Cheaper Nissan X-TRAIL hybrid arrives

Nissan has expanded the X-TRAIL range with the arrival of cheaper front-wheel-drive e-POWER hybrid variants and a new Rock Creek grade, while also marking 25 years of the nameplate in Australia. The additions bring the local line-up to its broadest yet, with hybrid pricing now starting from $45,990 before on-road costs.

The biggest change is the arrival of the front-wheel-drive e-POWER variants previewed by Nissan earlier this year, opening the hybrid range to buyers who don't need all-wheel drive.

Available in ST-L, Ti and Ti-L grades, the new line-up starts at $45,990 before on-road costs, reducing the cost of entry to Nissan's e-POWER technology by more than $3000 compared with the existing AWD-only hybrid range.

According to Nissan, the new 2WD e-POWER variants consume 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle and emit 123g/km of CO2, making them around 11.5 per cent more efficient than their all-wheel-drive counterparts.

The expansion follows a broader shift in the medium SUV market towards hybrid powertrains and mirrors moves by rivals including Toyota, Hyundai and Kia to offer front-drive hybrid variants.

Earlier this year Nissan said the addition of a 4x2 e-POWER would allow it to target a portion of the market previously unavailable to the brand.

Also new is the X-TRAIL Rock Creek, a seven-seat variant based on the ST-L 4WD. Rather than adding extra off-road hardware, the Rock Creek focuses on styling, with a unique grille design, black exterior trim, orange highlights and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels. A new Baja Storm paint finish is also available.

Inside, the Rock Creek receives ballistic nylon seat trim, orange contrast stitching, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. It is priced at $48,315 before on-road costs, representing a $2435 premium over the ST-L 4WD on which it is based.

The range expansion arrives as Nissan celebrates 25 years of X-TRAIL sales in Australia. Since launching here in October 2001, the medium SUV has accumulated 338,508 deliveries across four generations, with the third-generation T32 remaining the best-selling version.

The addition of cheaper e-POWER variants gives Nissan a more direct rival for popular hybrid versions of the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Outlander. Meanwhile, the new Rock Creek adds a lifestyle-focused option for buyers wanting something visually tougher without stepping outside the existing X-TRAIL range. Orders for both are open now.

How much does the Nissan X-TRAIL cost?
ST-L 2WD e-POWER – $45,990
Ti 2WD e-POWER – $50,915
Ti-L 2WD e-POWER – $54,715
Rock Creek 4WD – $48,315
*Prices are before on-road costs

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