A compact crossover SUV, the Nissan X-Trail began production in 2001. It was one the first crossover SUVs from Nissan and was released at around the same time other companies released their own compact SUVs. Positioned below the Pathfinder and Xterra, more truck-based models, the X-Trail never did find its way to the US. Nevertheless, it was made available in many parts of the world, including Canada. The Nissan X-Trail is currently on its second-generation model which came out in 2007. Based off the Nissan C platform, the most recent X-Trail is slightly bigger than its older brother and was given a facelift in 2010.

Pros

By paying particular attention to the needs of its target audience, Nissan was able to design the X-Trail to address those needs. And while the X-Trail was aimed at winter sports aficionados at first, the design worked well for other segments of the market as well. With the coming of the all-new X-Trail, Nissan put together a winning design formula that provides styling evolution that suits the demands of the customer, bringing together what worked for the older X-Trails and some key changes to address changing needs. In a world where off-roaders are proud of their curves, the X-Trail is just as proud of its edges, tough roof bars, and flat paneled lines.

Inside, the dashboard shows excellent quality. No squeaks or rattles of any kind. The driver’s seat is propped up comfortably high so you get a commanding view of whatever’s in front you. Front seats are spaciously wide and flat to keep you relaxed and comfortable through long drives. Elbow, head, and legroom are also ample. False floor increases boot space to 603 litres, but get the rear seats out of the way and capacity is bumped up to nearly triple that at 1773 litres.

On the road, the turbodiesel engine performs splendidly, smooth, quiet, and reasonably potent. Get a six-speed manual gearbox and you’ll enjoy brisk progress, with the engine happily pulling from idle to action without trouble. The ride is good too whether you’re driving through the city or the motorway, complemented by good economy that will surely please anybody.

As for trim levels, two are available: the Acenta and Tekna. Both are comprehensive and include climate control, Bluetooth MP3 player and telephone connectivity, alloy wheels, and cruise control as standard. The Tekna though offers an added rear-view parking camera, leather seats, sat nav, and an electric sunroof.

Cons

There are many revisions on the Nissan X-Trail including rear light clusters and a redesigned front grille. However, these changes are still so subtle that while they’re barely noticeable unless pointed out. And because the revisions are subtle, they won’t turn heads like how the new Honda CRV did. If that kind of attention factors in your decision-making process, the X-Trail will be a disappointment.

High-set seats are great for they offer excellent views of what’s around the vehicle. But when they are set like so even at the rear, head room becomes a bit tight for taller adults. High-set seats are best left just in front.

The Tekna trim level provides a number of snazzy add-ons to turn a standard X-Trail supreme but it comes with a price. All that extras cost almost £4,000.

The Nissan X-Trail is a 4-door off-road compact SUV first introduced to the public in 2001. The X-Trail was the company’s venture into the growing trend for compact SUVs among the top auto manufacturers at that time, and came out alongside other SUVs such as the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape. Today, the X-Trail is lauded for its tremendous success in utility and its impressive strength.

The first generation X-Trail was produced in the years 2001 up to 2007. This generation came in multiple platforms, trim levels, engines and interior features that were made available in various countries and model years. A special X-Trail carrying an SR20VET engine was also produced and sold exclusively in Japan in 2001.

The second generation, which was released in 2007 at the Geneva Motor Show, was a slightly bigger version of its predecessor. Sales in Europe began on the same year, and lasted until 2009. This all-mode drive system had a turbo-diesel engine and petrol engine options, making it a popular choice among the compact SUVs of its time.

Nissan’s latest edition to its X-Trail line is the Ti Adventure Edition. This edition is equipped with adventure-centred features such as bike carriers, roof bars and an Around View Monitor.