PROS
- Still looks modern
- Japanese Build quality
- Around-view monitor 360 camera
CONS
- No Android Auto
- No LED headlights
- Low quality camera
About the Nissan X-Trail
Matthew N purchased this Nissan X-Trail new for $37,500 (including all on-road costs). Matthew N would buy this car again because: “It simply does what is says on the box, Nissan’s own website says “Whatever kind of lifestyle you live, the Nissan X-Trail can accommodate it”.
There is no denying that is true and exactly why I would buy it again it has been able to shape shift from family SUV to a packhorse in a moment’s notice and get on with the job.”
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
The X-Trail has been mechanically faultless in the time I have owned it.
The only issue it has seems to be an intermittent Bluetooth pairing issue. Obviously an infotainment system designed in 2014 doesn’t exactly keep up with a phone from 2021 but if that’s the only issue the car has I’m not complaining.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
Besides the Bluetooth issue mentioned above that can be a nuisance when you need navigation to work, the car has done everything I have asked it to do.
I have been able to pack it full of friends to go places and get us back home in comfort then fold down the back seats and head over to the local hardware store and fill up the expanded 945 litres worth of boot space with goodies.
As this isn’t the 4WD version of the X-Trail I haven’t asked it to go off road but its 2WD capabilities do handle a gravel back road and the little bit of extra ground clearance has been able to get me across a small ford when the water level is slightly above a trickle.
I haven’t been able to fault owning the X-Trail.
How has the purchase and aftercare experience been with your car?
After surprising the sales team with more knowledge about the Nissan line-up than even their Nissan expert I was dealt with very professionally.
Nissan had also sharpened the pencil since this generation of the X-Trail made its debut in 2017.
As the vehicles were approaching runout before the two-year delay in getting the T33 model to market they were offering three years free servicing and a much sharper price against its opponents, all this combined with a friendly team at my local Nissan who now know I’m more in tune than your average buyer made for a very pleasant experience.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
The price of $37,500 drive-away with three years free service was brilliant.
Knowing I don’t have to pay a cent for three years is fantastic and gives great peace of mind.
Features of this particular X-Trail are LED daytime running lights, electric seats, heated seats and heated rear mirrors make for an easier start on those winter mornings, a trip computer with excellent adjustability, and a plethora of information being thrown at the driver making sure you are aware of just how capable your X-Trail is.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
Now the X-Trail is not going to need a 0 to 100km/h time but that’s not the kind of car it is.
The CVT drone grows on you as you realise it isn’t actually doing anything other than finding the optimum band to be in for that particular part of your drive, which in turn helps the fuel economy.
Surprisingly even to myself I have been able to achieve the claimed fuel economy of 8.2L/100km without touching the ECO button.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
The screen size in the ST-L is perfect for the implementation of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay but it seems Nissan wanted to wait a further six months to finally bring those features to X-Trail.
But that screen size has brought with it satellite navigation, Bluetooth, and Nissan’s Around-View Monitor.
This camera has been the best feature on this car. Every park is perfect and no excuse will do for why you got it wrong. Never has avoiding gutters or obstacles been so easy one click of the camera button and you see everything.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
The leather seats can sometimes feel like a bench but over a long distance they seem to hold you in so you don’t feel uncomfortable, and the seat and wheel all feel well adjusted to be engaged with the drive.
The handling of the car is well planted and the safety aids do help maintain composure on a slippery or gravel road without overpowering the driver and giving the feeling of the car taking over.
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
In the time I have owned the X-Trail it has been everything I have wanted it to be.
If I needed to move people it has done that with ease, if I have needed to move furniture it hasn’t needed more space.
Generally the X-Trail has been fit for purpose. While time moves on and the technology isn’t where it should be compared to a newer model the X-Trail’s mechanical reliability will see you through for many years to come and accommodate any kind of lifestyle.
Keyword: 2020 Nissan X-Trail ST-L (2WD) (5YR) owner review