2022 Nissan X-Trail

Nissan X-Trail 2021-2022 Review

It may not have been the first of its kind, or even a pioneer within its segment, but the Nissan X-Trail is a very important model in Nissan’s long and storied history. The first generation was launched at the turn of the century, and proved to be an immediate hit both locally and globally. Its success was owed not just to the fact that it had a robust powertrain and all-wheel drive system, but that it had numerous features and functions that were just well thought out and user-centric – like a precursor to Honda’s vehicles today.

Since then however, things haven’t been quite as smooth. The second generation model was a bit of a tricky sell as it wasn’t significantly improved over the first generation, and in some cases the cost cutting measures were a little tougher to swallow. By this point, rivals had slowly begun to catch on and give the X-Trail a good fight.

The third generation was finally launched in 2013, going through a facelift most recently launched locally in 2019. This was a proper shift, though again not necessarily in the direction the X-Trail needed to go. This generation also brought a seven-seater setup to the X-Trail, in tandem with it becoming larger in size and more urban-oriented. A fourth generation model was finally unveiled earlier this year, though won’t be made locally available for a while.

There are four variants of the Nissan X-Trail from which to choose, across which there are two different engine sizes, a 4WD option, and even a hybrid option. The Nissan X-Trail shares its underpinnings with the Renault Koleos, though that is where the similarities end between the two models.

Nissan X-Trail 2021-2022 Specifications

As we mentioned earlier, there are two different engines available for the Nissan X-Trail. The petrol 2.0-litre variants get a powerplant known as the MR20DD, with its roots stretching pretty fair back though updated with both dual variable valve timing and direct injection fueling. This engine makes 144 PS and 200 Nm of torque on its own.

The larger engine variant is known as the QR25DE – a petrol powered inline-four cylinder engine 2.5-litres in displacement, with dual variable valve timing, though it retains port injection instead of direct injection. Outputs for this engine stand at 171 PS and 233 Nm of torque – not the most firebreathing of figures, though more than enough torque to move this SUV around.

There is also a hybrid variant available, which pairs an electric motor with the 2.0-litre engine variant. This motor supplies up to 41 PS and 160 Nm of torque, which combines with the engine for a total system output of 179 PS. The electric motor naturally supplies much of its torque from idle or at a standstill, leading to smooth and seamless acceleration away from a stop light.

All engine variants are paired with a CVT-type automatic gearbox with manual mode override so you can make use of a few virtual ratios. From here, all the 2.0-litre variants are solely available as front-wheel drive, while the 2.5-litre variant comes with four-wheel drive. It’s also important to note that the hybrid variant is only available as a five seater model, with the third row omitted.

Dimensions are identical regardless of which variant you choose. The overall length is 4,690 mm, with a width of 1,820 mm, and height of 1,740 mm. The wheelbase is C-segment sedan esque at 2,705 mm, which means there is some packaging trickery involved in order to fit that third row of seats where applicable. The lightest variant is expectedly the entry-level 2.0-litre model at 1,558 kilograms, while the heaviest variant is the 2.5-litre four-wheel drive model at 1,642 kilograms.

Nissan X-Trail 2021-2022 Exterior

Regardless of which Nissan X-Trail you choose, you are going to find that you have a relatively similar exteriors. All models come with 17-inch wheels, though only the entry-level 2.0L 2WD gets silver alloys over the dark titanium alloy wheels of the other variants. Also specific to the entry level model is halogen headlights, whereas the other models get LED units instead. The overall design of the x-Trail has become more urban and curvaceous than its predecessors, though it remains a stoic two-box design that doesn’t have any pretentions of sportiness or aggression.

Nissan X-Trail 2021-2022 Interior

On the inside, the different variants of the Nissan X-Trail are fairly similar as well. You get the same flat-bottom steering wheel with tilting and telescoping functions, the same leather shift knob and shift boot, and the same seven-inch touch screen head unit sitting front and centre on the dashboard. Perhaps the most obvious difference would be the seat material – fabric for the 2.0L 2WD entry level variant, and leather for the rest.

Nissan X-Trail 2021-2022 Safety Features

Safety for the Nissan X-Trail gets progressively more comprehensive as you go up the range, with advanced systems reserved for the 2.0L Hybrid and 2.5L 4WD variants. These specific systems are Intelligent Forward Collision Warning with Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (autonomous emergency braking), Intelligent Cruise Control (adaptive cruise control), and High Beam Assist.

The 2.0L 2WD MID variant retains Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Warning, as well as Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Going down to the entry-level 2.0L 2WD variant, the advanced systems available are the Intelligent All round View Monitor with Intelligent Moving Object Detection, Intelligent Ride Control, Intelligent Engine Brake, and Intelligent Trace Control.

These systems are on top of items like Active Brake Limited Slip (a more advanced traction control system) and Hill Start Assist. The entry-level 2.0L 2WD model gets four airbags, while the rest are equipped with six airbags.

Nissan X-Trail 2021-2022 Strengths & Weakness

The most glaring weakness for the Nissan X-Trail is the fact that it’s coming to the end of its lifespan – though in some cases that means that you can net a pretty good deal if dealers are looking to clear stock. Even so, it wasn’t the most impressive product in its class at launch and that gap hasn’t changed a great deal today.

That being said, the Nissan X-Trail does have a surprising amount of equipment and functionality as part of the purchase price – which may mean that Nissan was just ahead of its time. If you can look beyond the slightly dated interior design, you will find that the money you put down gets you a fairly functional car that would appeal to a prospective buyer on paper.

Nissan X-Trail 2021-2022 Price

Pricing for the Nissan X-Trail is not exactly linear nor expected. The entry level variant, the 2.0L 2WD, goes for RM 128,630.00. The next step up is the 2.0L 2WD MID that goes for RM 139,643.00. The larger engine variant in the form of the 2.5L 4WD runs you RM 146,731.00, while the most expensive variant is the 2.0L Hybrid at RM 157,451.00 – a little unexpected as hybrids are usually supposed to cost less than other variants in our market. All of these prices are inclusive of current sales tax exemptions.

Nissan X-Trail 2021-2022 Features

The feature list for the Nissan X-Trail, much like the interior and exterior, is relatively flat across the range. All models come with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, zero-gravity inspired seats, and a six-speaker sound system setup. Specific to every variant except the entry level are items like power-adjustable front seats and an automatic tailgate, while the 2.5L 4WD and 2.0L Hybrid get a DVD player and inbuilt navigation.

Nissan X-Trail 2021-2022 Fuel Consumption

Manufacturer quoted fuel consumption figures for the Nissan X-Trail exist for all variants that are currently on sale. The most economical variant is naturally the 2.0L Hybrid, which returns a quoted 16.1 kilometres per litre. The non-hybrid 2.0-litre models will net you 13.4 kilometres per litre, while the sole 2.5-litre four-wheel drive variant does 12.2 kilometres to the litre. Being naturally aspirated, these engines are unlikely to charge drastically in terms of fuel consumption depending on how you drive – but that CVT-type automatic transmission might affect your fuel consumption drastically if you constantly hold it in lower virtual ratios.