areas, Nissan developed a 'one pedal' driving experience for the e-POWER and e-4ORCE variants called 'e-Pedal Step'. Designed to improve efficiency and take the repetitive strain out of stop-start urban driving, where the driver is frequently moving their foot between the accelerator and brake, 'e-Pedal Step' allows drivers to accelerate and brake using only the accelerator. The system must first be activated by the switch on the centre console and once engaged, the accelerator will deliver acceleration as usual. Upon release of the accelerator, e-Pedal Step will brake the X-Trail at 0.2g, enough to illuminate the brake lights, and reduce the speed down to a "creeping" speed, not a complete stop. This ensures low-speed parking manoeuvres are as smooth as possible. Drivers will quickly adapt their accelerator pedal inputs to maintain smooth travel, ensuring urban driving is more intuitive and less demanding.

Summary

We can see why his fourth generation X-Trail model could be so successful for Nissan. It offers enough crossover cues to make you feel acceptably trendy but also sufficient size and space to make owners also feel that they've bought into something smartly sensible. Plus of course it's perfect for those who've considered a slightly smaller Qashqai-class model - or owned one - but now need something more practical. Of course, you can't have everything. This car doesn't drive with quite as much verve and flair as a smaller SUV, but we can't blame Nissan for that. Overall, the changes made to this 'T33' MK4 model haven't hugely changed its buying proposition, but it remains a starting point for anyone buying in this segment. If that's you and you're looking for an SUV of this kind, then 'X' may very well mark the spot.

Body Glass

Rear privacy glass

Thermaclear heated windscreen

Rain sensing wipers

Splash free wipers

Auto rear wiper when reversing

One touch front and rear electric windows with remote opening and closing

Brakes

Electronic parking brake

Hill start assist

Auto hold function

ABS with EBD and brake assist

Active brake limited slip

Vehicle dynamic control

Intelligent front emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist recognition and junction assist

Intelligent rear automatic braking

Intelligent blind spot intervention

Communication

Wireless charging pad

Wireless apple carplay

Android auto wireless

Driver Aids

Rear view camera

Electric speed sensitive power steering

Front and rear parking sensors

Intelligent Cruise control (ICC)

Rear cross traffic alert

Moving object detection

Blind spot warning

Intelligent around view monitor

Intelligent lane intervention

Intelligent driver alert system

Traffic jam pilot

Traffic sign recognition with legal speed adjustment

Intelligent forward collision warning

Drive modes (sport, normal, eco)

Maximum speed limiter

Intelligent lane keep assist

Intelligent lane departure warning

Driver drowsiness and attention warning

Event data recorder

Drive assist custom mode

Reversing detection

Propilot assist with Navi-Link

Driver Convenience

Push button starter

Hands free power tailgate

Idle stop/start system

Driver Information

Trip computer

Emergency and breakdown call

Nissan connect nav with TomTom traffic

Virtual personal assistant and firmware over the air capability

Remote control services - door locks, lights, horn and car locator

Telematics - notifications and connectivity services

Google maps services - search, weather, 3D maps and Google street view

Full Digital 12.3" TFT Digital Combimeter

Nissan connect 12.3 inch touchscreen infotainment system

e-Pedal step

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors

Black mirror caps

Electric auto folding door mirrors

Entertainment

6 speakers

Bluetooth audio streaming

Front USB connections (Type-A and Type-C)

AM/FM audio system with DAB

Rear USB charging only ports 2 Type-C

Exterior Body Features

Black roof rails

Rear roof spoiler

Bodyside mouldings

Body coloured door handles

Shark fin antenna

Partially body coloured bumpers

Chrome side window finisher

Rear styling plate

Rear side wing doors

e-POWER badging

Gun metallic front bumper

Exterior Lights

Follow me home headlights

LED daytime running lights

LED Headlights

High beam assist

LED rear lights

LED front fog lights

Intelligent auto headlights

Three blink turn signal

LED 3rd brake light

Rear reversing light (bulb lighting)

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Tri zone automatic climate control with pollen filter

Interior Features

Leather steering wheel

Front cupholders

Chrome interior door handles

Heated steering wheel

Rear armrest with 2 cupholders

Tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel

Multifunction steering wheel

Front centre console and armrest

Rear door bottle holders

Luggage board system

12v power socket in dashboard and luggage

Front door with bottle holders

Leather shift knob

Butteryfly console

Interior Lights

Luggage space lighting

Safety

Driver and passenger airbags

Height adjustable front seatbelts

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Front seatbelt pretensioners + load limiters

Child locks on rear doors

Driver, passenger and 2nd row rear seat belt reminder

Curtain and front side, far side airbags

3x3 point rear seatbelt pretensioners + load limiters

Seats

Height adjustable driver's seat

Passenger seat back pocket

Height adjustable front headrests

Driver seat back pocket

3 rear headrests

Height adjustable passenger seat

Front and rear heated seats

60/40 split folding rear seat bench

Electric adjustable driver and passenger seat with memory function

Two rear isofix child seat anchorage points with top tether

Single front passenger seat

3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

Electric adjustable 2 way lumbar support for driver

Electric adjustable 2 way lumbar support for passenger seat

Security

Engine immobiliser

Thatcham Category 1 alarm

Intelligent Key

Remote central door locking with deadlocking

Approach unlock and walk away lock

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and front passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

18" N-Trek alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre puncture repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Battery Capacity in kWh: 1.97

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 111

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 132

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 169

Noise Level dB(A): 62

CO: 0.084

HC: N

NOx: 0.003

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 114

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 114

Engine and Drive Train

Engine Code: KR15

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Gears: 6 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Compression Ratio: 14.0:1

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 12

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 3

CC: 1497

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90.1

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 84

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 5.1

WLTP - MPG - Low: 55.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 5.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.8

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 38.2

WLTP - MPG - High: 57.6

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 55.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 48.7

General

Generation Mark: 4

Badge Power: 204

Coin Description: E-POWER

Coin Series: N-Trek

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

NCAP Safety Assist %: 95

Special Edition: 0

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 70

Special Order: 0

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 90

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 32E

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Service Interval Mileage: 9000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 91

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Performance

Engine Power - KW: 150

Engine Power - BHP: 204

Engine Power - RPM: 4600

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8

Top Speed: 105

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 243

Engine Torque - NM: 330

Engine Torque - RPM: 2400

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Torque - MKG: 33.7

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 235/60 R18

Tyre Size Front: 235/60 R18

Wheel Style: DIAMOND CUT

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4680

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1725

Width (including mirrors): 2065

Wheelbase: 2705

Width: 1840

Weight and Capacities

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.1

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1396

Max. Roof Load: 100

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 575

Max. Loading Weight: 507

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 670

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 670

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 55

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2245

Minimum Kerbweight: 1738

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Two tone pearlescent paint with black roof

Two tone metallic paint with black roof

Interior Features

Synthetic water resistant leather uphostery

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Champagne silver

Metallic - Gun metal

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Diamond black

Pearl - Pearl white

Pearl - Ceramic grey

Paint - Two Tone

Two tone pearl - Pearl white with black metallic roof

Two tone pearl - Ceramic grey with black metallic roof

Two tone metallic - Champagne silver with black metallic roof

Trim - Cloth

Cloth monoform - Black

Trim - Leather

Synthetic water resistant leather - Black