X-Trail – Nissan’s Adventure as a Family Crossover

The debut from 2001 marked the character of a typical SUV. Over the next two generations, he directed himself toward crossing, to a lesser degree. It stays that way, Nissan assures, because the SUV theme still doesn’t have a good reputation. Which is why the new X-Trail is positioned as a family adventurer, not least because of its seven-seat selection. And the fuel consumption argument is countered with consistent electricity.

There’s still a 163-hp combustion engine, but it’s a mild hybrid. The focus is on the full hybrid system developed by Nissan called e-Power, which assigns driving duties – on the front axle – to the electric motor alone and produces a 204-horsepower system.

The petrol engine, a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo, is just a transmission that powers the engine and battery. If a second power unit is located on the rear axle, this results in an electrically generated all-wheel drive and an output of 214 horsepower.

“The X-Trail has proven itself as a family vehicle for shared adventures!” Sissi Shalgo Press Officer Nissan Austria

In this configuration, the new X-Trail, with a length of 4,680 mm, made its debut on various roads. The driving force and talents of the four-wheel drive system can be tested on highways, country roads and, in places, the single-track mountain passes and partially winding gravel in the region of Triglav (Slovenia).

The Japanese showed no weaknesses on any of the terrain – and hardly any outbursts of agitation. After all, it should first of all be a family carrier that all passengers can digest. It is recommended that no one with a height of more than 1.60 meters should be placed in the third row. Getting into the rear seat requires youthful agility, despite the fact that the rear seats can be moved by 220 mm.

Keyword agility: You can’t deny the new word, but singular intimidation is not his vocation. The drivetrain also seems to be a bit jittery on steep slopes, with the three cylinders rattling audibly.

The gait of choice in a comfortable, but not rocky, crossover (wheelbase: 2,705 mm) is the sliding mode; The Sport Drive program was used only on motorway entrances and for overtaking maneuvers infrequently. It’s pretty impressive what an all-wheel drive system can do: Nissan has installed an off-road track on a motocross circuit specifically for the demonstration.