Advantages >> Rugged appearance, sophisticated and spacious cab, numerous physical controls, comfortable ride, smooth and quiet CVT Disadvantages>> The steering is very light with no feedback, the engine gets rough when pushed, and the third-row seats are cramped
Rewind just a few years, and Nissan’s lineup is starting to feel like it’s on pause while the rest of the automotive world is moving forward in fast forward. Vehicles such as the Juke, Qashqai, X-Trail/Rogue and Pathfinder are all in desperate need of replacement. Thankfully, Nissan has finally hit the refresh button and launched a new generation of SUVs. Among these updates, improvements to the X-Trail are particularly noteworthy.
I had my first opportunity to drive a fourth-generation X-Trail about 18 months ago and was pleasantly surprised by what I found. At the time, we tested it in Ti trim, which sits in the top half of Australia’s extensive variant line-up. The local series has had few updates since then, but now offers a compelling new version. Named N-Trek, it’s designed to be more rugged and durable, and we recently spent a few days using it.
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This isn’t the first time Nissan Australia has used the N-Trek nameplate on the X-Trail. The previous generation model was available in N-Trek trim, but was limited to 500 units. Changes made to it are also very minor, limited to new wheels, weather shields on the windows and black hood protectors. Well, this is hardly an ideal “limited edition.”
quick overview
Photo credit: Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Things are slightly different with the 2024 X-Trail N-Trek. This year, the automaker has equipped the new mid-range model with a revised front bumper that includes a faux skid plate and revised trim around the fog lamps. Gone is the chrome front grille surround, replaced by black trim. Some other black trim was also spotted, including the wing mirrors, pillars, roof and roof rails.
Nissan’s design team also developed a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels for the SUV, with a combination of black and silver spokes. The tough new look continues at the rear, which features a new bumper and shoppers can choose from a variety of exterior colors, including Gunmetal, Diamond Black, Ceramic Grey, Champagne Silver and Ivory Pearl. Our tester came in Ceramic Gray, which suits the character of the SUV well.
Nissan interiors have come a long way
The N-Trek is based on the ST-L in the X-Trail range, which itself sits above the entry-level ST. That means it lacks some of the features of the Ti we tested last year, but the cabin is still well-equipped and a huge improvement over the previous generation model.
Photo credit: Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Stepping into the X-Trail N-Trek’s cabin is a joy. Local prices start at AU$50,740 (US$33,900), and at this price point the cabin does feel right. Most surfaces in our test car’s interior were trimmed in supple black leather, although brown leather trimmed the dash top and door panels. All the important touchpoints feel premium, including the steering wheel, and Nissan has retained a good number of physical buttons and switches, which is a relief.
In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch screen. The display is bright and clear and can be configured to display a wealth of different driving data and efficiency information. There are a few different options for the type of gauges you want displayed, complete with a bright 10.8-inch head-up display.
In the center of the dashboard is a 12.3-inch infotainment display. While Nissan’s software is a bit basic compared to some rivals, it’s easy to understand and well thought out. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard, but oddly, only wired Android Auto is supported.
Two key features missing from the N-Trek are a digital rearview mirror and a panoramic sunroof, which we appreciate in the Ti. However, I like the distinct lack of black piano plastic on the light fabric headliner and transmission tunnel. In its place is a more head-mounted plastic with a textured pattern that feels quite premium. Physical buttons and knobs are used to control all important HVAC settings.
The cabin offers plenty of room, and even taller adults will find the second row comfortable. The smaller third row makes the X-Trail N-Trek a seven-seater, although those seats in the back are only suitable for children and are too cramped for adults. As a result, shoppers who need frequent use of the third row will be better off opting for a slightly larger model, such as the new-generation Hyundai Santa Fe or Nissan Pathfinder. Adding a third-row seat adds AU$3,000 (approximately US$2,000) to the N-Trek’s price. We recommend sticking with the five-seat version.
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All X-Trail N-Trek models come standard with Nissan’s ProPilot suite of driver-assistance features, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering and road sign recognition. The system can be activated by pressing a button on the steering wheel and works well on the highway. Aside from the odd occasion where the Nissan veered off the edge of the lane, the automatic steering system kept us perfectly centered on the road on several highway trips.
Photo credit: Brad Anderson/Carscoops
How about the powertrain?
All 2024 X-Trail models sold in Australia come standard with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 181 hp (135 kW) and 244 Nm (180 lb-ft) of torque. However, the ST-L, Ti and flagship Ti-L can be had with Nissan’s e-Power setup, which includes a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain.
While the 2.5-liter engine is the “base” engine and not particularly powerful, it’s perfectly suited to a vehicle like the X-Trail. It’s connected to a CVT gearbox that drives all four wheels. Before you start criticizing the CVT choice, know that this CVT is very smooth and very quiet. I’ve been critical of CVTs in the past, but during my time with the N-Trek, I never found myself yearning for a conventional car.
The engine sounds a little rough when accelerating, but in the vast majority of driving conditions it’s unobtrusive and delivers solid performance. It wasn’t just the engine and gearbox combo that impressed me. I also really like the steering and ride of the X-Trail.
Photo credit: Brad Anderson/Carscoops
A vehicle like this can feel bulky. That’s not the case with Nissan. It uses a dual-pinion electric power steering system that’s extremely light yet precise and reminds me of the steering feel found in current Volvo models. There’s barely any feedback from the steering wheel, which can be a problem if you’re trying to drive the X-Trail around corners. However, this is a smooth-riding SUV for 99.9% of its life, with light steering to go with it.
Nissan’s engineers also did a good job tuning the suspension. Although the N-Trek is marketed as a slightly firmer version of the X-Trail, it has the same suspension setup as the standard model. That’s not a bad thing, as it absorbs bumps brilliantly while remaining stable. Our test car’s Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S tires were also excellent, providing plenty of grip with minimal noise.
Fuel efficiency is good, but nothing special. Nissan quotes 7.8 L/100 km (30.1 US mpg) on the combined cycle, and we came close to matching it in nearly 300 km (186 miles) of driving, averaging 8.3 L/100 km (28.3 US mpg). . Another advantage of the 2.5-liter engine is that it doesn’t require premium fuel and can run on 91 octane.
judgment
A key selling point of the X-Trail has long been its wide range of features and off-road technology. All models come standard with terrain modes, including off-road and snow settings. There’s also hill descent control. We briefly tested the X-Trail along some gravel and dirt roads, and it felt comfortable. Of course, it’s not designed to be driven on crazy mountain roads, but it can handle some soft off-roading without any fuss.
Another advantage of the X-Trail is its towing capabilities, which are better than many of its competitors. It can carry up to 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) when towing with brakes or 750 kg (1,653 lb) without brakes, enhancing its versatility and appealing to those with active Those with lifestyle or traction needs.
The fourth generation Nissan X-Trail continues to impress me. Prices start at AU$38,990 (approximately US$26,000) and top out at AU$59,990 (approximately US$40,100), which is good value for money and very well-equipped considering the price. Anyone eyeing an SUV in this segment should seriously consider it.
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