Nissan X-Trail cars for sale

Frequently asked questions about the Nissan X-Trail

• What is the Nissan X-Trail
• The X-Trail is Nissan’s mid-size SUV. It has been locking horns with the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Land Rover’s now-deceased Freelander for the better part of 20 years. Currently, its rivals also include the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Skoda Kodiaq and Mitsubishi Outlander.
  
  Since its debut in 2001, the X-Trail has been through three generations, with the current car in production since 2014. During this time, the world has been taken over by crossovers, largely led by Nissan’s own Qashqai. Comparatively larger SUVs like the X-Trail, although still popular, have taken a back seat in terms of sales, even though they are in-part responsible for the SUV craze.

• Which versions of the Nissan X-Trail are available?
• The X-Trail is, first and foremost, an SUV, with just that bodystyle available. There are two basic specifications to choose from. These are the N-Connecta and the Tekna, with the former starting at just below £30,000 and the latter adding £2,500. The engine range is mostly comprised of diesels, with 130hp 1.6-litre and 177hp 2.0-litre units spanning two- and all-wheel-drive setups. The 2.0-litre is available with the Xtronic CVT transmission. The rest, including the 1.6-litre 163hp petrol, are manuals.

• What's under the skin?
• The current X-Trail rides on jointly-developed Nissan/Renault architecture, which also underpins everything from the Nissan Qashqai to Renault Scenic. Revealed in 2013 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the third-generation X-Trail represented a significant departure from prior iterations in terms of styling.
  
  Those first and second-generation cars very much kept an upright, tough-looking aesthetic. The third-generation sees the X-Trail fall into line with the family face of the Qashqai, adding some invaluable crossover appeal. The facelift in 2017 added more premium-look LED lighting. On the inside, it’s a touch lacking. Flimsy materials and ageing infotainment remind you this is now nearly a seven-year-old platform.

• Is the Nissan X-Trail good to drive?
• SUVs are fighting an uphill battle when it comes to driving dynamics. Nevertheless, most are acceptably competent, including the X-Trail. It’s well damped, steers easily and is a doddle to manoeuvre, in spite of its size. As an off-roader, it’s not up there with the Land Rover Discovery Sport, although the four-wheel drive option is an asset in more adverse conditions. The engines are good, especially the punchiest 2.0-litre diesel. The petrol is also strong, although it will prove an expensive choice at the pumps.

• How much does the Nissan X-Trail cost?
• The entry-level cost of the X-Trail is more or less in line with the Discovery Sport. That’s interesting, given Land Rovers often command a premium over rivals. Does that make the X-Trail expensive, or the Disco well-priced? Probably the former. It’s also worth remembering that the Skoda Kodiaq kicks off at roughly £4,000 less. That said, the N-Connecta X-Trail does come as standard with 18-inch wheels, roof rails, a power tailgate and push-button start.s, that arguably have greater badge kudos or where dealers are more frequently found.