Key Facts
Model tested: Nissan X-Trail Tekna dCi 130 4WD
Price: X-Trail range starts from £23,385; Tekna dCi 130 4WD from £34,710, car as tested £35,455
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: all-wheel drive, six-speed manual
Body style: five-door SUV
CO2 emissions: 143g/km (£200 VED first 12 months, then £140 annually thereafter)
Combined economy: 52.3mpg
Top speed: 116mph
0-62mph: 11.0 seconds
Power: 130hp at 4,000rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750rpm
Our view:
Not so long ago, in fact only a few weeks before Nissan decided to give the
X-Trail a facelift, we drove the old model in 2.0-litre diesel guise - it was the first time the 177hp engine had been offered in Nissan's grandest off-roader - and we
weren't that kind to it. In fact, we said it was probably bottom of its class.
Even when we were writing that summation, though, we felt bad. Because there's no way you can call the X-Trail a failure. And, having spent a week with this four-wheel drive Tekna version with the smaller 1.6-litre diesel engine, we think it has definitely improved for 2018. The modest facelift hasn't changed the front end of the SUV that much, but it has done enough to bring it into line with the similarly revised Qashqai and the youthful
Micra, making it feel fresh and up-to-date. And inside, the interior does come across as being that little bit higher quality, that little bit more appealing to look at and touch. So it's a thumbs up for the appearance, and particularly the Monarch Orange exterior colour which is the Nissan's signature shade.
Everything about the way the X-Trail drives - when looking back at the 2.0-litre pre-facelift and our international first drive of the updated version - still holds true, so it's a competent machine that should fit into most families' busy lives with little fuss and aggro. However, despite the fact we previously said the 2.0-litre's power was worth having because the price difference between it and the 1.6 dCi wasn't big enough to deter you from having 177hp, having spent some time with this 130hp unit, we've now changed our minds. The 1.6 is definitely smoother and quieter than the bigger mill, and it doesn't seem to give away a lot in terms of everyday performance courtesy of its meaty 320Nm of torque. And even with four-wheel drive fitted, it managed to return 43.7mpg during a long and tough week in our care, with a best of 49.1mpg on the M1 and M25 being particularly admirable for something as big as the X-Trail. Yup, we enjoyed our time with the Nissan and we really liked the way it just dealt with all traffic situations in an unflustered and easy-going manner.
And yet, for all its undoubted excellence, the X-Trail still feels like it occupies last place in its class. The Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Peugeot 5008, Skoda Kodiaq and Land Rover Discovery Sport all feel like superior machines, and the Nissan's job of convincing punters to buy it is only going to get tougher once the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace arrives. Sure, it has moved steadily closer to this bunch of rivals with its facelift, but by the same token it doesn't feel like it has shouldered its way into the thick of the action, because not a great deal of what the X-Trail has always offered has been significantly altered by its parent company.
In summary, the X-Trail must be one of the most confounding cars - to us as critics, at least - that's on sale right now. We spent a lot of time in this one, 706 miles to be exact, and rather enjoyed its company. We could also see while you'd buy one and we think the facelift has undoubtedly improved the package, while the 1.6-litre diesel is absolutely the engine to go for. And yet, here we are, still ranking it bottom of its class. That's probably testament to how bloody good the Nissan's opposition is, rather than being an indication of the X-Trail possessing any serious flaws, but it'll no doubt still be a disappointing conclusion for fans of this Japanese seven-seater to be reading. Buy one, and you'd love it. Try one of its competitors, and you'll probably give the Nissan a swerve. Curious, really, when the Japanese product is clearly highly polished and so very amenable, to be giving it so harsh a verdict.
Alternatives:
Kia Sorento: It's physically bigger than the X-Trail so the back seats are more usable, it's priced on a par with the Nissan and it has that seven-year warranty. Sorento therefore beats X-Trail.
Peugeot 5008: Peugeot simply upsizes its ECotY-winning 3008 and comes up with a winning formula. Think of the 5008 as the Venti coffee to the 3008's Grande and you know what you're gonna get.
Skoda Kodiaq: The seven-seat (or 5+2) SUV you should be heading to first and foremost. There's a simple rule: the bigger a Skoda, the better it is. This is the biggest thing Skoda makes. Case closed.
