Nissan X-TRAIL 2018 Review

Nissan also introduced a new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine (replacing the 1.6), linked for the first time with a self-shifting transmission - Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT is now the only transmission offered on all X-TRAILs except the entry level ST.

While the TL, the top-spec diesel (and most expensive X-TRAIL in the range) scored rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive headlights and motion-activated power tailgate in the upgrade, two new safety features - active cruise control and lane-departure intervention - are only offered with the top-end Ti petrol.

How much will it cost?
The X-TRAIL TL has only just arrived on the market three months ago, and lists at $47,790 (plus on-road costs).

The test vehicle had the $1190 optional tow kit fitted (including tow bar, wiring harness, tow ball, D-shackles and fitting costs).

Ruby Red is the standard exterior colour; chose one of the six metallic/pearl optional colours and it'll cost you an additional $575.

The only other factory option available (at no cost) is tan leather upholstery in place of the standard black leather.

Why should/shouldn't I buy it?
The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is free-revving and smooth - but not especially quiet when pushed. While it has the characteristic strong mid-range turbo-diesel punch, it is very laggy under 2000rpm.

The CVT should - but doesn't help; it appears to mute the power delivery. Fuel consumption with three tank-to-tank fills over 1200km averaged 8.3L/100km, most of it highway driving. Even though we saw a low of 7.2L/100km indicated on the trip computer after 300km of highway cruising, it's nowhere near the claimed 6.1L/100km combined consumption figure.

The X-TRAIL blots up bumps smoothly and has confidence-inspiring (if not rewarding) handling. Aside from the engine, it's also very quiet, with very little wind noise.

The LED headlights light up a dark road brilliantly.

Controls were all easy to find except the steering wheel heating, idle-stop and Eco mode buttons are hidden down low on right of the steering wheel. The foot-operated parking brake seems very old-school these days.

When is it available in Australia?
The entry-level TS diesel arrived with the rest of the (petrol) upgrade models at the May launch last year, but the up-spec TL only became available from November.

Nissan hopes that, with the new engine and the much more popular self-shifting transmission, the TS and TL will lift the proportion of diesel X-TRAIL sales from the previous model's eight percent to 15 per cent.

Who will it appeal to?
While the X-TRAIL TL appeals to a wide variety of buyers, its main appeal is as a capacious, economical family wagon - albeit one with no seven-seat option (it's only available on 2WD ST and ST-L petrols).

The X-TRAIL's sliding rear seat provides versatile options for seating space/cargo storage space. The cargo space is nicely squared off, too.

The X-TRAIL's 4WD badge doesn't make it a Patrol off-road. Some owners may attempt beach driving with their X-TRAILl but unless it's hard-packed sand, that's a bad idea.

During our brief beach run, with stability control/traction control switched off and 4WD LOCK mode engaged (and tyre pressures lowered), the X-TRAIL lacked momentum in the soft sand. At least some of the blame can be directed to the CVT, which buffers the instant throttle response a conventional transmission would provide. It simply doesn't get the power to the ground quickly enough, or enough of it for that matter.

The diesel-powered X-TRAIL can tow up to 1650kg (with a maximum of 165kg on the tow ball).

Where does it fit?
The X-TRAIL diesel competes in a crowded SUV Medium category and is priced within a few hundred dollars of the premium diesel-powered variants of the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5.

Other likely medium SUV diesel competitors include the Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan.

In the 2017 SUV Medium sales tally, the X-TRAIL was fourth with 18,955 sales and 11.5 per cent share, behind the Mazda CX-5 (25,831 sales, 15.7 per cent), Hyundai Tucson (23,828 sales and 14.5 per cent) and Toyota RAV4 (21,077 sales and 12.8 per cent share).

So, what do we think?
The X-TRAIL TL is clearly not a 4WD as our beach run proved - and the diesel could be both more responsive at low rpm and more economical.
However, this is a comfortable, quiet, smooth and sure-footed medium SUV with plenty of room for holiday gear in the back.

2018 Nissan X-TRAIL TL pricing and specifications:
Price: $47,790 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 130kW/380Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel: 6.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 162g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Related reading:
>>