The fifth-generation Nissan X-Trail has arrived in India as a completely built-up (CBU) premium 7-seater SUV. With a bold design, advanced powertrain, and an array of premium features, it aims to stand tall in a competitive segment. Priced around ₹49.9 lakh (ex-showroom), it locks horns with players like the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, and Hyundai Tucson. This blog dives deep into the details of the Nissan X-Trail to help you understand whether it should be your next SUV.
Table of Contents
1. Bold & Refined Design
The Nissan X-Trail sports a commanding road presence with its V-Motion front grille, sleek LED DRLs, and large 20-inch alloy wheels. The SUV’s dimensions—4,680 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,725 mm in height—give it an aggressive yet refined stance. The floating roofline and upright rear design enhance its SUV appeal. Chrome accents on the front and side panels give it a premium aesthetic, while the muscular stance underscores its rugged capabilities. Overall, the styling of the Nissan X-Trail effortlessly balances elegance with utility.
2. Interior Layout and Features
Inside, the X-Trail offers a clean and premium layout. It features dual-tone leatherette upholstery, an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charger, and panoramic sunroof. While the seats are manually adjustable, they provide ample support and comfort.
The cabin is filled with soft-touch materials and metallic accents that elevate the tactile experience. Ambient lighting adds to the luxurious ambience, while multiple USB ports ensure that all passengers remain connected. Sound insulation is commendable, providing a hushed environment even at high speeds.
3. Seating and Space
The X-Trail offers a three-row seating arrangement with decent space in the second row and a more compact third row ideal for children. With the third row folded, boot space expands to a practical 585 litres, making it suitable for long trips.
The second row features a 60:40 split and sliding functionality, allowing flexible configurations for luggage and passenger needs. The wide-opening rear doors and flat floor make ingress and egress effortless. The overall spaciousness ensures that even tall occupants find ample headroom and legroom.
4. Powertrain and Performance
Powering the X-Trail is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine paired with a 12V mild-hybrid system. It produces 160-163 PS and 300 Nm of torque, mated to a CVT gearbox. The turbo engine ensures smooth acceleration and efficient fuel delivery. The 0–100 km/h sprint takes about 9.6 seconds.
The Variable Compression (VC) technology adjusts the engine’s compression ratio in real-time, balancing power and efficiency. The mild-hybrid setup contributes to better fuel economy and smoother gear shifts, making the X-Trail suitable for both city and highway driving.
5. Ride and Handling
Despite its large 20-inch wheels, the X-Trail offers a composed ride. It absorbs minor undulations with ease and stays planted at highway speeds. Steering feel is natural, making city and highway driving convenient.
The suspension setup strikes a fine balance between comfort and sportiness. It manages to isolate cabin occupants from road imperfections, while also delivering confident handling around corners. Body roll is minimal, especially for a vehicle of its size.
6. Safety Feature
The SUV comes equipped with seven airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Start Assist, TPMS, and a 360-degree camera. However, it misses out on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like lane assist and autonomous emergency braking.
Still, the structural integrity and passive safety measures are noteworthy. The high-strength steel body shell and crumple zones have been engineered for maximum occupant protection. ISOFIX mounts and seatbelt reminders further enhance its family-friendliness.
7. Technology and Infotainment
Along with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, the X-Trail offers a crisp 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, rear AC vents, and dual-zone climate control. It lacks some features like ventilated seats and powered adjustments which are expected at this price point.
The infotainment interface is intuitive and easy to use, while the sound system provides clear acoustics for music lovers. The digital cluster offers customizable layouts and driving data for a connected experience. Over-the-air (OTA) software updates are also supported.
8. Fuel Efficiency
The X-Trail delivers a city mileage of around 10–11 km/l and highway mileage of 12–13 km/l. With a fuel tank capacity of 55 litres, it provides a decent driving range for long journeys.
Eco driving mode helps extract better fuel economy, and the regenerative braking feature in the mild-hybrid setup further adds to the efficiency. The smart start-stop system ensures minimal idling losses, especially in traffic-heavy urban conditions.
9. Price and Variants
Available in a single fully loaded CBU variant, the Nissan X-Trail is priced at approximately ₹49.9 lakh. It competes with SUVs like the Skoda Kodiaq, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota Fortuner.
Despite being available in just one trim, it is generously loaded with features. The pricing reflects its premium build quality and advanced technology, but also raises questions on its value proposition compared to locally assembled rivals.
10. Ownership and Maintenance
Being a CBU, the X-Trail may come with slightly higher maintenance costs. However, Nissan’s reputation for reliability and their expanding service network should ease ownership concerns. Annual service costs are estimated between ₹8,000–₹12,000.
Extended warranty packages and maintenance plans are offered to add peace of mind for long-term ownership. Nissan also provides roadside assistance and mobile service units in select cities.
11. Who Should Buy the Nissan X-Trail?
The Nissan X-Trail is ideal for families looking for a premium, spacious, and comfortable 7-seater SUV. It suits long-distance travellers and city drivers alike, offering the right blend of performance and practicality.
Its refined design and modern features will appeal to buyers who prioritize aesthetics and technology. The unique powertrain also offers a balance of performance and efficiency, especially for those looking to stand out from the crowd.
12. Comparison with Rivals
| Feature | Nissan X‑Trail | Skoda Kodiaq | Toyota Fortuner | Hyundai Tucson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (₹ Lakh) | ~49.9 | 46.9–48.7 | 36–52 | ~38–45 |
| Engine | 1.5L VC-Turbo | 2.0L petrol | 2.7L petrol / 2.4L diesel | 2.0L petrol |
| Power/Torque | 160 PS / 300 Nm | ~190 PS | 166 PS / 245 Nm | 186 PS |
| Seating | 7-seater | 7-seater | 7-seater | 5-seater |
| Fuel Efficiency | 11–13 km/l | 12–14 km/l | 9–12 km/l | 13–15 km/l |
| Features | Moderate | Rich | Rugged but basic | Rich |
13. Future Prospects
Nissan may introduce local assembly in the future to reduce prices. The facelifted 2025 model is expected to bring in cosmetic updates, new safety features, and improved interior quality.
There are also talks of introducing a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or full-hybrid version of the Nissan X-Trail in India, catering to environment-conscious buyers. This could widen its appeal and improve fuel efficiency figures dramatically.
14. Resale and Long-Term Value
Thanks to its global reputation and unique offering, the Nissan X-Trail is expected to maintain decent resale value. It’s not mass-market, which helps it retain exclusivity. However, limited local production might affect spare part availability and insurance premiums.
To counter this, Nissan is working on increasing localization, and the resale market for imported premium SUVs is steadily improving.
15. Final Verdict
The Nissan X-Trail marks a bold comeback in the Indian SUV space. With a modern powertrain, spacious interiors, and refined styling, it offers a solid alternative to the segment leaders. While its high price and lack of ADAS features may raise eyebrows, it still delivers a compelling package for those who want a unique, tech-savvy SUV.
If premium practicality and refinement are your top priorities, the Nissan X-Trail deserves serious consideration.