The Nissan X-Trail is Nissan's first SUV crossover. The car uses the Nissan FF-S platform and appeared at a time when a number of companies were introducing their SUVs - Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Hyundai Santa Fe and Pontiac Aztek. Various Nissan SUVs are produced in different markets, respectively the X-Trail is marketed below the Xterra, Nissan Pathfinder or Nissan Murano, but above the Qashqai model. In North America, the X-Trail model will be replaced by the Nissan Rogue, which uses the same platform as the X-Trail. The Nissan Rogue model will have a very similar design to the Qashqai popular in Europe. The X-Trail SUV has become very popular in many countries due to its practical size, comfortable ride, good passability and low cost. In 2008, the Nissan X-Trail was upgraded to a slightly larger SUV (now 4,630 mm long) and built on the new Nissan / Renault Alliance C platform. However, this updated model is not planned to be sold in North American markets.
Let’s begin with a summary: it’s a good vehicle and enough comfortable for long-distance trips down the highway. Good sound isolation also makes it more attractive. On sharp corners it swings out slightly. Sitting in the back of the car will provide you with comfort, whilst if needed the third row folds forward to increase luggage space (couple of times I laid a 120cm length inflatable mattress; it was no prob for me to lie down at full-length in the trunk either :). Capability of driving on and off the road can be well-rated too. The interior design is so-so, no premium materials are found there unfortunately. Fabric seats get dirty quickly, stains are very visible. Car panel design has been significantly improved since 2004 so I’d never recommend you any older models. The exterior design (personally for me) is quite stylish making this vehicle more exceptional than the rest of the modern-day competitors. However serious image is spoiled due to plastic front wings. Equipment that I’ve got is rather simple thus I can’t make any comments about leather interior, navigation system, a sunroof with a see through skylight or additional lights mounted on the top of my car.
Performance
When I was searching for reviews as regards this vehicle, I’ve noticed that most owners complain about diesel engine faults that occur due to problems related to fuel/air supply or mechanical components. So I’ve chosen a petrol engine. In general, the choice of engines is limited, the one my vehicle has is a 2.0 L engine 104 kW, 192 Nm. Once it’s off the road it lacks of power, then a “4DW lock” button is selected. Sometimes I like to dream of a more powerful 2.5 L engine … According to my calculation, only 1 L of engine oil was used after running 6.000 miles (compression is good, no leakage). Since I don’t drive in the city, my fuel consumption on the highway – approx. 25 mpg. Another good thing about the capacity – I managed to place a 45 kg gas bottle instead of a spare wheel.
Reliability, running costs
Depreciation is minimal. After the car has done 20.000 miles I had to change only a tie rod end.
Recommendations to buyers
First, evaluate whether you need or not an SUV or MPV. If both – that’s the right option. Yet, if you drive more often in the city, I’d recommend looking for a city car, but if you live out of town – it will be a good choice.