Nissan X-Trail - MPG, CO2 and running costs

The 201bhp e-Power, front-wheel drive model offers the best fuel economy in the X-Trail range; up to 48.7mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, with CO2 emissions from 132g/km. Upgrade to the e-4ORCE four-wheel drive model and Nissan claims you should see fuel economy of around 44mpg with CO2 levels from 143g/km.

When we tested the 4WD version of the X-Trail against a Kia Sorento Hybrid, the Nissan managed to return 42.5mpg compared to the Kia's average of 39.5mpg. The X-Trail’s eagerness to work in EV mode meant that it was the more efficient around town of the two, 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 to achieve an average of around 36mpg when we first drove the X-Trail in the UK. Buyers who regularly undertake longer journeys may wish to look towards the Skoda Kodiaq, because diesel power with greater fuel economy is still being offered.

The entry-level 161bhp mild-hybrid version is cheaper to buy, but the five-seater only manages an average of 39.8mpg, while specifying an extra two seats causes the fuel economy figure falls to 39.2mpg. CO2 emissions start from 161g/km.

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) rates than the mild-hybrid petrol, but they won’t be as low as plug-in hybrid versions of the Skoda Kodiaq, or full electric alternative such as the Peugeot 5008.

Private buyers will also need to be choosy over which version of X-Trail they go for, because some higher trim versions breach the £40,000 barrier, meaning you’ll need to pay a supplemental tax above the standard rate from the second time the vehicle is taxed until it is six years old. 

Insurance groups

Insurance premiums shouldn’t be too expensive if you opt for the 161bhp mild-hybrid model in group 22, while opting for the top Tekna+ trim means you’ll only see an increase to group 25. The 201bhp e-Power versions occupy groups 22 to 25, with the 210bhp e-4ORCE variants in groups 29 to 31.

Depreciation

Buyers will be pleased to hear that the X-Trail holds onto about 47 per cent of its original value after a typical ownership period of three years and 36,000 miles. In comparison, the X-Trail is on par with the Peugeot 5008, while the Skoda Kodiaq maintains between 42 to 49 per cent over the same period.

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