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Nissan X-Trail fourth generation all you need to know

Rob Fraser
2023 Nissan X-Trail

Nissan X-Trail – Introducing the all-new Nissan X-Trail: Fourth-generation family favourite raises the medium SUV bar. 

A fresh call to adventure has sounded in the medium-SUV segment with the arrival of the new-generation Nissan X-Trail, redesigned from the ground up to deliver even more family freedom.

Thanks to the new Alliance CMF-C platform, which showcases advanced engineering, innovation and technology, the new X-Trail again raises the bar in its segment.

“The X-Trail isn’t just an important model for Nissan, it has also been an important model for so many Australian families, with more than 282,000 examples of this flexible SUV sold here since its launch in 2001 – making it our second best-selling model over that period,” says Adam Paterson, managing director, Nissan Australia.

“That’s a big legacy to live up to, but the fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail does exactly that, arriving with more power, more capability, more technology and better safety than ever before.

“Whether you need to carry five people or seven, or whether you prefer to travel on roads or off them, the new Nissan X-Trail is ready to unlock your next family adventure.”

Nissan’s new X-Trail is structurally more rigid, more aerodynamically efficient, introduces a host of new active and passive safety features, has a revised cabin layout with premium features and materials, and introduces a raft of new technical aids including ProPILOT and more standard additions to the Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite.

The all-new model, which shares engineering platforms with the bigger Qashqai, is slightly shorter than before (4680mm) but is wider (+20mm to 1840mm), taller (+15mm to 1725mm) and provides more rear leg room, with bigger-opening rear door apertures for easier rear access and egress. The wheelbase remains unchanged at 2705mm.

An all-LED slimline lighting package front and rear, with bright multi-reflector LEDs for high and low beam driving and wrap-round boomerang-shaped tail lighting, complements Nissan’s signature-V-motion brand identity across all models.  Adaptive beam matrix lighting, which splits the headlight beams into 12 individually controlled segments, appears on Ti and Ti-L models.

X-Trail engine More power, more towing

The powerful yet efficient PR25 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine lifts power output by 9kW to 135kW, with torque boosted by 18Nm to 244Nm, for more effortless acceleration and confident overtaking.

The X-Trail’s towing capability rises by 500kg over the previous generation, to 2000kg braked, while a Trailer Sway Control program is standard equipment for even more confident adventuring.

Advanced CMF-C platform

Like its sibling, the all-new Qashqai, the all-new X-Trail is based on the Alliance CMF-C platform, which represents a state-of-the-art automotive structure and technology architecture.

In terms of construction, the body-in-white makes use of more lightweight material, as well as advanced stamping and welding techniques to increase strength but to also reduce weight.

For the first time, the rear tailgate door on the X-Trail is now made of a composite material. The front and rear doors, front fenders and hood, are all now made of aluminium.

The use of ultra high-strength steel in the body-in-white structure has risen from 19 per cent in the previous model to 35 per cent, while torsional stiffness has increased by 27 per cent.

This contributes to improved refinement, ride comfort and driving response, plus exceptional security in the event of an accident – as well as adding benefits to the car’s overall efficiency.

New suspension and steering design

The all-new X-Trail will continue to offer a rewarding driving experience – building on its reputation as a comfortable yet adventure-ready drive no matter the road surface.

Thanks to the CMF-C platform, the new X-Trail has an updated Macpherson strut set-up at the front. Rear suspension is an advanced multi-link set-up for superb balance between ride comfort and dynamic response.

The power-steering set-up has also been upgraded, with a “quicker” rack ratio offering improved response, better feeling around the central part of the steering range and reduced friction.

A twist-dial Drive Mode Selector provides five driving modes – Off-Road, Snow, Auto, Eco and Sports – with paddle-shift controls on the steering wheel for manual over-ride of the new shift-by-wire transmission interface.

Modern, muscular styling that creates a robust yet modern look

Central to X-Trail’s appeal over its generations has been its distinctive styling, which projects a reassuring sense of solidity and robustness, without being overtly aggressive.

The exterior is highlighted by signature Nissan design elements such as the floating roof and V-motion grille. The frontal aspect is framed by striking headlights that appear moulded within the bodywork of the front bumper, with combined daytime running lights and indicators nestled along the shut-line of the hood.

From the side, muscular wheel arches at the front and rear give the X-Trail presence on the road, while at the base of the doors, an inset feature brings a sense of fluidity to the sheer surfaces of the doors.

The shape of the C-pillar is reminiscent of a dolphin fin, bringing tension to the rear where the wrap-around lights complete the rear three-quarter aspect.

From behind, a taught horizontal line sits just above and below where the number plate is mounted, while split rear lights ensure a wide aperture for the trunk. A silver panel curves under the rear bumper, reflecting X-Trail’s adventurous character.

Key aerodynamic features include “3D” tyre deflectors in the lower front fascia, an active grille shutter to control air flow into the engine compartment, special A-pillar shaping, underbody covers to manage air flow under the vehicle and a unique “air curtain” that precisely directs air flow from the front to the sides of the X-Trail.

The new X-Trail colour-combination palette has been broadened to 14 different variations — including Diamond Black, Gun Metallic, Brilliant Silver, Solid White, Ceramic Grey, Scarlet Ember, Caspian Blue, Ivory Pearl and Champagne Silver. For even more personalisation options, customers can choose Ceramic Grey, Sunset Orange, Caspian Blue or Ivory Pearl, all matched with a black roof.

Premium interior ambience

The new generation X-Trail delivers a revised and upgraded interior across all models, setting a new segment standard for elevated ambience, distinctive design and enhanced usability.

Advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies are at the driver’s fingertips, with comfort and quality at every touch. New premium materials, smart features and considered detailing enhance a cabin that delivers cutting-edge design and practicality in every dimension.

Extensive attention has been paid to the ergonomic and tactile quality of the switch gear and buttons to give them a high quality feel. Customer research has clearly shown customers’ preference for easy-to-use core functions, so the X-Trail has simple, intuitive heating/air-conditioning controls, as well as buttons that govern the central screen functions, such as audio and navigation.

The top level of the floating centre console layout features the drive mode selector and twin cup holders, as well as the 15w wireless charge pad for smartphones (Ti and up). This extra-powerful 15W charge pad actively charges your phone, rather than simply ensuring the battery of your phone does not die.

There is a combined elbow rest for front-seat occupants, which has a “butterfly” opening, to reveal a cavernous storage space for valuables. The side opening elements allow easy access to the storage area for rear-seat passengers, unlike a rear-hinged lid.

The console is storage for items such as a handbag or tablet. Making it easier to store smaller items and creating optimal space usage because in a family car you can never have enough storage.

Creating a reassuring and calming environment, new white ambient lighting is used throughout the cabin, complementing the “floating” centre console design and integrated twin cup holders.

The driver’s seat on the entry-level ST has a 6-way manual adjustment with power lumbar support, with synthetic leather trim and 10-way power adjust featuring on the ST-L, with the same power adjust control provided to the front seat passenger, together with genuine leather accented trim~ on the Ti version.

The X-Trail Ti-L gets luxurious Nappa leather accented seating, ~ and gains a memory function for the front seats, as well as heating for the rear seats. Ti and Ti-L models further benefit from tri-zone climate control for the ultimate in cabin comfort.

Finally, a panoramic sunroof, with tilt-slide front sunroof section (Ti and Ti-L), and rear door sunshades (Ti-L) give occupants complete natural lighting control.

Big Screen Time

A true technology powerhouse in the medium SUV segment, the highest X-Trail models are fitted with an incredible 35.4 inches of cabin screens, including a 12.3″ TFT Advanced Drive-Assist® Display instrument cluster, a 12.3″ touchscreen display and a 10.8″ Head-Up Display in wide-screen style.

The upgrades are ushered in across all models, with the X-Trail ST gaining a 7.0″ TFT Advanced Drive-Assist® Display instrument cluster and an 8″ central display with DAB+ digital radio and six speakers, upgraded to a 10-speaker Bose audio system on the Ti-L and above.

The New X-Trail is wired for Apple CarPlay® and Android Autotomy, with wireless CarPlay® integration on the Ti and Ti-L models.

The new high-definition, fully electronic 12.3 inch TFT multi-information screen offers a choice of configurable layouts to display navigation, entertainment or vehicle information, all controlled from a new tactile dial switch on the steering wheel. A traditional “Kiriko” cut glass texture is also added to the TFT’s digital background – a nod to Nissan’s Japanese DNA.

The innovative new 10.8-inch (windscreen type) Head-Up Display provides the biggest-in-segment image size. Key navigation, driver assistance and road information are projected onto the windscreen within the driver’s line of vision.

Connectivity extends to all occupants with the console box now offering front and rear USB charging connections with both USB-A and USB-C ports.

Even the windscreen wipers are more advanced, with new Splash Free Wipers – that release water from the wiper blades, rather than from jets – delivering the twin benefits of using less water, and removing that moment of blindness when a traditional jet system is first applied.

Practicality at its core

The convenience of Nissan’s one-touch seat access system is introduced on the medium-grade ST-L, together with 40/20/40 split, sliding rear seat to provide true interior accommodation and load-carrying flexibility.

From ST-L upwards, Nissan’s unique modular luggage board system can be configured in up to 16 different ways to optimise luggage space and secure items vertically or horizontally, with side storage compartments for smaller items.

Best-in-class boot space, with 585 litres capacity, is provided on new X-Trail, with a handy hands-free foot-swipe automatic opening for the tailgate of the Ti model, only adding to the practicality offering.

Second row passengers are well catered for with the option of dedicated controls for the heating/air-conditioning system, taking care of occupant comfort, which is vital in a family car.

A key component to ensure a harmonious family trip is a steady supply of power to keep electronic devices nourished. For second row occupants, there is a USB type-A and a USB type-C charging point.

Thanks to the packaging efficiency of the Alliance CMF-C platform, the new X-Trail is also available with a third row of passenger accommodation. Individual seats that effortlessly disappear into the floor are designed to accommodate passengers up to 160cm in height, placing it among the most generous in its segment. The space has been optimised to ensure the third-row passengers can put their feet under the second row of seats.

When the two rear seats are not in use, the resulting trunk space puts the X-Trail at the top of its class for luggage space with a total capacity of 585 litres, thanks to a best-in-class floor length and also width between wheelhouses. The improvements in the utility of the luggage area make loading baggage easier and the storing small items more convenient.

ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving

The new X-Trail is equipped with the next generation of ProPILOT (ST-L and up) driver assistance, bringing greater driver support in a wider array of circumstances. The system has been designed to reduce fatigue and stress while driving, while being very intuitive to use.

ProPILOT is able to accelerate and brake the vehicle within a single-lane on a highway. The system can accelerate the vehicle to cruise at a set speed, and can brake the vehicle down to 0km/h in heavy stop-start traffic. The system is able to resume automatically if the vehicle has been stationary for less than three seconds and the traffic in front of the car moves away.**

When safety always comes first

Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility suite of active safety features is provided with even more capability, even at the entry level of new X-Trail, with the new family focused SUV having been awarded a full five-star ANCAP safety rating across its range.

The ST standard functions include Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Cruise Control with Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Auto Emergency Braking (with pedestrian and cyclist calibration), Junction Assist, and Driver Attention Alert.

A Rear Seat Alert function advises the driver instantly when a rear door is opened or closed while the vehicle is in motion. The system records if a rear door was opened,  and activates a timer once the driver’s door is closed, sounding an alarm if the rear door remains unlatched.

Nissan’s ProPILOT semi-autonomous capability is fitted from the mid-range ST-L model upwards, with Lane Keep Assist which keeps the vehicle centred within its driving lane and makes for relaxed highway driving.

A seventh far-side airbag, protecting the space between the front seat passengers, has been added to the X-Trail six-airbag passive safety system.

X-Trail Pricing (MSRP)*^

* Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) are provided for media purposes only and do not include premium paint, statutory charges or other on-road costs

^$700 surcharge for premium paint; $1200 surcharge for two-tone paint

Nissan X-Trail Model walk

X-Trail ST:

Nissan X-Trail ST-L adds:

Nissan X-Trail Ti adds:

Nissan X-Trail Ti-L adds:

~ Leather accented features and upholstery may contain synthetic material.

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