Nissan X-Trail
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Recommended. A thoroughly likeable "soft roader" with rugged design and excellent on-tarmac manners.
Review
One of the first of the current wave of mid-sized "soft roaders", and still one of the better ones. The X-Trail combines the rugged styling of a "proper" SUV with a tarmac-biased driving experience. Excellent standard equipment and competitive pricing help to strengthen its appeal further.
It certainly looks the part - big, boxy and adventurous. Once inside, the spacious cabin is well finished and thoughtfully laid out, with plenty of space for full-sized adults in both the front and rear. Bootspace isn't particularly generous with the rear seats in place, but the load area becomes massive when they are collapsed.
On-road manners are predictably good. The X-Trail's well-damped suspension makes for a comfortable, compliant ride over urban bumps and bangs. It copes well with the motorway too, cruising happily at higher speeds with a minimal amount of fuss. Cornering limits are relatively low, but the X-Trail stays safe and predictable right the way up to them. It's not much cop off-road, as you would expect, but the four-wheel drive versions can deal with dirt tracks or damp grass painlessly. Base 2WD version would be embarrassingly easy to get stuck.
Three engines are available. The basic 2.0 litre petrol gives decent urge at the cost of a loud soundtrack and a two-wheel drive powertrain. The more powerful 2.5 litre petrol comes with 4WD but is barely faster. Most punters will go for the excellent DCi diesel version, which combines strong urge with respectable fuel economy.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
Big, boxy and tough-looking. The X-Trail looks like it should be crossing the wilderness, even as it trawls the high street.
Handling
3 star
Inoffensive dynamics for something this size and shape - corners well and handles motorway cruising nicely.
Comfort
4 star
Well damped ride absorbs bumps and the spacious cabin is comfortable over longer distances.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
As well screwed together as you'd expect something wearing a Nissan badge to be.
Performance
3 star
The entry level 2.0 litre petrol engine is respectably brisk but makes do with two-wheel drive, which would be very embarrassing if you actually got it stuck. The pick of the range is the punchy, frugal 2.2 litre turbodiesel.
Roominess
4 star
There's plenty of room for four adults in the cabin, although the X-Trail enjoys less rear legroom than some rivals. The boot is a good size, too.
Running Costs
3 star
The diesel manages good fuel economy, but all suffer from relatively poor residuals - depreciation will cost first owners a packet.
Value for money
3 star
Equipment levels are respectable across the board, with the range toppers positively groaning under the weight of standard-fit kit.
