Nissan X-Trail review
The Nissan X-Trail is bigger and better than before, but its innovative electrified powertrain isn’t as efficient as some rivals
Our opinion on the Nissan X-Trail
The 2026 updates to the Nissan X-Trail mean it remains as practical and as comfortable as ever, while being just as easy to use for long trips as it is for everyday commutes. The now hybrid-only line-up aims to improve fuel efficiency, while the introduction of the N-Trek trim level gives the X-Trail a more rugged appearance. However, there are more spacious seven-seaters available for the money with more impressive infotainment technology.
About the Nissan X-Trail
There’s an all-new Nissan X-Trail in the works, but we won’t be getting it in the UK until 2028. In the meantime, Nissan has refreshed the existing model, though you’d struggle to tell at a glance. Nevertheless, there have been some improvements to go with the styling tweaks, and it should keep the model going for a few more years.
With electrification increasingly becoming the norm, Nissan has chosen not to go with a typical full-hybrid or even a plug-in hybrid set-up for the X-Trail, instead opting for a type of range-extending hybrid it calls e-Power. Nissan uses the technology on several models across its range, and it’s both a strength and a weakness of the X-Trail, with a smooth power delivery and good performance, but still not quite matching the frugality of some rivals.
Used - available now
2024 Nissan
X-Trail
38,509 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L
Cash £25,197
2024 Nissan
X-Trail
37,802 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L
Cash £19,897
2019 Nissan
X-Trail
44,685 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L
Cash £15,099
2024 Nissan
X-Trail
46,000 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L
Cash £17,729We’ve put the X-Trail through its paces alongside a Kia Sorento in a twin test. Due to its far stronger value for money, the Nissan beat back its Korean competitor, and we found its hybrid powertrain to be smoother in operation.
Performance & driving experience
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All fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail models use a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder engine, and with Nissan dropping the 1.3-litre mild hybrid version as part of the 2026 update, all models now use Nissan’s e-Power technology. This utilises the car’s engine as a generator to charge an onboard lithium-ion battery, which in turn powers the electric motor used to drive the wheels.
It’s an unusual set-up, but we found it to be a smooth operator with no jerky transition between electric and combustion-engined power sources, as you might find with some rival full-hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains.
There’s also an e-4ORCE all-wheel drive model that has a dual electric motor setup that Nissan says is able to respond much faster than a mechanical four-wheel drive system. This should be useful to those who need the traction benefits of four-wheel drive to get about in the winter, or have to tow a trailer or caravan out of a field.
Performance, 0-60mph acceleration and top speed
The Nissan X-Trail is not a car bought for its handling prowess on twisty B-roads or its straight-line performance. Nevertheless, the Japanese SUV is capable of a decent turn of speed, with the quickest 210bhp e-4ORCE, all-wheel drive (five-seat) model able to cover 0-62mph in 7.0 seconds flat. Opting for seven seats means you’ll need a further two-tenths of a second to reach the sprint benchmark.
If you’re not fussed about having 4WD capability or seven seats, then the X-Trail 201bhp e-Power version is the one to go for. With an 8.0-second 0-62mph time, it’s not a great deal slower than the e-4ORCE models and offers better economy into the bargain. Other than Nissan dropping the 161bhp mild hybrid in 2026, all performance figures remained the same when the car was previously facelifted.
| Model | Power | 0-62mph | Top speed |
| X-Trail 1.5 E-Power | 201bhp | 8.0 sec | 105mph |
| X-Trail 1.5 E-Power e-4ORCE 5 seat | 210bhp | 7.0 sec | 111mph |
| X-Trail 1.5 E-Power e-4ORCE 7 seat | 210bhp | 7.2 sec | 111mph |
Town driving, visibility and parking
The X-Trail is pretty comfortable on the road, though it handles large bumps better than smaller ones, as it can become a little fidgety on certain surfaces. When the engine is idling to charge the battery, we did find it can sound droney, but otherwise it isn’t that intrusive. The same goes for the high-pitched whine produced by the X-Trail's electric motors, which we found to be far more audible at low speeds than in the Kia Sorento we tested against the Nissan, but quietens down at higher speeds.
Buyers will find the ‘e-Pedal Step’ mode particularly useful in urban traffic because it allows for one-pedal driving, enabling you to control the vehicle mostly from just the accelerator pedal. It’s also helpful for improving efficiency at low speeds and maximising regeneration of the hybrid battery.
Country road driving and handling
If you’re happy not hustling along in too much of a hurry, then you'll find the X-Trail a good companion. We found the steering to be devoid of any feedback, and there was quite a bit of body roll through twisty roads, but for most people’s needs, it fulfils its brief competently.
Motorway driving and long-distance comfort
This large SUV is a decent cruiser at motorway speeds, with engine noise kept to a low level, though we have noticed some wind noise creeping in at higher speeds. The e-Power’s electric motors do create quite a persistent noise, and when the state of charge begins running low, the engine can become more vocal as it tries to top up the battery and maintain the car’s performance.
“The X-Trail’s basic controls are well calibrated. The brakes are easy to modulate, and it can turn tighter than the Kia Sportage, so it feels surprisingly wieldy for a seven-seater.” - Alex Ingram, special contributor
MPG & running costs
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The 201bhp e-Power, front-wheel drive model offers the best fuel economy in the X-Trail range, up to 49.6mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, with CO2 emissions from 129g/km. Upgrade to the e-4ORCE four-wheel drive model, and Nissan claims you should see fuel economy of around 45mpg with CO2 levels from 141g/km.
When we tested the 4WD version of the X-Trail against a Kia Sorento Hybrid, the Nissan returned 42.5mpg compared to the Kia's average of 39.5mpg. The X-Trail’s eagerness to work in EV mode meant it was the more efficient of the two around town, and overall it’s impressively frugal at low speeds.
If you spend less time driving in town, fuel economy from this set-up drops, as we only managed an average of around 36mpg when we first drove the X-Trail in the UK. Buyers who regularly undertake longer journeys may wish to consider the Skoda Kodiaq, because it is still being offered with diesel power, providing greater fuel economy on long motorway trips.
| Model | MPG | CO2 | Insurance group |
| X-Trail 1.5 E-Power | 49.6mpg | 128g/km | 25 |
| X-Trail 1.5 E-Power e-4ORCE 5 seat | 45.6mpg | 140g/km | 29 |
| X-Trail 1.5 E-Power e-4ORCE 7 seat | 44.8mpg | 142g/km | 30 |
Insurance
Insurance groups range between groups 25 and 30 (out of 50) for the Nissan X-Trail, which is in keeping with at least some rivals. The Kia Sorento resides in groups 25 to 34, but the Skoda Kodiaq will be a bit cheaper to cover in groups 18 to 26.
Tax
Nissan’s e-Power technology doesn’t deliver the same overall efficiency as a plug-in hybrid set-up, which means you probably won’t see many business users opting for an X-Trail as their next company car. The e-Power version offers better Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) company car tax rates than the mild-hybrid petrol, but they won’t be anywhere near as low as those of an electric SUV, such as the Peugeot E-5008.
Private buyers will also need to be choosy about which version of X-Trail they go for, because only the entry-level 1.5 e-Power in Acenta Premium trim dips under the £40,000 threshold for luxury car tax. For the rest, you’ll need to pay an additional surcharge on top of the standard rate of VED road tax from the second time the vehicle is taxed until it is six years old.
Depreciation
Residual values for the Nissan X-Trail are on par with some rivals, but could still be better. Our expert data from CDL suggests that the X-Trail will retain around 45 per cent of its original value after three years or 36,000 miles, which is similar to the Peugeot 5008 (43 to 45 per cent), but lags behind the Skoda Kodiaq (50 to 55 per cent) and Kia Sorento (53 to 62 per cent).
Interior, design & technology
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With an increase in overall width and height, the fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail has a more imposing look than before. It has a genuine SUV feel compared with its smaller Nissan Qashqai sibling, and its sharper lines project a more aggressive stance.
There is a choice of eight body colours to choose from, with two new hues for 2026, Sukomo Blue and Coastal Dune (though the striking Sunset Orange offered before has left the price lists). Trim levels from N-Connecta and above also have two-tone options, pairing one of the body colours with a black roof.
Other changes introduced in 2026 have given the X-Trail a more prominent grille design, larger air inlets in the front bumper, and boomerang LED tail lights. If you prefer your SUVs to have a more rugged look, then N-Trek trim is the one to go for, with a few contrasting colour flashes on the bumper and wheels, and those wheels have a simpler, chunkier design than the other options in the range.
Moving up through the various trim levels brings more luxury kit, such as a heating function for the front and rear seats, steering wheel and windscreen, plus wireless smartphone charging, tri-zone air-conditioning, and quilted leather upholstery.
It's also worth noting that the X-Trail is offered in both five- and seven-seater configurations, although the latter is only available with e-4ORCE four wheel-drive models. If you don’t need seven seats, then a five-seat X-Trail costs £1,000 less than the equivalent seven-seater model.
Interior and dashboard design
Inside, the X-Trail has more in common with the Qashqai than Nissan’s more futuristic-looking Nissan Leaf and Nissan Ariya EVs, which means it does feel a little dated in the cabin.
Simple ergonomics take priority over flamboyant style in the X-Trail's cabin. We found the rather stubby gear selector easy to use, and we like that it doesn’t take up much space on the centre console, while the climate controls are all chunky physical buttons and dials, not touch-sensitive sliders or plastic panels.
Materials and build quality
Quality is mostly good, and everything feels fairly well screwed together. It's definitely a step up over the previous model, with plenty of squidgy plastics and well-damped buttons. 2026’s update added a few more trim options, including brown quilted leather or synthetic leather upholstery, and a wood-effect trim, which definitely help lift the cabin. The N-Trek’s water-resistant CellCloth upholstery and rubber mats are appealing too, and it’s probably the spec to go for if you intend to use the car for muddy weekends (or simply have particularly messy kids).
Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo
Every X-Trail now has a pair of 12.3-inch screens as standard; one in front of the driver and the other being the central infotainment screen. The latter is a welcome upgrade on the old eight-inch screen you used to get in Acenta Premium trim, and features wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto as standard. All but the Acenta Premium have built-in Google Maps for navigation too, and as the infotainment system is Google-based, there’s the option to add other apps if you need them.
Nissan has made some big strides with its infotainment systems in recent years, and while it’s not class-leading in any one area, the X-Trail's infotainment set-up is fairly solid across the board, though we found it a bit sluggish at times during testing. The menus are cleanly laid out, with a home display that shows three main widgets, and the navigation system is the largest of the trio.
There are a couple of physical shortcuts at the bottom of the screen that make skipping tracks or radio stations easy on the move. The standard audio system uses six speakers, but the optional Bose sound system may be worth the extra cash if you enjoy listening to music.
“The 12.3-inch screen looks fine, but the lack of responsiveness when entering a navigation address, for example, means you have to check each letter has been received in turn, which is painstaking, as is having to go through the steering wheel controls to work the dashboard display.” - Paul Barker, special contributor.
Boot space & practicality
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Nissan hasn’t forgotten the practical touches that make family life a little easier. Items such as a centre armrest with two cup holders, luggage hooks and lighting in the boot, 60/40 split-folding rear seats and two rear Isofix points all add to the X-Trail’s ease of use.
Dimensions and size
At 4,760mm long, the X-Trail is slightly longer than a Skoda Kodiaq and a Peugeot 5008. The fourth-generation model is 20mm wider and 15mm taller than its predecessor, which gives it an even more substantial look on the road.
| Dimensions comparison | |||
| Model | Nissan X-Trail | Kia Sorento | Skoda Kodiaq |
| Length | 4,680mm | 4,815mm | 4,758mm |
| Width | 1,840mm | 1,900mm | 1,864mm |
| Height | 1,725mm | 1,695mm | 1,659mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,705mm | 2,815mm | 2,791mm |
| Boot space | 585-1,396 litres | 179-1,996 litres | 340-2,035 litres |
Legroom, headroom & passenger space
Room up front is good and what you’d expect from a large SUV, and the X-Trail certainly feels more spacious than its smaller sibling, the Nissan Qashqai.
During our testing, we also found that the driving position in the X-Trail isn’t quite as commanding as the Kia Sorento’s. The C-pillars are relatively thick, and the rear side windows are small, so visibility is a little compromised, and you’ll be utilising the standard reversing camera to compensate for this.
We found that the smartphone charging shelf is big enough for even the largest of smartphones. The glovebox isn’t particularly roomy, but the door bins are a decent size. The latter isn’t carpeted like it is in a Skoda Kodiaq or Volkswagen Tayron to stop items from rattling around while you're driving, though.
Rear passengers benefit from lots of legroom and headroom. We also like how the centre seat in the X-Trail's middle bench folds down entirely to provide a huge armrest for rear passengers.
If you decide to order your X-Trail with seven seats, only shorter people will feel comfortable in the back row.
The first issue is that while the rear doors open nice and wide (almost to 90 degrees, which is useful when fitting a bulky child seat), the middle-row seats don’t move very far out of the way, so you need to wriggle through a small gap to access the third row. That third row is a little too small for adults due to limited knee and headroom, plus the seats are quite firm. They’re fine for occasional use on short trips, but the X-Trail isn’t a full-time seven-seater like the more spacious Kia Sorento, which comes standard with seven seats.
Boot space
The X-Trail’s boot isn’t the largest in its class. In the mild-hybrid model, you get 585 litres of luggage space (with rear seats in an upright position), which is 81 litres more than you’ll find in the Nissan Qashqai. The e-Power versions offer 575 litres of cargo space, while a seven-seat model reduces this to 485 litres overall. Folding the rear seats unlocks a more spacious load area of up to 1,396 litres, depending on whether you opt for the five- or seven-seat X-Trail.
Towing
If you’re prioritising towing ability, then you’ll want to avoid the front-wheel drive 201bhp e-Power version because it only has a 670kg maximum braked trailer weight. The 210bhp e-4ORCE in five-seat guise manages a much more useful 1,800kg, but if you opt for a seven-seater variant, this drops to 1,650kg.
Reliability & safety
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If you’re a buyer looking for a safe family car, then the Nissan X-Trail is worth considering. Industry safety body, Euro NCAP, awarded the large SUV its full five-star rating, with excellent scores of 91 per cent for adult occupants and 90 per cent for child passenger protection. The X-Trail’s high level of standard safety equipment was also recognised with a 95 per cent rating.
The X-Trail includes a raft of active safety systems that help to make journeys easier and less stressful. Using a camera mounted in the windscreen and a radar behind the Nissan badge in the front grille, the onboard technology includes autonomous emergency braking, a forward collision warning, a lane-keeping assist system, a blind spot warning and traffic sign recognition. They’re reassuring to have, but the speed limit and driver attention warnings can be pretty irritating, so we welcome the ability to set a driver profile with the tech you do and don’t want activated, which can then be accessed by a couple of button presses on the steering wheel.
Intelligent cruise control is also available and is capable of controlling acceleration and deceleration to automatically maintain a suitable following distance to the vehicle in front. Tekna and Tekna+ cars also include Nissan’s ProPilot driver assistance set-up.
The X-Trail is yet to appear in the Driver Power best cars to own rankings; in 2026, the smaller Juke and Qashqai finished 13th and 29th out of 50 cars, respectively. Nissan has been steadily climbing up the table of best car manufacturers, finishing 12th out of 30 in the 2026 survey.
| Euro NCAP safety ratings | |
| Euro NCAP safety rating | 5 stars (2021) |
| Adult occupant protection | 91% |
| Child occupant protection | 90% |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 70% |
| Safety assist | 95% |
Buying, prices and deals
- Best buy: Nissan X-Trail e-Power e-4ORCE Tekna
The Nissan X-Trail starts from around £38,200 for a five-seater in entry-level Acenta Premium trim. Next in line is the N-Connecta, which costs nearly £41,000, while at the top of the line-up sits the Tekna from £44,400. Opting for e-4ORCE versions adds around £2,300 to those prices, while seven-seat variants are another £1,000 on top of that.
While it’s not the most efficient hybrid SUV on the market, we still recommend opting for the e-4ORCE powertrain because it’ll keep running costs under control while providing a decent bit of power when you need it.
Tekna trim adds to the price, but this added investment does make the X-Trail feel like a more premium offering, thanks to touches such as 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof, a power tailgate, and Nissan’s ProPilot tech.
If you're interested in buying a Nissan X-Trail of your own, we're here to help. Configure your ideal Nissan X-Trail now to get great deals from our network of dealerships, check out the best X-Trail leasing deals or take a look at our top used X-Trail models through our Buy A Car service. You can get a great price for your current car with Auto Express Sell My Car.
Nissan X-Trail alternatives
Seven-seater competition for the X-Trail comes in the form of the capable Peugeot 5008, Kia Sorento, Skoda Kodiaq and Hyundai Santa Fe. Those who regularly need to use the third row will be better off with any of those rivals since they all offer space for adults, whereas the X-Trail can be a bit of a squeeze. For those with smaller children in car seats, the Sorento and Santa Fe provide four Isofix points, compared with just two for the X-Trail.
Company car drivers or those who wish to cut out their emissions may instead be tempted by an electric seven-seater, and the closest EV rivals to the X-Trail on price are the Peugeot E-5008 and Mercedes GLB.
Nissan X-Trail pictures
Key updates of the Nissan X-Trail review
7 August 2026: Impressions from our 2026 road test of the facelifted model.
Frequently Asked Questions
All Nissan models come with a run-of-the-mill three-year or 60,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty, but three years of roadside assistance is welcome. Only the brand’s electric car range benefits from the service-activated warranty of up to six years or 60,000 miles of cover.
Latest deals on the X-Trail and rivals
