The Nissan X-Trail was one of the models that helped to establish the medium SUV segment. Following the (relatively recent) local introduction of the 4th-gen model, we got behind the ‘wheel of the flagship 2.5 Acenta Plus 4WD 7-seater.
We like: Refinement and ride quality, cabin space, fuel economy, fit and finish.
We don’t like: Lacks in-gear power, the 3rd-row seats limit luggage space.
FAST FACTS
- Model: Nissan X-Trail 2.5 Acenta Plus 4WD
- Price: R810 900 (April 2024)
- Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol
- Power/Torque: 135 kW and 244 Nm
- Transmission: CVT
- 0-100 kph: 9.64 sec (tested)
- Fuel consumption: 7.8 L/100 km (claimed)
- Luggage/Utility space: 485-651-1 298 litres
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Where does the Nissan X-Trail 7-seater fit in?
The 4th-gen Nissan X-Trail is new to SA’s family-car market (it arrived in April 2023), but it was launched in Japan in 2022 and debuted in North America (as the Rogue) in 2020. Nonetheless, the T33-series X-Trail’s styling still looks fresh and the model incorporates many improvements over its predecessor.
Compared with previous iterations of the X-Trail, however, it competes with a multitude of medium SUVs in the new-vehicle market. If you’re shopping with a budget of R800 000 and want a family car that is appreciably spacious and loaded with features, you’re spoilt for choice. The allure of premium marques’ entry-level crossovers may be strong, but the volume-selling brands offer better value for money…
The Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, from Korea, are easy to recommend. An all-new VW Tiguan is on the way, but there’s little wrong with the current-gen model. You can choose between the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5/CX-60 and the X-Trail’s mechanical twin – the Mitsubishi Outlander from Japan. And, the Haval H6 and Chery Tiggo 7- and 8 Pro/Pro Max, from China, are well-specced and keenly priced.
Nissan offers its X-Trail in 5- as well as 7-seat configurations, so if a 3rd row of seats is required, the newcomer’s rivals are the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro AWD and Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace 132kW 4Motion:
Compare the Nissan X-Trail 7-seater with its Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace rivals
If you seek something with low mileage and are prepared to sacrifice some ride quality, then why not consider a demo Ford Everest? It has a powerful turbodiesel engine, all-wheel drive and seating for 7.
How the Nissan X-Trail 7-seater fares in terms of…
Design and Packaging
When the 4th-gen (T33) Nissan X-Trail was introduced in Mzansi, the model’s price list ranged from R649 900 to R759 900, but a year later, it has crept up to R685 900 to R810 900. The line-up comprises a pair of 5-seaters and the 2.5 Acenta Plus 4WD, which is a 7-seater – and the subject of this review.
The model looks much more distinctive and impactful than its predecessor. Whereas the outgoing model was inoffensively styled (a kind way of saying “generic-looking”), the T33 embodies Nissan’s new design language, which we first experienced with the Qashqai. It looks bold, fresh and radical and the test unit’s Champagne Silver finish added to the premium image; if you look closely, you’ll spot Nissan’s new logo.
When you climb inside, you’re greeted by a cabin that’s premium and plush, both in look and feel. The interior of the 4th-gen X-Trail represents a huge leap forward for Nissan’s family car. It’s as modern and tech-laden as you’d expect at this price point, and everything is laid out in a clean, ergonomic manner.
More impressively, the interior creates the impression of being “well screwed together”; the touchpoints all feel weighty/substantial and we liked the digital instrument cluster, which is exclusive to this derivative.
The front seats are notably comfortable, yet supportive too (the author didn’t feel fatigued after driving for 3 hours non-stop) and, as for the 2nd row, it offers reasonable head- and legroom. As expected, the 3rd row of seats is only suitable for accommodating small children (on account of limited legroom) and when they’re being used, the X-Trail’s luggage capacity is rather limited (to 485 litres, Nissan claims).
In the X-Trail’s defence, its compromised packaging (“using all seats means that you have minimal load-bay space) is a hallmark of most 7-seat medium SUVs. If you must carry 7 and as much cargo as you can fit in the load bay, the vehicle has a 750 kg unbraked tow rating. On the other side of the coin, if you keep that 3rd row stowed, you can load up 651 litres, but the X-Trail’s rivals offer more utility space than that.
Performance and Efficiency
As before, the X-Trail utilises a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine (even though the brand should have access to turbocharged powerplants courtesy of its alliance partner Renault). The engine now produces mildly improved peak outputs – 135 kW and 244 Nm of torque (the latter at 3 600 rpm). Torque is directed to the wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
That 3-letter abbreviation may make petrolheads and driving enthusiasts groan, but in a volume-selling family car, a CVT is a prudent choice because it optimises cruising refinement and, ultimately, economy.
During our road trip across the Western Cape, we achieved an average fuel economy figure of 7.4 L/100 km, which was impressive for a 7-seater… and better than the manufacturer’s claim of 7.8 L/100 km.
Admittedly, much of the road trip involved travelling on the national highway, so if you’re likely to spend the majority of your time driving the Nissan in congested traffic, expect to see figures closer to 9 L/100 km. The X-Trail has a 55-litre fuel tank, so this derivative’s theoretical full-to-empty range is 705 km.
There are several (and well-documented) reasons for turbodiesel engines being phased out of brands’ passenger car line-ups, but that does not make the development any less of a disappointment. Previous-gen Qashqai and X-Trail derivatives utilised 1.5- and 1.6 dCi engines (one of them still does duty in the outgoing Renault Duster), and one certainly feels the absence of a turbodiesel in the 4th-gen X-Trail.
You see, a turbocharged diesel engine would produce a generous wad of torque (from low rpm), which would enable the X-Trail to overtake traffic with reasonable ease. The 2.5-litre petrol motor, by contrast, doesn’t deliver enough in-gear shove to facilitate brisk overtaking manoeuvres at freeway speeds.
On balance, the Nissan’s overtaking ability is just about adequate, but bear in mind that our road test was conducted at sea level, with just the driver and some luggage aboard. The X-Trail may labour upcountry (where the altitude saps about 15% of engine power) when it’s fully laden with passengers and cargo…
Even with its sportiest drive mode activated, the test unit mustered a 0-100 kph time of 9.64 sec, which is considerably slower than its turbopetrol rivals; they’d struggle to match the X-Trail’s efficiency, though.
As is the case with most vehicles that utilise CVTs, if you treat the 2.5 Acenta Plus 4WD’s accelerator pedal like an on/off switch, the engine will groan loudly (ostensibly in protest), but to be fair, an X-Trail is unlikely to be calibrated for cut-and-thrust driving. If you adopt a restrained/relaxed driving style, you will probably come to appreciate how quiet and smooth (refined) the “old school” powertrain can be.
Ride and Handling
When it comes to ride quality and driving experience, Nissan tends to prioritise comfort and ease of use in its passenger cars. And, right on cue, when you drive the X-Trail around town or in the city, its pliant suspension, aided by 19-inch wheels shod with higher-profile tyres, delivers a soft, gentle ride quality. Indeed, it impressively absorbs speed bumps and irons out tar roads rippled by tree roots under them.
It’s refreshing to pilot an SUV that doesn’t emphasise the sport in Sport Utility Vehicle. Not everyone wants a family SUV with dynamic handling ability… comfort, features and safety are more important. Thanks to a cabin that’s well insulated from tyre rumble and wind noise, the X-Trail is an excellent open-road or freeway cruiser. Unsurprisingly, its steering setup is on the light side with minimal feedback.
Given the flagship X-Trail’s 4WD suffix, you may be wondering about the extent of the family car’s off-road ability. Can you venture further down your local gravel road than in a front-wheel-driven X-Trail?
Yes, certainly. With 211 mm of ground clearance, all-wheel drive and various off-road modes, the X-Trail is more than capable of traversing dirt- or farm roads. Critically, having all-wheel drive helps with grip and stability on slippery road surfaces, so the tech will come in quite handy during the rainy season.
Comfort and Features
When you’re in the market for a family car (medium SUV) at this price point, it’s not unreasonable to expect that it will offer myriad convenience features and gizmos… and the X-Trail does not disappoint.
To reiterate, the leather-trimmed seats are very comfy. The front ones are well-bolstered, have a heating function and the driver’s seat is 8-way electrically adjustable. Rear passengers get separate USB ports.
The 6-speaker touchscreen infotainment system includes satellite navigation, is compatible with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – and augmented with USB-A and USB-C ports. We appreciated the dual-zone climate control, but the spec would have benefited from the provision of a wireless charging pad.
Furthermore, the 2.5 Acenta Plus 4WD comes equipped with safety features such as parking sensors, tyre-pressure monitoring, ProPilot+ semi-autonomous driver assistance, 360-degree camera, intelligent forward collision warning, pedestrian/cyclist detection with emergency braking, and lane-keep assist.
Nissan X-Trail price and After-sales support (April 2024)
Every 4th-gen X-Trail is sold with a 3-year/90 000 km service plan and a 6-year/150 000 km warranty.
| X-Trail 2.5 Visia | R685 900 |
| X-Trail 2.5 Acenta | R749 900 |
| X-Trail 2.5 Acenta Plus 4WD | R810 900 |
Verdict
While there’s no doubt that Nissan has made huge leaps forward in the development of its 4th-gen X-Trail model, the lack of a more powerful engine is a big letdown. The rest of the package is admirable, thanks to excellent road manners, solid build quality and an abundance of standard features.
Should you buy one? Well, the X-Trail 2.5 Acenta Plus 4WD 7-seater is a good, as opposed to great, car. If you’re shopping in this price bracket, Chery’s Tiggo 8 Pro Max offers better value, more performance, as well as a superior (longer) service plan. Alternatively, if 7 seats and AWD aren’t must-have features on your shopping list, you could save R60k by opting for the X-Trail’s mid-spec 2.5 Acenta derivative.
