When Nissan showcased the fourth-gen X-Trail in India for the first time, alongside Juke and Qashqai, back in October 2022, the shift in the company’s strategy seemed evident. It is very obvious that Nissan wants to play in the premium segment of India’s passenger vehicle market.
Nissan bringing the X-Trail as a fully-imported Completely Built Unit (CBU) testifies the above statement. It isn’t the first time The X-Trail badge has landed on Indian roads as Nissan previously did sell the second-gen model of the SUV for a brief period in the country.
So does the X-Trail live up to the expectations of being a really good premium SUV or does it falter in its way to achieve greatness? We recently got our hands on the new fourth-gen X-Trail ahead of its market launch in India and experienced how it drives. In this article, we’ll share a detailed analysis of the good and not-so-good aspects of X-Trail.
Nissan X-Trail review: Looks more sophisticated than rugged
Over the years, the X-Trail badge has largely been adorned by rugged, go-anywhere SUVs until the third generation model which focussed more on the urban environment. While the fourth-gen model isn’t as voluptuous and sophisticated as its predecessor, it still largely focuses on an urban set of buyers and at the same time bringing back a bit of muscle and ruggedness from the earlier generations.
As already seen in the images, design-wise the X-Trail is identical to the model already on sale in several international markets. The split-lighting setup up front, with tri-LED projector headlamps and sleek L-shaped LED DRL with integrated turn indicators look very contemporary. The V-motion inverted trapezoidal grille with thick chrome surrounds is a common feature in all Nissan models sold worldwide.
Similarly at the rear, the wraparound taillamps with L-shaped LED elements give out a very contemporary look. What stands out are the standard 20-inch alloy wheels which are the largest in its segment, lending the SUV a very tall stance. Side skirts on both ends of the front bumper give a hint of sportiness to the X-Trail. The overall design looks like a very traditional urban SUV with no elements of surprise.
Nissan X-Trail review: (Im)Practical cabin
The cabin of the X-Trail is very roomy and practical for most parts. The front seats are wide and comfortable with good visibility of the road ahead. There are plenty of storage areas to store one’s knick knacks in the centre console as well as the door pockets. However, if you’re in an X-Trail, the second-row is the place to be with plenty of knee room and leg room to go with more than decent head room and underthigh support. This may appeal to buyers who love to be chauffeured around.
However space and practicality is limited to the first two rows of seats, as the third row is only suited for kids, and that too only for short distances. The India-spec X-Trail comes exclusively as a seven-seater but essentially it should be called a ‘5+2’ seater. The X-Trail’s boot can only accommodate 3-4 soft bags at best with all three rows up. With the third-row down, it results in a generous 585-litre luggage area. So, the owners are given the flexibility of choice— extra people or extra luggage.
Nissan X-Trail review: Feature loaded
The India-spec X-Trail is pretty well-loaded with features such as a large freestanding touchscreen infotainment system, a fully-digital instrument cluster, 360–degree parking camera, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, automatic wipers, electric parking brake with auto-hold function, drive modes, cup holders in the centre console, paddle shifters, and wireless smartphone charging.
Although there are some glaring misses for a vehicle of this segment. The X-Trail misses out on power adjustable front seats and ventilated seats, both these features are now a common occurrence in cars belonging two segments below. Further, the infotainment unit only gets wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Nissan X-Trail review: Sedate Performance
The powertrain is one of the biggest highlights of X-Trail with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder variable compression turbocharged petrol engine. It is the first time that the Indian market has seen such a power mill where the compression ratio can vary between as low as 8:1 to as high as 14:1, thus providing the flexibility to choose between impressive performance or high fuel economy in one powertrain. In this regard, Nissan has pulled off what Honda did with the introduction of the Vtec almost three decades ago.
Nevertheless, the 1.5L unit pushes out 161 bhp and 300 Nm of peak torque which is fairly adequate for an SUV which measures 4.68 metres long. The engine is fairly refined for most parts with no unnecessary clatter which you expect from a 3-cylinder motor. There are three drive modes on offer– Eco, Standard, and Sport— offering different levels of performance for the engine and feedback from the steering.
The standard mode is good enough for your regular drives with strong throttle responses while the Eco mode is best reserved for days when you’re not in a hurry or running on a low fuel tank. The Sport mode is easily the best of the lot in terms of performance, offering instant acceleration and the difference is evident, if not huge. Making quick overtakes was a breeze but the best part about this engine was how linearly and nonchalantly it built up speed, reaching three digits without any real effort.
However, the disappointing part of the powertrain was the 8-step CVT gearbox which had a typical rubber band effect. I was hoping that with the advancement of technology, Nissan might have been able to minimise this lag and come up with a near-perfect CVT gearbox. Nevertheless, there’s always scope for improvement. Another disappointment is the decision of not offering an all-wheel drive configuration with the India-spec model considering this is a CBU product.
Nevertheless, one can attempt mild off-roading in the X-Trail given the fact that it comes with a limited slip differential which will allow it to get out of sticky situations. This powertrain is mated to a unique 12V mild-hybrid setup which is claimed to improve fuel efficiency by 3-4%. Unlike other mild-hybrid powertrains, this one lets the car creep at crawling speeds in pure battery power.
Nissan X-Trail review: Comfort all along
The ride quality of the X-Trail has to be the best part of the SUV. Although made in Japan, I felt the ride in X-Trail is perfectly tuned for Indian roads where you often encounter broken tarmacs. In our first drive, we encountered some heavy potholes whilst within the confines of the city and the X-Trail simply gobbled them without much ado. The suspension, as expected, is on the softer side making the ride supple.
Given its high centre of gravity and soft suspension, the X-Trail isn’t definitely a sports car and neither it should be. There is a fair bit of body roll when you hit winding sections at triple digit speeds. Therefore, handling isn’t the X-Trail’s strongest suit. NVH levels of the cabin are decent with the engine noise filtering inside the cabin only when pressed on the gas hard.
Braking is another positive aspect of the X-Trail will all four-disc brakes inspiring confidence. Steering is on the heavier side in all three drive modes but very precise and predictable. You just point and the vehicle shoots in that direction.
Nissan X-Trail review: Verdict
The X-Trail is another example of a company checking all the important boxes but missing out on a few, preventing the car from being a perfect vehicle. Apart from the lack of a couple of crucial creature comforts and a slowish CVT gearbox, the X-Trail doesn’t give any major reason to complain. At the same time there isn’t anything extraordinary to offer in the SUV which makes it stand out among its prospective rivals.
Nissan’s decision to bring the X-Trail to India as a CBU might be perplexing to many but understandable if one has followed the Indian auto industry closely. To start another production line for a high-end vehicle when the chips are down isn’t a wise decision. Therefore, bringing it as a CBU makes sense. However, bringing it as a CBU means the company will not be able to price it that well.
We all know how important it is for a vehicle in India to be priced well, even for premium high-end models. This we’ll get to know once Nissan officially announces prices for the X-Trail on July 26. We expect Nissan to offer the X-Trail at a price tag around Rs 40-45 lakh (ex-showroom). Upon launch, it will rival premium SUVs like Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Meridian, and Skoda Kodiaq.
| Nissan X-Trail | Hyundai Tucson | Jeep Meridian | Skoda Kodiaq | |
| Ex-showroom price | Rs 40-45 lakh (expected) | Rs. 29.02 – 35.94 lakh | Rs 31.23 – 39.83 lakh | Rs 38.50 – 39.99 lakh |
