Nissan X-TRAIL Ti 2017 Review

Seemingly adding an all-new or updated model every week, Australia’s medium size SUV market segment is a battlefield with intensity to rival rugby league’s State Of Origin series. In this tough realm, Nissan’s X-TRAIL has been a front-runner and these days is the brand’s top-selling model ‘Down Under’.

The updated X-TRAIL range is here now and, as our recent medium-size SUV comparison test confirmed, Nissan needed to up the ante as rivals have sharpened their offerings considerably. The good news for buyers in this league is: there are no duds.

Our test vehicle is the X-TRAIL Ti powered by a 2.5-litre petrol-powered engine and matched to a continuously variable transmission and four-wheel-drive, priced at $44,290 (plus on road costs). This is the range-topping X-TRAIL petrol model and, now stickered $900 less than the previous generation, is positioned line ball with the pick-of-the-pack segment rivals.

Inner Beauty
The updated Nissan X-TRAIL feels more sophisticated than before, while retaining a familiar feel. Our Ti test vehicle features electrically-adjusted heated leather seats which are comfortable and a blessing as Melbourne’s weather finally acknowledges winter. The new flat-bottom steering wheel looks good and is also heated…toasty.
Otherwise there are no big-ticket changes to the interior design and, when compared with slick rivals such as the Mazda CX-5 or Volkswagen’s all-new Tiguan,it feels underdone.

Nonetheless, equipment levels are very good, particularly at Ti level, and include keyless entry with push button start, 7-inch colour touch screen, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, 360-degree camera, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning and more.

Daytime running lights, LED tail lights, fog lights and roof rails, high beam assist, adaptive front lighting system and a tilt and slide panoramic sunroof are also standard.
In-cabin storage is also a highlight – plenty of room for gadgets, drinks and family-associated detritus.

Over achieving
The petrol engine is responsive and quiet, but overall the X-TRAIL doesn’t lead the field for fun and driving dynamics. While it feels planted on the road, the steering lacks feedback and engagement (but is precise) and there is a bit of body roll through corners.

With 126kW/226Nm, Nissan’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine offers ample power for the X-TRAIL’s medium-size mandate and does a fine job responding to throttle inputs without the obligatory whine often associated with CVTs.

X-TRAIL rolls on 19-inch alloys (Ti & TL only) and the disc brakes bring it to a stop with ease, offering decent feedback under foot.

Our test vehicle never left the safety of bitumen roads, but the X-TRAIL is equipped with intelligent 4x4 technology. Three off road settings – 2WD, auto and lock – are easily engaged via the rotary dial in the centre console.

Hill start assist is standard on the range and 4x4 vehicles add hill descent control. Fitted with a 60-litre fuel tank, X-TRAIL has a claimed combined fuel average of 8.3L/100km but our test returned closer to 11L/100km.

The X-TRIAL is rated to tow up to 1,500kg braked.

Flexibility for days
The X-TRAIL is a great example of family friendly packaging and thoughtful flexibility. The second row seating is generous and comfortable for three passengers and its raised stadium style layout allows young children a commanding view of their surroundings – keeping them happier and quieter for longer. Heated seats, back of front-seat pockets and a centre armrest with cup holders are all handy.

For versatility, the second row seat offers 40:20:40 style flexibility as well as sliding (60:40) and reclining functions.

The X-TRAIL doesn’t short-change on cargo either with a generous boot capacity of 565 litres expanding to 945 litres when the second row seats are folded flat.

But wait, there’s more.

I’m a big fan of Nissan’s ‘divide n hide’ cargo system (five-seat models only) - two removable floor sections allow goods to be hidden in the floor or you can slot them in position to act as dividers for your cargo- almost compensating for the lack of bag hooks.

There are four anchor points, a light and 12-volt outlet.

Like many SUVs, X-TRAIL’s remote electric tailgate is motion sensitive (a wave of the foot to the rear of the vehicle) – and it follows the playbook of rivals in being highly temperamental and frustration-inducing.

Safety and servicing
Front side and curtain airbags are standard across the Nissan X-TRAIL range - as is forward collision warning - contributing to a maximum five-star safety rating from ANCAP. You’ll find two ISOFIX positions and three child seat anchor points.
Nissan offers a three-year/100,000km warranty along with three years roadside assistance. Service intervals are recommended every 10,000km or 12-months.

Outlast or out-classed?
Nissan’s top selling vehicle underscores solid performance, reliability and affordability. While some medium SUV rivals now boast superior refinement, the sales race is still remarkably close. In 2016, the Mazda CX-5 secured a market share of 17.2%, Hyundai Tucson 14.1% and Toyota’s RAV4 13.7%, with the X-TRAIL close behind at 13.3%.

Undercutting its main rivals at the entry level, the X-TRAIL starts with value on its side, but things level as you progress through the model grades. Compared on paper, spec for spec, the X-TRAIL is competitive. Behind the wheel, it trails.

2017 Nissan X-TRAIL Ti pricing and specifications:
Price: $44,290 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 126kW/226Nm
Transmission: CVT
Fuel: 8.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 192g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP