Nissan X-Trail E-Power

The wheelbase remains identical to that of the old (2.70 m). Relatively short but the rear space is very correct, provided that the sliding seat is back to the maximum. There, the occupants have a gigantic leg space. But the third row, as often in these intermediate family SUV templates, will above all be used to help out for brief journeys. And preferably with children, the place of the legs being clearly narrowly and the guard at the limited roof, despite the fairly straight cut of the pavilion.

Essay-Nissan X-Trail E-Power (2023): the real 4×4 Nissan are not dead

Since the Patrol’s end of career in our regions, we would have almost forgotten that Nissan has been one of the rare manufacturers that can boast of a real all-terrain culture. The X-Trail appeared over 20 years ago has also contributed to its democratization. Today, the fourth generation cultivates gender, but accommodated to a complex and largely killing hybrid sauce. If you have to go there to last, why not.

Since the previous generation, the X-Trail is technically an elongated version of the Nissan Qashqai with a large trunk and which can receive 7 places. In short, the family version of Japanese compact crossover. The Fourth X-Trail of the name, which began his career at the end of 2022, inherits the same CMF-C platform as his little brother and his French cousins ​​of the Alliance, Renault Austral and 6th generation space. Except for engines, since unlike previous version, everyone is now working on their side for hybrid mechanics. The E-Power motorization found under the hood of the X-Trail, the only engine offered, is therefore a purely Nissan creation.

If the X-Trail therefore shares most of its components with the Qashqai, this is not very. Not from the outside at least, because unlike the predecessor, the drawing has evolved considerably to clearly distinguish the two models, and place the X-Trail a clear notch above in the Nissan hierarchy. The contours have become much more massive and angular, the almost vertical grille imposes, and the look of real SUV is much more assumed than with the very consensual Qashqai ! The look plays for stature, the measurements too: 4.68 m long (4 cm more than the previous one), it looks at the qashqai of 26 cm. The X-Trail is thus placed halfway between a Peugeot 5008 and a Kia Sorento.

Life on board: almost premium ?

The filiation with the Qashqai is more obvious by settling down: the upper part of the dashboard is strictly identical to a few details. The arrangement of the central tunnel, higher, and some details nevertheless indicate that the treatment of the passenger compartment has been a little more advanced. There is for example a thick double glazing, and assemblies of better quality. Our Tekna+test version, expensive peak range, presents the car in its best light: extended leather, quilted seats and decorative patterns leave a real impression of upmarket, especially if you remember the furniture Austere and without charm of the previous X-Trail. Same thing for on -board technology, this time shared with Qashqai. No squander or invasive screens, but the media interface is clear and easy to use.

Digital instrumentation is standard, and the large central screen of 12.3 “appears from the 2nd level of equipment. More important: finish and presentation made a serious leap forward compared to the previous X-Trail.

Good to know: anticipate purchase and resale.

It is possible to know the resale or recovery value of your vehicle thanks to the Turbo car rating of your Nissan X-Trail, the alternative to the Argus coast.

The wheelbase remains identical to that of the old (2.70 m). Relatively short but the rear space is very correct, provided that the sliding seat is back to the maximum. There, the occupants have a gigantic leg space. But the third row, as often in these intermediate family SUV templates, will above all be used to help out for brief journeys. And preferably with children, the place of the legs being clearly narrowly and the guard at the limited roof, despite the fairly straight cut of the pavilion.

On the chest side, the 7-seater version removes a hundred liters of capacity compared to a classic 5-seater X-Trail and is therefore satisfied with a fairly modest volume due to the size of the seats which seriously enhance the floor: at 485 l, it is below the average. It is already more correct in 5 places, where we have 575 l. Not exceptional but at least, the modularity is rather well studied: the seat of row 2 slides in two parts, the file falls back in three parts and can bow to envy.

3rd place, reduced 3rd place will be used to help but have the merit of existing. In 7 places, the X-Trail imposes the 4-wheel drive and requests 2.300 € supplement.

All-terrain gas plant

At the risk of disappointing the big rollers or followers of the torque of a good old diesel, the X-Trail range goes to the simplest and is limited to a single motorization: in this case, the very singular E-Power hybrid system introduced on Qashqai and only present at Nissan. As a reminder, the thermal part is ensured here by a small 3 cylinder petrol of 1.5 l turbo (158 hp) acting as a generator to supply a small 1.7 kWh (net) battery or to drive the electric motor directly Located on the front axle.

The 3-cylinder is therefore never in direct contact with the transmission, unlike the Honda Civic and HR-V system (its most approaching equivalent) where the two engines are combined with road or acceleration. The overall power of the system thus reaches 204 hp, 14 hp more than the Qashai, which receives a less powerful electric motor. On our E-4ORCE test model with a second electric motor on the rear axle, the combined power is brought to 213 hp, and we then have a “real” 4-wheel drive. a little special, because it is devoid of a transmission shaft.

Cozy comfort, stable and unsurprising behavior make it a pleasant road SUV. Outside bitumen, the 4-wheel drive offer an interesting effectiveness. But too heavy to crush, and the overhangs are a bit bulky.

In fact, the car therefore presents a softness of walking similar to an electric car. No gearbox, no reports to pass. Hence a rather special feeling: as on the Qashqai, the operation of the 3 -cylinder is decorated with the driving phases. Basically, its sound and diet variations do not correspond to what is asked of the accelerator. Thus, at moderate pace, we evolve by alternating all-electric and punctual awakening of the thermal, which is maintained for a few moments with a constant diet. destabilizing at the start, but we get used to it. At high speed, the engine obviously runs continuously, and climbs high in the laps in stall to the floor. The system vaguely recalls the operation of a CVT box, less caricatured however and much more discreet ! Here is one of the big strengths of the X-Trail, both at the acoustic and vibratory level: although it shares a design similar to the Qashqai, the work of insulation is more advanced (the thicker glazing cited more early, but also additional carpets and insulation).

In practice, the interest of the e-4orce in relation to a simple traction X-traction is rather in all chemine or when the conditions become delicate. Driving modes dedicated to mud or sand are well offered, and ground clearance (20 cm) makes it possible to venture out of bitumen or on the undergrowth without being ridiculous. Adequate winter gums, we can therefore provide stations in a carefree. The limits to its all-terrain claims will be mainly its imposing overhang. and its weight, which borders on the 2 tonnes in 7 places and 4 -wheel drive.

The E-Power hybrid system mainly advances a softness of walking and appreciable soundproofing. On the consumption side, the balance sheet is less brilliant if you spend your time on the highway. 8 l/100 km noted: nothing exceptional.

Chronos or consumption, you must choose

Compared to the previous X-Trail, the upmarket is noticed from the first laps on bad coating. In terms of comfort, where the old was actually an extended qashai, the newcomer is a clear notch above: the X-Trail has become a pleasant long-term traveler, taking advantage of a muffled depreciation and reassuring stability. Not dynamic for a penny, on the other hand: the management seems very light, and the significant mass is quickly felt on a winding road.

The X-Trail fortunately is nothing of an under-motivated juggernaut. If necessary, even loaded, the reminders are rather vigorous (there are 330 nm almost immediate) and the accelerations largely sufficient for its family vocation: 7.2 s from 0 to 100 km/h. On the other hand, the strong repeated requests will result in the pump. Ditto if we linger on the highway, even at legal speeds. A height, for a SUV intended to chain the kilometers ! Same observation as with the Qashqai therefore: what the absence of mechanical transmission makes it possible to be erased by the yield losses linked to this special architecture.

The X-Trail is only 4 cm longer than the previous one (4.68 m), but much more massive visually: from now on, it no longer passes for an extended Qashqai. Level Prices, the upmarket hurts: it starts at more than 42.000 € !

Without being a thirsty oil pump, the X-Trail presents nothing miraculous in this case: there are 8 l/100 km, that is more or less what a modern petrol with micro-hybridization would require in the same case of figure. And at stabilized speed on a fast track, a diesel will always better. Fortunately, the balance sheet is more flattering in peri-urban or road route, certainly the most favorable terrain for this hybrid (and most of the classic hybrids elsewhere): we easily maintain around 6.5 l/100 km , without particular precautionary. Curiously, we have noted an average consumption equivalent to that of the Qashqai with the same engine, however lighter and less powerful. This result is undoubtedly linked to the higher power of recovery at the braking of the X-Trail.

Prices and competition: not given, but complete equipment

In simple traction and 5 places, the Nissan X-Trail finds a fairly wide competition in front of it: Peugeot 5008, Toyota Rav4 or Skoda Kodiaq in particular. It begins at high prices for the category: 42.€ 700 for the entry -level ACENTA, rather well equipped that said (adaptive regulator, reversing camera with AV / AR radars, hands -free access / start -up, Carplay / Android Auto Média interface). High -end configurations reach almost premium levels ! There are 55.€ 100 for our test version, it is true without direct rivals. Note that only 4 -wheel drive are available in 7 places.

The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 7 -seater and Kia Sorento offer all -wheel drive only in PHEV, and the Kodiaq has no form of hybridization. The more expensive Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace is limited to micro-hybridization. To have a classic hybrid provided with 7 places and 4 -wheel drive, its only competitor available to this day in France would therefore be the Toyota Highlander. Much larger (4.96 m) and more expensive (from 66.600 €). Pending the Renault Espace 6, now 100 % SUV, expected at the beginning of the summer.

Nissan X-Trail technical characteristics (2023)

Nissan X-Trail E-Power Tekna+ E-4ORCE in a few figures
Prices	from 42.700 euros (model tried: 56.000 €)
Power	213 CH
0 to 100 km/h	7.2 s
Mixed consumption announced (WLTP)	6.7 l / 100 km (raised: 7.5 l / 100 km)
Chest	575 L (7 places: 485 l)
Complete technical sheet – Nissan X -Trail

• – Rolling comfort
• – Soundproofing
• – Modularity
• – Efficient 4 -wheel drive
• – Mechanical approval ..

• – Banal consumption
• – High prices, especially in 4WD
• – 7 places only in 4WD
• – … except in high acceleration: unfarmed runaway effect

Comfortable, seriously constructed and silent, the X-Trail presents itself as a completely serene family fellow traveler. If the use lends itself to it, the hybrid manages to reconcile high level approval and interesting consumption. But with variable geometry ! The range reduced to the E-Power motorization will hesitate the big rollers. And the rates too, which have crossed a course.

Nissan X-Trail E-Power

The Nissan X-Trail, fourth of the name, rises from a notch in terms of finishes and pleasure. It innovates with a particular hybrid engine very pleasant to drive. Too bad the price of the SUV soar and that its ergonomics are perfectible.

Designed on the same platform as the latest Qashqai and using the same mechanics, the new family SUV (or rather family crossover) of Nissan, the X-Trail, wears a more dynamic style. But it is also inside that the changes are notable with a level of contemporary equipment and a very good finish.

Quality of life on board

If by settling on the new X-Trail, we immediately become aware of the progress made in terms of manufacturing, we disillusion a little when we put contact. The instrument handset is indeed a little loaded, especially when we display the consumption values. Likewise, general ergonomics are quite complex, especially in the central screen where the management of different functions requires a lot of usual. And if you want to call on voice command to simplify the task, it is lost because it is not always very relevant and lack of fluidity. For navigation, you must state several orders before being able to dictate your address, not always well understood. And if we don’t use the right word, it is impossible to get the right result. The handling is therefore not very fast and requires a lot of attention.

The atmosphere on board is very pleasant and the occupants will have all the necessary space. With its 7 places and its sliding bench, the X-Trail that we have led offers very good modularity. It is all the more appreciable as the different manipulations to modify the configuration of the passenger compartment are quite easy to achieve, effortlessly.

At the rear, the passengers have a fairly generous place and we appreciated the large opening of the doors, almost 90 °, which makes it possible to get on board without incident. Even the occupants of the third row will be fairly well off because even if the access is a little more delicate, the allocated place is honest to accommodate two people under 1.70 m. Logically, in this 7 -seater configuration (only available on the 4 -wheel drive version and billed € 900), the trunk volume is reduced as a sorrow. No more question of winning luggage. Otherwise, the 5-seater X-Trail offers 575 liters and the 7-seater version 485 liters. Then, all seats folded down, the volume goes to 1,298 liters.

Driving

The only engine proposed on the X-Trail is a petrol-electric hybrid. Called E-Power, this mechanism is particular in the direction that the heat engine, a 3-cylinder block, is not used to train the wheels but only to produce current intended to supply the electric motor, or electric motors for The 4-wheel drive version E-4ORCE. In the end the driver has 204 hp or 213 hp for the second version we took in hand.

The result is quite surprising, in the right direction of the word. The electric motor causing the wheels, the heat engine runs to an almost constant speed regardless of the vehicle speed. Consequently, the silence on board is almost identical to a 100 % electric model. Only cold starts betray the presence of a thermal block which is then a little noisy. Ditto during a frank acceleration, to exceed on the highway for example, where noise is also very present. But in town or on a road in quiet driving, it is a real pleasure in driving. The whole offers acceptable acceleration, without being a war lightning. No problem therefore to ride with your family in all possible configurations.

Regarding its energy efficiency, we will be a little more skeptical since, on a 150 km journey combining all types of roads (city, urban fast and highway tracks), average consumption was displayed at 7.8 l/100 km , which is in the average of current vehicles in the segment, even without hybridization.

Pleasant to drive, the X-Trail also is to live thanks to its very flexible suspensions which perfectly manage all the irregularity of the road. But on very winding roads, the crossover tends to take a lot of roll, at the risk of disturbing the most sensitive passengers. It will then be necessary to go to sport mode in order to have a little more firmness. Same criticism of the management which is also too assisted and that almost at all speeds. Even if she was a little bitten on the road, she is not yet the panacea and she does not offer a good feeling to the driver. Thanks to it, the X-Trail is however quite handy in town despite its imposing template.

Note that Nissan teams its X-Trail for the first time with a new device called E-Pedal Step. Once activated via a dedicated button, this system will slow the vehicle without having to touch the brake pedal but simply by lifting the foot of the accelerator pedal. An interesting and practical system in use, especially in the city.

Security

Using the latest platform developed by Nissan, the X-Trail benefits from all new technologies and equipment in terms of active and passive security. We can for example cite the adaptive cruise control with support system in the queue, reading the signal panels or automatic emergency braking, effective as well before on the back.

In addition, the new X-Trail is equipped with an intelligent blind spot monitoring system, capable of acting on the direction in order to avoid an unexpected change of track if there is a vehicle in the corner area dead. Also with a central airbag, between the two front passengers, the Nissan X-Trail obtained the maximum note at the EuronCap Crash Tests with 5 stars.

The Nissan X-Trail in summary

The new X-Trail is not frankly given. With a price that starts at € 42,700 in its 204 hp e-power version, Nissan makes a huge good manner compared to the old version available at less than € 30,000 in 2017 ! And for the 4-wheel drive version E-4ORCE of 213 hp, you will have to pay at least € 45,000. The two additional, very practical places, will require € 900 more. On the competition side, it is quite difficult to place a face -to -face vehicle. If the Peugeot 5008 seems the best target with its 7 places, the latter does not have an equivalent hybrid engine. We can try to get a Kia Sorento or a Hyundai Santa-Fe, available in hybrid versions, but these are larger, so not exactly comparable. But, anywhere, the Nissan X-Trail is generally the most expensive and is not interesting in terms of prices compared to other models than in its high-end version.

• “Electric type” driving approval
• Finishes
• Habitability
• Modularity
• Access on board
• 7 possible places

• Consumption
• Perfectible global ergonomics
• Too soft suspensions
• Little informative direction
• Prices