Nissan’s new X-TRAIL is an altogether more refined mid-size SUV that deserves your attention
- How much does the Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD cost?
- What equipment comes with the Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD?
- How safe is the Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD?
- What technology does the Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD feature?
- What powers the Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD?
- How fuel efficient is the Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD?
- What is the Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD like to drive?
- What is the Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD like inside?
- Should I buy a Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD?
From a slightly bush-oriented, task-focused and somewhat angular 4WD wagon to a modish urban SUV, the Nissan X-TRAIL has always managed to contain at least a hint of its utilitarian roots. Now in its fourth generation, the Nissan X-TRAIL continues with the same theme: it’s more refined, but suggestive of the functional purpose denied many of its competitors. Based on a new Renault-Nissan platform, the new X-TRAIL is available as a five- or seven-seater and has the same footprint as its predecessor. But through more efficient packaging it offers a bit more cabin space while claiming the biggest boot in its class. There’s an advanced new e-POWER hybrid version available too, but in this review we’re focusing on the familiar 2.5-litre petrol engine, which drives through a CVT transmission and is available in front-drive or all-wheel drive form.
How much does the Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD cost?
Although prices have jumped quite a bit with the launch of the new-generation model, the 2023 Nissan X-TRAIL is on a competitive footing with its main rivals that include the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander and, not least of all, the Kia Sportage – carsales’ best mid-size SUV for 2022.
The front-drive, five-seater Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L reviewed here sits $6440 above the equivalent entry-level ST and is priced from $43,190 plus on-road costs. The AWD seven-seat ST-L is priced $3100 further upstream.
With prices spanning from $36,750 (ST 2WD) to $57,190 plus ORCs (Ti-L e-POWER 4WD), the Nissan X-TRAIL sits quite comfortably with its main rivals, although in this mid-series ST-L 2WD guise it does sit above competitors such as the seven-seat Mitsubishi Outlander LS (from $39,740) and five-seat Toyota RAV4 GXL (from $41,600), Mazda CX-5 G25 Maxx Sport (from $39,310) and Kia Sportage SX+ (from $41,850).
What equipment comes with the Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD?
At ST-L level, the 2023 Nissan X-TRAIL comes with a 10-way power-adjusted driver’s seat – which, along with the (manually adjusted) front passenger seat, is heated – as well as synthetic leather trim, dual-zone climate control with outlets at the back of the centre console, 360-degree camera system, tyre pressure monitoring, tinted glass and an electro-chromatic auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Auto-folding and heated external rear-view mirrors are standard across all X-TRAIL models.
At this level, the X-TRAIL ST-L leaves it to mobile phone apps to provide GPS functionality. Embedded sat-nav only kicks in from the Ti grade.
The warranty is a standard five-year/unlimited-kilometre arrangement and servicing is scheduled for every 12 months or 10,000km – the latter a bit short of the 15,000km intervals offered by other competitors.
Like many, Nissan offers the choice of pre-paid servicing via three-, four- or five-year plans which are priced at $1203, $1732 and $2099 respectively for front-drive versions. All-wheel drive and e-POWER models are a little dearer, but only by a few dollars.
How safe is the Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD?
The fourth-generation 2023 Nissan X-TRAIL features a long list of safety technology with all the familiar systems in place.
These include low-speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with cyclist/pedestrian detection, blind spot active assist, driver attention detection and self-dipping headlights, plus some newer ones including cross traffic junction assist.
Central to all this is the X-TRAIL moving closer to autonomous driving via Nissan’s ProPilot system – standard from ST-L upwards – which controls the moving vehicle with something like the accuracy and smoothness of conventional steering.
Operational right down to standstill, the active cruise control will resume tracking the vehicle ahead if it starts moving off again in less than three seconds after stopping.
Tyre pressure monitoring is also part of the deal, as is a new ‘splash-free’ screen washing system with separate water jets in each individual wiper.
There’s also an extra airbag between the front seats to avoid lateral passenger/driver strike in an accident, bringing the total airbag count to seven.
The latest Nissan X-TRAIL carries a full five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted 2021.
What technology does the Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD feature?
The 2023 Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L comes with four USB ports – USB-A and USB-C equally distributed between front and rear passengers – and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring, which requires a cord to operate.
There’s no cordless phone charging pad at this level, but the sound system comprises DAB+ digital audio and six speakers which do a reasonable job. Bluetooth phone and audio streaming are included.
As per the ST, the ST-L makes do with a 7.0-inch display for the instrument cluster and an 8.0-inch display for the tablet-style screen on the dash.
You have to extend to the higher-grade Ti to get the flashier and higher-functioning digital systems, which include a 12.3-inch instrument display, 10.8-inch head-up display and 12.3-inch central touch-screen.
What powers the Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD?
The base engine in the 2023 Nissan X-TRAIL is the familiar but not exactly hoary long-stroke, normally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, which produces a helpful 135kW and 244Nm of torque – up 9kW/18Nm compared to the previous model.
Kerb weight of 1578kg in the ST-L 2WD is up by 51kg over its predecessor, but the power/weight ratio is nevertheless improved.
There are active grille shutters to help control airflow into the engine compartment but no automatic engine idle-stop tech to help maximise economy.
How fuel efficient is the Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD?
Even though it’s more powerful and slightly heavier than before, the new 2023 Nissan X-TRAIL quotes better fuel consumption and exhaust emissions figures.
Claimed combined fuel consumption for 2WD models improves from 7.9L/100km to 7.4L/100km and the CO2 output drops from 183g/km to 174g/km.
There’s devil in the detail, though. The 2.5-litre X-TRAIL’s fuel requirement has risen from 91 RON regular unleaded to 95 RON premium fuel, which helps partly explain the improved power and economy figures.
What is the Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD like to drive?
Refine a car’s suspension and steering, up the structural rigidity – the new 2023 Nissan X-TRAIL gets a 27 per cent improvement in torsional strength – and the transformation can sometimes be quite amazing.
A bit like its smaller Nissan QASHQAI sibling – which also uses the CMF-C platform – the fourth-generation X-TRAIL has a tight new feeling that’s evident in an overall sense and in many subtle ways.
There’s a cohesiveness about it that is as reassuring as it is rewarding on the road.
The reworked MacPherson strut front suspension combines with the multi-link rear-end and faster-ratio steering – which goes from lock to lock in a quite-quick 2.6 turns for a turning circle of 11.1 metres – to play a significant part in the X-TRAIL’s on-road adroitness.
The 235/60R18 tyres provide a satisfactory blend of grip and comfort, tending towards firm in some cases but well muted in terms of road noise.
Nissan has spent big on containing weight. The X-TRAIL uses composite material for the tailgate (non-powered in the ST-L), and aluminium for the doors, bonnet and front mudguards.
The braked towing capacity has been raised from 1.5 tonnes to an even 2000kg – which, again, is better than its main competitors and broadens the scope of what you are able to haul on holidays or on weekday chores.
The engine is no ball-breaker but doesn’t suffer any real negatives by comparison with competing 2.5-litre four-cylinder non-turbos. The X-TRAIL’s power-to-weight ratio is marginally better than, say, the Mitsubishi Outlander LS or Toyota RAV4 GXL and so are the quoted fuel consumption figures.
The CVT transmission is about what you would expect in terms of its too-eager revving although the drive experience is helped by the standard paddle-shifters.
There are three driving modes in the 2WD X-TRAIL – Auto, Eco and Sport – which are selectable by a rotating knob on the centre console.
Proving irritating several times during our time with the X-TRAIL ST-L was the transmission’s propensity to shift from auto to manual mode without any conscious involvement from the driver.
What is the Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD like inside?
At a substantial $6440 premium over the base ST model, the front-drive, five-seat 2023 Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD substantially ups the ante in terms of interior presentation with its faux-leather trim, heated front seats, dual-zone climate-control, bird’s-eye view cameras, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, tyre-pressure monitoring and ProPilot driving assistance.
More importantly than that, the X-TRAIL is wonderfully accommodating inside with plenty of legroom, headroom and shoulder-room, wherever you are sitting, complemented by a sliding rear seat.
There’s a big uptick in the feel and quality of the interior trim as Nissan, like most car-makers today, is in the business of improving the inner persona of its vehicles. In this respect, the latest X-TRAIL is right up there.
Likewise, the cargo-carrying is among the best of the big-selling mid-size SUVs.
A 585-litre boot space is available when the rear seats are upright. This can be expanded via a 20/40/20-split folding backrest, and while there’s no total volume listed, we estimate a figure approaching 2000 litres.
Another thing that’s appealing about the X-TRAIL’s functionality is the segmented boot floor which can be vertically rearranged to divide the boot space into separate partitions.
The spare is a space-saver and roof rails are standard.
Should I buy a Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD?
Without substantially changing the visual identity of the 2023 Nissan X-TRAIL – it looks so much better but is still identifiably an X-TRAIL – or reimagining its basic role as an eminently practical SUV, Nissan has taken its mid-sizer forward so that, in its fourth generation, it’s altogether more refined, safer and more stylistically appealing.
The mid-size SUV segment is one of the most popular but is also fiercely contested, with a host of excellent models competing for your attention.
The new X-TRAIL is now back among those top contenders, and shows every promise of climbing back towards the pointy end of the sales ladder.
2023 Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD at a glance:
Price: $43,190 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 135kW/244Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Fuel: 7.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 174g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2021)
Keyword: Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2023 Review