Do you like cars that can take you places that are a little out of the way? These are not your normal places that our standard bitumen roads will lead; I’m talking about roads that are dirt, gravel or maybe even a track down to the beach. If you do, then it’s likely that you’ll want an SUV similar to the Nissan X-TRAIL. These are really nice SUVs that are comfortable, efficient and equipped with good technologies. If you don’t need the AWD capability but love the stylish looks of a 2020 Nissan X-TRAIL SUV, then the FWD models (ST and ST-L) will provide the sumptuous, comfortable transport you’re after.
In 2020 Nissan are offering their X-TRAIL as FWD and AWD models. Opting for the AWD X-TRAIL means that you have some 4×4 ability that will take you plenty of amazing and remote places that you wouldn’t consider without that extra 4WD grip and capability. Now, the Nissan X-TRAIL AWD models are capable of off-road work thanks to the diff-locking function, so they are ideal for those of you that want the freedom of exploring the great outdoors. If you need the really rugged bush-bashing ability of a serious 4×4, then a LandCruiser or the X-TRAIL’s big brother, the Nissan Patrol, are what you’ll be needing.
To look at, the face-lifted Nissan X-TRAIL is stylish and modern. This medium-size SUV’s exterior lines flow nicely and start at a focused headlight arrangement and streamlined bumper design, and then finish up at the new LED taillight arrangement out back. A new premium orange paintwork looks pretty striking, however an array of vivid colours are available, including a beautiful deep blue and stoplight red. On the inside of the 2020 Nissan X-Trail the cabin is well put together, classy and boasts the latest Nissan semi-autonomous driving tech.
At the minute, let’s go right to the 4WD Nissan X-TRAIL models. You can get the 2.5-litre petrol engine that boasts 126 kW at 6000 rpm, 226 Nm at 4400 rpm and is linked to the well-sorted XTronic CVT 4WD running gear. The Nissan XTRAIL ST-L and Ti models are the versions that use this set-up. The drive is smooth and refined, especially about town. As you hit higher speeds the CVT works a bit harder and the road and engine noise become more prominent. About town, you should find that the 2.5-litre petrol consumes fuel at about 11 litres/100 km. This drops as you hit the open road and do less of the city crawl, giving the 2.5 a more respectable combined average of around 8.3-litres/100 km.
The other option for getting yourself into a new AWD Nissan X-TRAIL is the TS and TL versions. These models work with the really good 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, 4WD set-up with Xtronic CVT running gear. This is the one I’d be going for if you are looking to head off the beaten track. I like this set-up the most, particularly with the turbo-diesel’s excellent torque delivery from low-down and throughout the mid-range. You have a sweet 380 Nm of torque available from 2000 rpm, and it also has a bit of a kick left as it climbs towards the 130 kW peak power output at 3750 rpm. The 2.0-litre diesel uses least fuel of the three engines on offer, with as little as 6.0 litres/100 km on a city and country cycle combined. That’s excellent.
There is another petrol engine offered for the latest Nissan X-TRAIL and it’s a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit. This is a five-seater ST model with two-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox. 106 kW and 200 Nm do a pretty decent job of shoving the SUV along, and being a manual the set-up is a pretty robust unit. If you’d rather stick to the asphalt, the front-wheel drive ST is the cheapest and helps to keep your running costs down.
So, what is a new Nissan X-TRAIL like to drive? The ride is nicely sorted, favouring comfort, which is a good thing. Braking systems grab confidently on any surface, and the chassis does deliver good grip. AWD models give even better traction in any wet and slippery conditions, and they also offer locking for tackling off-road situations. The X-TRAIL’s steering is light and offers easy maneuverability, and, when it comes to low speeds, the X-Trail makes life easy in the driver’s seat. We’ve become accustomed to recent Nissan vehicles, particularly the ST-L, TL and Ti versions, providing a very comfortable place to be with plenty of adjustment in the front seats to suit all sorts of driver body shapes.
Standard features that every new Nissan X-TRAIL has are things like: cruise control, smart key entry, a reversing camera, an MP3 compatible sound system with an AM/FM radio, a CD player, Aux and USB inputs, Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and audio streaming, at least six speakers, a touchscreen for controlling entertainment and other cabin functions, smartphone integration through NissanConnect; a height-and-reach adjustable steering wheel with buttons for operating the cruise control, the sound system and your phone; three 12-V power outlets in the cabin, dusk sensing headlamps, daytime LED running lights, at least a set of aluminium alloy wheels and a space-saver spare wheel, Hill-start assist, Intelligent Ride Control, Intelligent Trace Control – Nissan technologies that micro-adjust the engine and brakes automatically, autonomous emergency braking, six airbags and electronic stability control.
The only thing that’s starting to date a bit in the long-serving Nissan X-TRAIL is the touchscreen system, which works well but doesn’t quite have the sharpness of graphics and processing speed that newer units now have.
Standard ST-L gear has things like a nice dual-zone climate control system, a 7.0-inch infotainment display with Bluetooth and digital radio, heated and electric front seats, keyless entry, push-button start, and privacy glass. You can also get your 2020 Nissan X-Trail in a cool-looking N-Trek trim. It’s based on the mid-range ST-L version, but adds things like an eight-speaker Bose sound system, 19-inch alloys, wind deflectors, a bonnet protector and kick plates.
If you’re after the most luxurious X-TRAIL models, then you won’t be disappointed. The Ti and TL models include ST-L features plus stuff like an intelligent 4×4 system with Hill Descent Control, 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome door sill strips, High Beam Assist, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, Adaptive LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a motion-activated tailgate, an 8-speaker Bose premium audio system, a tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Intelligent Lane Intervention (Ti model only), Intelligent Cruise Control (Ti model only), rear parking sensors and an optional tan leather-accented seat trim.
One big advantage of buying into a new Nissan X-Trail package is its overall size is right up there with the best in the mid-size SUV class. It’s definitely one of the biggest in its class overall, and with it being 4.69 m long and 1.82 m wide the cabin space is excellent. Five and seven seater options are available on an X-TRAIL, and there is plenty of room in the 2nd row. Behind that second row is 565-litres of storage space (when the third row is absent or lowered), which of course gets cavernous once you lower this row flat.
All Nissan X-TRAILS are produced in Japan – which I kind of like the fact that it is built where it was designed. Buy a new Nissan X-TRAIL and it’ll be covered by Nissan’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which includes five years’ worth of roadside assist. Prices are very competitive and you’ll be pleasantly surprised! See why this is one of the most popular SUVs in the world.
The current 2020 Nissan X-TRAIL models include 2WD and 4WD models:
For any more information on the Nissan X-TRAIL or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Nissan dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!