Name: Nissan X-Trail (2022 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Nissan X-Trail
Rating: 66

Summary

The Nissan X-Trail is a large SUV available in five-seat and seven-seat configurations. This is the latest fourth-generation model, which went on sale in the final months of 2022.

Both front-wheel and all-wheel drive models are available, and customers can opt for either a petrol mild hybrid engine, or one of Nissan’s ‘e-Power’ petrol-electric hybrid powertrains.

The X-Trail is more spacious than the smaller best-selling Nissan Qashqai, and is also a capable off-roader, but several reviewers comment that the SUV is not as economical as they were expecting – particularly the more expensive ‘e-Power’ option.

Like the Qashqai, the latest X-Trail was developed in Cranfield in the UK and about half of European sales are to UK customers. However, unlike the Qashqai, the X-Trail is built in Japan rather than in Sunderland.

“While efficiency isn’t bad on paper”, Parker‘s Alan Taylor-Jones explains, “there are lower CO₂ emitting options such as the plug-in hybrid Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe that can also run on electric power for much longer distances.

What Car? concludes that, while the X-Trail is a decent family car choice, there are plenty of rivals that are more comfortable, more fun to drive and that offer even more space for a similar price. While the car is roomy when specced as a five-seater, media outlets generally agree that the third row of seating in seven-seat versions is quite cramped.

As of January 2024, the fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 66%. It has an excellent safety rating, while its CO₂ emissions are low. Media scores and the X-Trail’s historic reliability record are poor, while running costs are high thanks to high insurance premiums.

X-Trail highlights

Well-equipped as standard
All-wheel drive models capable off-road
Practical interior

X-Trail lowlights

Cramped third row seating
Not very fun to drive
Could be more fuel efficient

Key specifications

Body style: Large SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol mild hybrid, petrol-electric hybrid
Price: From £32,890 on-road

Launched: Winter 2022/23
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert+

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol-electric e-4orce Tekna
Score: 7.4 / 10
“The latest Nissan X-Trail is a big step forward in most ways, especially with its unique petrol-electric e-Power drivetrain. It drives like an EV but is powered by a petrol engine, so you fill it up like any normal petrol car.”
Author: Stuart Masson
Read review

Auto Express+

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The new Nissan X-Trail is bigger and better than before, but its innovative electrified powertrain isn’t as efficient as some rivals.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The new Nissan X-Trail works well in the UK, but the efficiency of the clever e-Power set-up could be better.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Passenger space in the rear seats is generous and helped by the ability to slide the seat bench forward or back. The e-Power hybrids perform well in urban or city settings and returns decent fuel consumption figures for an SUV of this size.”
Read review

Autocar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Nissan seems to be on a bit of a roll with cars that aren’t flashy but just work. The new Nissan X-Trail is a relaxing, frustration-free place to spend time thanks to sensibly laid-out controls and a powertrain that doesn’t require any managing from the driver yet musters a surprising amount of performance when called upon.” (Illya Verpraet)
Read review

Business Car+

Model reviewed: e-4orce Tekna+
Score: 7 / 10
“With the new Nissan X-Trail e-Power, you’ve got a car that drives like an EV, with excellent off-road performance and decent practicality. The only downside is this Nissan’s performance and 42.2mpg and 34% BIK figure can’t match the EV running costs – it’s still a decent stepping stone to an EV, however.” (Martyn Collins)
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The X-Trail is a perfectly pleasant family wagon with the option of some four-wheel drive ability. Don’t expect too much from the driving experience and you’ll be totally whelmed.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Nissan X-Trail is a practical seven-seat SUV, but don’t be fooled by Nissan’s e-Power hybrid tech; it’s not hugely economical.” (Andy Goodwin)
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Without costing too much more than a Qashqai, the Nissan X-Trail is a decent family car, and in mid-level N-Connecta trim, it packs excellent equipment without costing the earth.” (Mat Watson)
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The highest spec models are expensive and rivals have the edge in terms of versatility, but the new X-Trail is a much more desirable choice than its predecessor.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s a rugged and versatile family SUV with more space than the popular Qashqai, while its interior feels a lot posher than the old model. It’s pretty average in the way it drives, but at least it’s comfortable.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Nissan X-Trail is by no means bad, but neither does it do anything to make it any more recommendable than quite a few existing options. Yes, it’s quiet around town and has some off-road ability, but it’s not as efficient in the real world as we’d hope and the third row isn’t very spacious at all.”
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The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The new X-Trail is very much a hit in terms of its family-focused features and utility. The e-Power drivetrain will also appeal to those who are keen to ditch diesel but aren’t ready to go fully electric, and with e-4orce the X-Trail becomes a decent off-roader, capable of tackling much more than the average buyer will throw at it.”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: e-4orce Acenta Premium 7-seater
Score: 8 / 10
“It isn’t quite as economical as perhaps it should be, but the new Nissan X-Trail is a viable alternative to the plug-in hybrids that are starting to dominate in this sector and which in many cases are cheaper, too. Pleasant, comfortable and spacious, I rather liked this new X-Trail.” (Andrew English)
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“It isn’t going to set the world on fire, but it has been pretty carefully crafted to offer as close to all things to all family members as any car in this class could hope to.”
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What Car?+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“If you don’t ask too much of the X-Trail, it’s a comfortable and quiet cruiser that’ll fit seven people without any issues. The issue is that for similar money there are plenty of rivals that are more comfortable, more fun to drive and that offer even more space.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 90%
Vulnerable road users: 70%
Safety assist: 95%

Structurally, the Nissan X-Trail is based on the smaller Qashqai SUV, so its Euro NCAP safety rating is based on the Qashqai’s testing in 2021. However, additional tests and analysis were undertaken where there were specific differences between the two models.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2024, the Nissan X-Trail has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 153
Average repair cost: £613.45
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Nissan X-Trail has a reliability record that’s pretty much average for the new car market as of January 2024, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to both the current model (2022 onwards) and previous generations.

The most commonly reported faults are engine-related. Unfortunately, these are also the most expensive, with an average repair bill of about £1,400. Gearbox repairs also average more than £1,000, but these are not as common.

If you own a Nissan X-Trail or you’re thinking about buying a used X-Trail, make sure that any used car warranty you purchase covers all the potential problem areas shown above.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	39 mpg	D	38 – 40 mpg	D – D
Hybrid models	45 mpg	C	42 – 49 mpg	C – D

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	165 g/km	C	161 – 172 g/km	C – C
Hybrid models	143 g/km	B	132 – 152 g/km	A – B

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	50	F	50 – 50	F – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£227	B
Year 2	£553	B
Year 3	£867	B
Year 4	£1,058	B
Year 5	£1,393	B
Overall	£4,098	B

The Nissan X-Trail is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

The fuel consumption of petrol models is a bit below market average, though considering the X-Trail’s size, this is to be expected. Instead, the brand’s e-Power hybrid variants are the more economical choice. The SUV’s service and maintenance cost are predicted to be on the cheaper side for the first five years of ownership, but the X-Trail’s insurance premiums are in the highest bracket.