Nissan X-TRAIL N-SPORT 2018 Review

The Nissan X-TRAIL is the brand's biggest seller. In fact, with 14,037 new examples registered this year to the end of August (VFACTS data), it's Nissan's top-seller by a significant measure, currently lying over 4600 units ahead of its number-two vehicle, the QASHQAI. It's also the third-best-selling medium SUV, after Mazda's CX-5 (18,679) and Toyota's RAV4 (15,307).

Now, some 16 months after its last update, Nissan has introduced a limited-edition 'N-SPORT' variant to keep the model's momentum rolling. Based on the five-seater version of the mid-spec ST-L trim grade, only 600 X-TRAIL N-SPORTs will be produced, with the model available in Diamond Black, Gun Metallic, Brilliant Silver or Ivory Pearl (pictured) paint schemes, and boasting a range of cosmetic enhancements.

The upgrades span 18-inch black alloy wheels, gloss black mirror caps, dark metallic front and rear bumper detailing, black side sills and roof rails and a dark chrome front grille. No changes have been made to the underlying mechanics or drivetrain, while the X-TRAIL N-SPORT is available in both 4x2 and 4x4 formats.

The Nissan X-TRAIL N-SPORT is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing a claimed 126kW at 6000rpm and 226Nm at 4400rpm, with the drive fed to either the front or all four wheels via Nissan's Xtronic “seven-speed” continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Nissan X-TRAIL N-SPORT 4x4 reviewed here is priced from $41,250 plus on-road costs, with the 4x2 version priced from $39,250 plus ORCs. That's a price premium of $2050 over the standard iterations of the X-TRAIL ST-L.

Nissan provides a three-year/100,000km factory warranty with the X-TRAIL N-SPORT, whichever comes first, along with three years of roadside assistance. Service intervals are pegged at every 12 months or 10,000km, while Nissan's Service Certainty capped-price servicing scheme applies for up to six years or 120,000km, whichever comes first.

Under the scheme the first six services total $1803, or an average of $300.50 per service, plus an additional $32 for brake fluid every two years or 40,000km.

Nissan quotes an ADR Combined Cycle fuel economy figure of 8.3L/100km, while over the course of a week of both town and country driving (including some light off-roading) we achieved 9.6L/100km.

Sales of medium-size SUVs are second only to those of small cars in Australia, offering a healthy amount of storage and occupant space without being overly cumbersome when it comes to parking or negotiating busy city streets.

To this basic formula the X-TRAIL adds the added flexibility of a four-wheel drive option, our test vehicle's 4x4i system delivering up to 50 per cent torque to the rear wheels if required, with the added security of hill descent control for safely negotiating slippery slopes.

It's an electronic system, with a dial on the centre console allowing the driver to switch from front-drive only to an auto four-wheel drive on the fly. This lets the transmission direct torque to the rear wheels as required, while selecting 4x4 Lock (achieved at a standstill, from neutral) splits torque 50:50 between the front and rear wheels.

To that end, the X-TRAIL holds broad appeal for a wider spectrum of buyers than purely two-wheel drive SUVs, also catering to families intent on getting away and exploring a little beyond the bitumen.

Having said that, the X-TRAIL isn't by any means a hardcore off-roader – there's no low-range gear set and while ground clearance is healthy by passenger car standards, at 210mm, it's appreciably below that of larger, more off-road oriented vehicles like Toyota's Prado or Isuzu's MU-X.

There's little in the way of underbody protection, too, so it's more of a 'crossover' or 'soft-roader' SUV – think added traction and security on country dirt roads or trips to the snow, rather than rock-hopping and High Country hi-jinks.

Families, however, will appreciate the X-TRAIL's space and comfort. Nissan says there's 565 litres of storage space behind the second-row seating and 945 litres with that second row folded forward. There's also a reasonable sub-floor storage compartment in the boot, achieved in part by the space-saver spare wheel.

There's a reasonable amount of both legroom and headroom in the second row, and the 40:20:40 'EZ Flex' seating can slide forward or back – allowing the seat back angle/legroom to be altered, if desired.

This feature alone renders the X-TRAIL a far comfier proposition for second-row occupants than any dual-cab ute, although X-TRAIL N-SPORT appointments in the back are fairly Spartan: there are HVAC vents on the rear of the centre console, but no auxiliary power outlets (either 12-volt sockets or USB ports) or dedicated HVAC controls.

At least the middle seat back folds forward, providing outboard passengers with an armrest and twin cup holders.

The second-row seat backs fold forward for extra storage space, but they stop short of folding flat and the seat bases don't flip up flush against the back of the first-row seats, as is the case in a growing number of passenger vehicles these days.

There are tether points for all three back seats and ISOFIX mounting points for the two outboard ones, so growing families are well covered.

Families will also appreciate the X-TRAIL N-SPORT's five-star ANCAP safety rating, which here encompasses autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and forward collision warning, in addition to all the usual safety systems.

For the space and occupant comfort it offers, the X-TRAIL N-SPORT is a snap to maneuver around town, with only a light touch required at the wheel, just three turns lock to lock and a relatively modest turning circle.

The comprehensive camera system is a great inclusion, offering vision both ahead or to the rear along with a top-down 360-degree view. There's no auto parking assist as such, but it's nigh on impossible to muck things up with this level of camera coverage.

One area where the Nissan X-TRAIL N-SPORT falls short compared to larger SUVs or dual-cab utes is its 'tow-ability'. With a 1500kg braked towing limit, the X-TRAIL is more in the realm of hauling box trailers, tinnies and camper trailers, rather than caravans or larger boats.

The Nissan X-TRAIL N-SPORT is available now through Nissan's national dealer network. Production of the model will be limited to 600 examples, available on a first come, first served basis.

In this 4x4 guise, the Nissan X-TRAIL N-SPORT has mildly adventurous family buyers firmly fixed in its sights, and those who are happy to spend a little extra on cosmetics to help stand out from the masses. In addition to all the usual day-to-day city work, the X-TRAIL N-SPORT will comfortably handle family holidays and even the odd camping trip, provided you don't want to take the kitchen sink.

Nissan's line-up is awash with both SUVs and four-wheel drives, with several models that span both categories. While the smaller JUKE and QASHQAI are both two-wheel drive SUVs, the larger X-TRAIL is available in both front-drive or four-wheel drive variants – but it's smaller than the seven-seat Pathfinder (also available in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive) and Patrol (four-wheel drive only).

While the X-TRAIL ST and ST-L are available in seven-seat configurations, this N-SPORT variant only comes as a five-seater, although it is available in both 4x2 and 4x4 drivelines.

It also serves as a sibling to Nissan's other recently released N-SPORT models: the Pathfinder N-SPORT and 370Z N-SPORT.

Nissan also released a Navara N-SPORT in 2017, all 500 examples of which sold in a short space of time.

Playing in the same (very crowded) space as the X-TRAIL are competitors like the all-wheel drive iterations of Mazda's CX-5 (from $33,690 plus on-roads), Toyota's RAV4 (from $34,490 plus on-roads), Hyundai's Tucson (from $35,090 plus on-roads), Honda's CR-V (from $35,490 plus on-roads) and Mitsubishi's Outlander (from $32,000 plus on-roads), among others.

The X-TRAIL is not an adrenaline-charged thoroughbred but, at this price point, show us a medium SUV that is? However, over the course of a week – with a chunk of it spent on dirt roads and with the family in tow – it slowly but surely endeared itself, proving ultimately to be a well-featured and well-mannered machine that acquitted itself well across a wide range of roles.

The engine's 126kW/226Nm output provides sufficient motive force for the X-TRAIL's 1549kg tare weight. It's perhaps a little ponderous off the line but provided you're happy to explore the upper reaches of its rev range, there's plenty there for safe highway overtakes, while the seven-speed CVT shifts quickly and cleanly through its ratios.

By and large the X-TRAIL offers a refined ride, too. It's quiet in the cabin and the power delivery is markedly smooth, largely devoid of vibration. Body roll is nicely controlled and vehicle dynamics are generally pleasing, at least as far as SUVs go, although we noted some brittleness to the suspension, which was a little harsh over sharper road imperfections.

We appreciated the X-TRAIL N-SPORT's long list of creature comforts, including electric front seat adjustment and seat heating, leather-accented upholstery, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control and 7.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and DAB+ digital radio, as well as its comprehensive suite of safety inclusions.

In contrast, the foot-operated park brake seems antiquated, although when raised it's at least well out of the way.

However, the 60-litre fuel tank seems a little underdone, especially given the X-TRAIL's generally high level of occupant comfort. Given the average economy of 9.6L/100km achieved during the course of this review, that's a safe range of 575km.

It's easy to see why the X-TRAIL sells in the high volumes it does. Well-appointed, capable and offering healthy value for money, it can cart a family in comfort around town or across the countryside, even with a little off-road work thrown into the mix.

Add in the cosmetic lift of this limited-edition N-SPORT variant, and we're sure Nissan will have no trouble in selling its 600 examples of the X-TRAIL N-SPORT.

How much does a 2018 Nissan X-TRAIL N-SPORT cost?
Price: $41,250 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 126kW/226Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel: 8.3L/100km (ADR Combined); 9.6L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 192g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP (tested 2017)