Nissan X Trail
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a family SUV that combines practicality with modern efficiency? The Nissan X Trail might be exactly what you need. This seven seater SUV has undergone a complete transformation, evolving from a rugged utility vehicle into a refined family hauler that focuses on comfort, technology, and fuel economy. It’s designed for families who want space and versatility without compromising on everyday usability.

The latest X Trail stands out in the competitive family SUV market with its distinctive design and innovative e-Power hybrid system. Unlike traditional hybrids, this clever setup uses a petrol engine purely to generate electricity, with electric motors driving the wheels. This gives you the smooth, quiet driving experience of an electric car with the convenience of petrol refueling. The cabin feels genuinely premium, with soft touch materials and a modern digital interface that puts many rivals like the Kia Sportage or Volkswagen Tiguan to shame.

What really sets the X Trail apart is how it balances family needs with running costs. The spacious interior can genuinely accommodate seven people when needed, while the efficient hybrid powertrain keeps fuel bills manageable. It’s comfortable on long motorway journeys yet easy to park around town. The X Trail proves that a practical family SUV doesn’t have to feel like a compromise. If you’re looking for a dependable, efficient, and well equipped SUV that handles family life with ease, the X Trail deserves serious consideration.

What's the Nissan X Trail Like to Drive?

The Nissan X Trail uses an innovative e-Power hybrid system that sets it apart from conventional SUVs. The setup combines a 1.5 litre petrol engine with electric motors producing around 204 horsepower in total. The petrol engine acts purely as a generator, meaning the wheels are always driven by electric power. This creates a remarkably smooth and quiet driving experience that feels more like a pure electric vehicle than a traditional hybrid.

On the road, the X Trail delivers refined and composed performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes around 8.1 seconds, which feels brisk enough for overtaking and motorway merging. The electric drive system provides instant torque, making the car feel responsive in town traffic and confident on country roads. The steering is light and manageable at parking speeds but weights up nicely on faster roads. The suspension does an excellent job of soaking up bumps and potholes while maintaining good body control through corners. It’s clearly tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, which suits its family focused mission perfectly.

How Comfortable Is the Nissan X Trail?

Step inside the X Trail and you’re immediately struck by how much the interior has improved over previous generations. The dashboard features a clean, modern design with an 8 inch touchscreen taking centre stage. The materials feel genuinely premium, with soft touch plastics on the dashboard and door panels that rival more expensive German alternatives. The seats are well padded and supportive, offering good comfort even on longer journeys.

The cabin is impressively quiet thanks to excellent sound insulation and the smooth electric drivetrain. Standard equipment includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. Higher trim levels add features like heated leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium Bose sound system. The driving position is excellent with plenty of adjustment available. Visibility is good all around, helped by large windows and well positioned mirrors. The overall impression is of a well thought out, family friendly interior that prioritises comfort and convenience.

The Nissan X Trail represents a significant step forward for the brand, combining genuine seven seat practicality with impressive fuel economy and a premium feeling interior. The e-Power hybrid system is genuinely innovative, delivering smooth, quiet performance that makes every journey more pleasant. The build quality feels solid and the level of standard equipment is generous across the range.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Nissan X Trail Expensive to Run?

The X Trail’s e-Power hybrid system delivers impressive fuel economy for such a large SUV. Real world fuel consumption typically ranges from 45 to 50 MPG, which is excellent for a seven seater vehicle. This translates to lower fuel costs compared to traditional petrol or diesel SUVs of similar size. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, typically falling in groups 18 to 22 depending on the trim level.

The initial purchase price reflects the X Trail’s position as a premium family SUV, starting from around £36,000 for the entry level model. While this is more than some competitors, the high level of standard equipment and advanced hybrid technology help justify the cost. Nissan offers competitive finance packages that make monthly payments more manageable. The e-Power system should prove reliable with fewer moving parts than conventional engines, potentially reducing long term maintenance costs. Strong residual values mean the X Trail holds its worth well, making it a sensible choice for those considering car finance options.

Nissan X Trail Practicality & Boot Space

The X Trail excels in the practicality department, which is exactly what you’d expect from a family focused SUV. The 585 litre boot with five seats in use is generous enough for holiday luggage, weekly shopping, or sports equipment. When you need maximum people carrying capacity, the third row of seats can accommodate children or smaller adults, though the boot space drops to 240 litres. The rear seats fold flat easily, creating a huge cargo area for larger items.

Inside the cabin, there are plenty of storage solutions including door pockets, cup holders, and a useful storage compartment under the boot floor. The high driving position gives excellent visibility, while the relatively compact exterior dimensions make it manageable in tight car parks. For families who regularly need seven seats, the X Trail offers genuine versatility that smaller SUVs simply can’t match. The wide opening rear doors make it easy to fit child seats, and the step in height is just right for children to climb in independently. It’s a properly thought out family vehicle that makes daily life easier, putting it ahead of many competitors in the used Nissan cars range.

The Nissan X Trail successfully combines family practicality with modern efficiency in an attractive, well built package. The innovative e-Power hybrid system delivers excellent fuel economy without compromising on performance or refinement. The spacious seven seat interior and generous boot space make it ideal for growing families, while the premium cabin quality puts it on par with more expensive German rivals.

You choose the X Trail because you want a family SUV that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Its smooth, quiet operation makes every journey more pleasant, while the practical interior handles the demands of family life with ease. With strong safety ratings and comprehensive standard equipment, it represents excellent value despite the higher initial price. For families seeking an efficient, comfortable, and genuinely practical SUV, the X Trail stands out as one of the best options in its class, especially with flexible financing making it accessible through cars under £15,000 options on the used market.