Nissan X-TRAIL Ti 2020 Review

The current-generation Nissan X-TRAIL has been on sale in Australia since 2014. It was updated again in 2017. By now it’s very well established and recognised in the market for its durability, value and packaging.

Earlier in 2020, Nissan added rear parking sensors to the specification of the X-TRAIL Ti tested here. The flagship model also features high-grade standard equipment such as 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats (six-way for driver, four-way for front passenger), heated exterior mirrors, a powered panoramic sunroof, heated/cooled centre cup holders, adaptive cruise control and satellite navigation.

An eight-speaker Bose audio system includes CD player, digital radio (DAB+), Bluetooth and a USB port, but doesn’t come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Nissan prices the X-TRAIL Ti at $45,490 before applying the on-road costs, and the test vehicle was priced higher at $46,085 with the option of metallic paint.

The warranty for the X-TRAIL runs for five years and unlimited kilometres, with services due every 10,000km or 12 months, whichever occurs first.

The one significant improvement in the 2020 Nissan X-TRAIL Ti is the adoption of rear parking sensors.

These are ultrasonic detectors in the rear bumper operating like a sonar system, with a computer sounding increasingly frequent tones as the sensors detect that the car is approaching an object behind.

The X-TRAIL in this grade already had a reversing camera anyway, plus all-round vision, so the acoustic guidance is an incremental safety gain.

Other safety features fitted to the X-TRAIL Ti tested include blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning/low-speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, auto high beam assist, dynamic cornering lights and LED headlights.

The forward collision warning responds appropriately to an impending crash, alerting the driver with an audible tone that’s not needlessly loud and alarming, plus a visual display in the instrument binnacle.

ANCAP tested the X-TRAIL for crash safety back in 2017 and rated it at a maximum five stars. The crash test was conducted by Euro NCAP, and ANCAP’s conclusions from the data suggest that the X-TRAIL is a solid performer, even against other five-star vehicles from the same year.

The 2.5-litre petrol engine powering the 2020 Nissan X-TRAIL Ti is not the world’s most charismatic, but it’s relatively quiet under load and provides fairly generous torque at lower speeds.

When pushed, it will spin up into the higher reaches of the rev range – up to the redline at around 6200rpm without making you wince in pain.

There is certainly enough torque available for off-roading, but during our test the X-TRAIL’s ability to forge its way up one loose surface on a moderately steep ascent was stymied by lack of traction.

The engine is connected to a reasonably clever continuously variable transmission. While the powertrain is generally smooth, the engine does tend to drone at times, as expected, but the Nissan CVT is also smart enough to automatically provide some useful engine braking on hills.

After a few days of suburban driving and an abortive off-road test, the X-TRAIL posted a fuel consumption figure of 10.7L/100km, which was not as bad as it sounds given the Nissan was mainly driven short distances only.

Out for a longer run at night, the X-TRAIL posted a significantly better figure of 9.7L/100km, the result of using the rather weak-kneed Eco mode for optimal fuel consumption for the return leg.

That’s a respectable figure for a mid-size SUV with a 2.5-litre petrol engine, and certainly in the same ballpark as a couple of Subaru Foresters tested across similar conditions.

There are mid-size SUVs that appeal to the inner driver. They provide a communicative experience through steering feedback, brake pedal feel and lively handling.

The 2020 Nissan X-TRAIL Ti is not one of these vehicles. It is aimed at people who want SUV practicality and a level of safety and comfort, but not necessarily the driver engagement that you would find in a Mazda CX-5, a Hyundai Tucson or the new Ford Escape.

Still, the X-TRAIL’s steering and handling are both safe and secure. In fact, the Nissan’s roadholding is impressive on dry bitumen, and there are no vices in the handling – it won’t oversteer if you lift off the pedal and nor will it push to the outside of the bend when you apply power. The steering is light enough for most drivers and does provide some feedback.

Given the X-TRAIL’s respectable dynamics, it’s just a little surprising that the Nissan also rides as well as it does.

On a section of rough bitumen the X-TRAIL’s suspension did absorb one particular imperfection with real composure. So thumbs up for the Nissan’s ride and handling balance.

While the brake pedal travels a long way, the X-TRAIL does deliver effective stopping in an emergency. That’s due in part to the standard Bridgestone Ecopia 225/55 R19 tyres, which are very quiet cruising at freeway speeds and provide good grip in bends, but aren’t what you’d call off-road tyres.

We found traction sorely lacking when travelling off the beaten path, and we suspect some rival models, such as the upgraded 2020 Mazda CX-5 with its electronic rear diff lock, will go places the Nissan won’t. The X-TRAIL’s hill descent control system remained unassessed this time around because the test vehicle couldn’t manage to climb a grade in the first place before heading down the other side.

And would you prefer to head into the bush anyway, when the X-TRAIL only comes with a space-saver spare?

The X-TRAIL’s real forte rests with its packaging, not its ability to go bush. Although the seats felt initially flat and unconvincing after the excellent buckets in a Volkswagen Passat driven a day earlier, they are actually quite comfortable after you become accustomed to the shaping.

They don’t wrap around you and could do with a little more length in the base, but they’re fine for extended periods behind the wheel.

The driving position is acceptably good, but slightly marred by the foot-operated parking brake, although that does free up space that would otherwise be squandered by accommodating a lever or electric switch.

There’s a starter button in plain sight on the dash and the instruments and trip computer present information in a readily legible style. Buttons abound throughout the cabin, particularly on the multifunction steering wheel, but familiarising oneself with the respective location and operation takes little time, making the X-TRAIL very easy to drive.

Controls, including the four-wheel drive dial and diff lock, are mostly where they should be.

Rear seat headroom and legroom are both quite generous, particularly the latter. Taller adults might find the sunroof impinging on their headroom, but adults of average height won’t have any worries sitting comfortably. 

The rear seats fold in a triple split and can be slid fore and aft for extra legroom or cargo stowage, depending on need. Naturally, the seat squabs can be independently reclined too, for those who prefer a laid-back style.

There are adjustable vents in the centre console for the rear seat occupants, and two cup holders in the fold-down centre armrest, but no USB ports.

The boot is quite practical, with a removable and redeployable two-piece floor for added depth, and concealed storage underneath.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic drastically reducing motor vehicle sales in Australia in 2020, there are still plenty of X-TRAIL buyers out there and it remains one of the top players in the crowded and super-competitive mid-size SUV segment.

In many ways that tells you what a review frequently doesn’t. The 2020 Nissan X-TRAIL is no spring chicken, but in trying times it’s still a dependable ‘WYSIWYG’ sort of car – one that people buy almost by default.

There’s a level of comfort and practicality that comes with it, and total cost of ownership is affordable. An important point to acknowledge also is that the X-TRAIL is a safe vehicle.

All of those factors add up to a family wagon that will suit the vast majority of buyers in the market.

How much does the 2020 Nissan X-TRAIL Ti cost?
Price: $45,490 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 126kW/226Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Fuel: 8.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 192g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2017)