The Nissan X-TRAIL has been a popular choice among buyers of small-to-medium SUVs since its introduction at the start of the 2000s.
While in its most recent third generation the Nissan X-TRAIL has moved from the top of the sales charts in Australia, the mid-sized SUV still wins praise for its value for money, decent light-duty all-wheel-drive system, reliability and versatility.
The Nissan X-TRAIL and Nissan Qashqai are popular choices for new-car buyers in Australia.
There are many differences between the two mechanically, however the major practical differences are size and the fact that the Nissan Qashqai is only sold in front-drive variants in Australia.
Of the two, the Nissan X-TRAIL is larger and can be purchased with both petrol and turbo-diesel powertrains including all-wheel-drive variants. In Australia the Qashqai is petrol and front-drive only.
The Nissan X-TRAIL is a medium-sized SUV that is available in front- and all-wheel-drive versions.
Unlike off-road 4WDs such as the Nissan Patrol, the Nissan X-TRAIL is based on a front-drive platform and features a part-time all-wheel-drive system.
The Nissan X-TRAIL’s all-wheel-drive system is not considered a heavy-duty off-road 4x4 system but is surprisingly effective on loose surfaces, snow and the like as it features a 50:50 front-rear locking function.
Ground clearance and approach and departure angles handicap the Nissan X-TRAIL in tougher conditions.
Although the first-generation North American-market Nissan Rogue was a standalone model, the second generation was a rebadged version of the third-generation Nissan X-TRAIL.
The new fourth-generation Nissan X-TRAIL will be badged as the Nissan Rogue in the USA when it debuts in 2021.
All three generations of Nissan X-TRAIL have an enviable reputation as being reliable, affordable transport.
The turbo-diesel versions can have diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues. Just look for the normal things, such as badly repaired accident damage, excessive off-road or dirt-road use and regular servicing.