As there are so many detailed reviews out there, I will endeavor to keep mine short & sweet.
I drive a 2007 X-Trail 2.2D 4x4, and, after reading various reviews, though it prudent to also add my comments, as it is my opinion that the X-Trail is an excellent SUV. In South Africa Nissan is well-known for its reliability, durability and customer service. The X-Trail specifically has been the top seller in its market segment for a couple of years running.
I must be frank, I am a Nissan fan, as my previous three vehicles were Nissan’s, namely: 1) Maxima 2.0 QX V6, 2) Hardbody Double Cab 3.0 Tdi, and 3) Hardbody Double Cab 3.3 V6. To date I’m still sorry I sold my Maxima; the 3.0 Tdi was a powerhouse and gave me 10km/l; the 3.3 V6 was a monster, but as expected, the fuel consumption was a killer.
Anyway, you have to love the X-Trail. If in the market for an SUV, you can’t go wrong on this one. Styling, both internal and external is excellent and radiates class & luxury. The vehicle is more than adequately equipped. The sound system is super and the steering wheels controls very nice. Airbags, Abs and the likes are all included. Excellent climate control and the biggest sun roof in its class makes it a pleasure to drive in sunny South Africa. Road handling, well what can I say, the six speed transmission is smooth and the turbo provides more than adequate power to accelerate quickly, overtake, etc. Suspension and braking has been compared with the the likes of BMW’s X3 and Freelander, I agree.
A really super feature is the back seats folding away(quick & easy), leaving you with a massive cargo area, if required. With a good ground clearance(200mm) and the 4x4 traction settings, it’s also a playful & sporty vehicle, with off road capability. Obviously, lacking low range would mean you have to skip the serious 4x4 trails, but that’s not the reason for buying an X-Trail.
Its an upmarket, sporty, fun, family vehicle(for me). I have taken mine to the mountains, loaded with 4 passengers, bicycles, a fully loaded 6 feet trailer, on tar I could do 160km/h easy. On the poorest of mountain trails, trailer & all, it had excellent traction and the ride was pretty comfortable, considering the road consisted of fist sized loose rocks.
Also, I believe it has one of the best four cylinder diesel engines on the market, and the efficiency is astounding. I have 6000km’s on the clock, my average consumption on a mixed cycle is 12.5km/l, or 8l/100km. This is excellent, considering how expensive fuel is in South Africa.
Anything to complain about? Well, the glove compartment cannot take very big objects, but then I must add that there is about five conveniently placed, covered storage compartments in the front of the vehicle, all blending in perfectly with the modern styling of the vehicle. Yes, and I miss the heated seats and the excessive electronic gadgets of my wife’s Golf V, but I won’t swop, ever. I actually suggested to her that I’ll replace her car with another X-Trail.needless to say she loves her Golf(with its heated seats.ha ha).