Nissan X-Trail 4x4 full 9 point review

  • Performance

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad Every X-Trail has a 2.0-litre diesel engine, but buyers can choose from outputs of 148- and 170bhp. Each is impressively flexible, although the 170bhp model has noticeably more low-down pulling power. A six-speed automatic gearbox is standard with the lower-powered car, while the 170bhp model has a six-speed manual.

  • Ride & Handling

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The X-Trail is set up more for passenger comfort than driving pleasure: the suspension provides a comfortable ride over any surface, while there’s a bit of lean through corners. There’s decent grip, and the steering is well weighted, if a little short on feel. All models have selectable four-wheel drive, as well as hill-descent and hill-start systems.

  • Refinement

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The good news is that road- and suspension noise in the X-Trail is pretty well contained, with little of either seeping in to the cabin. The manual gearbox works well, too, while the engine is smooth and subdued at speed. However, it’s a bit loud at tickover and under acceleration, while the X-Trail’s bulky shape means wind noise is often an issue.

  • Buying & Owning

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership In common with its rivals, the X-Trail won’t be as cheap to run as an equivalent family car, but the 148bhp automatic returns 39.8mpg and the 170bhp manual 44.1mpg. Carbon dioxide emissions are competitive for the class, too, but the X-Trail doesn’t hold its value especially well, so it’s important to secure a good discount when you buy, in order to offset those losses.

  • Quality & Reliability

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership Although the X-Trail's cabin is rather dour, the quality of the plastics and build is generally impressive, while everything has a reassuringly solid feel. That was borne out in the 2010 JD Power customer satisfaction survey, where owners barely had a bad word to say about the car's quality or reliability. On the other hand, however, they thought the dealer service was only average.

  • Safety & Security

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership Front, side and curtain airbags are fitted as standard. What’s more, every X-Trail has stability control, hill-descent control and the reassurance of four-wheel drive. On the security front, deadlocks, locking wheel nuts and an integrated stereo all make life difficult for thieves.

  • Behind The Wheel

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin Most drivers will be comfortable in the X-Trail. The steering wheel moves for reach and height, while the driver's seat is supportive and provides a good range of height adjustment. Thick pillars hinder the rear view slightly, but the view forward is excellent and raised lumps on the headlights help you to place the front of the car. The rear parking camera that’s on Tekna models will help with reversing into tight spots.

  • Space & Practicality

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin The X-Trail provides decent space for four adults, but rear legroom isn't as generous as in some rivals. The boot is very practical, however: it's large, there are two handy easy-to-access underfloor storage areas and the floor is wipe-clean and durable. You can fold the rear seat flat, but you need to flip the base up and remove the head restraints first.

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin The X-Trail is available in two trims: Acenta and Tekna. The cheaper Acenta trim has climate control, alloy wheels, Bluetooth, cruise control and electric windows. Tekna adds satellite-navigation, electric and heated front seats, leather upholstery, a reversing camera, larger alloys and metallic paint.

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