Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power review: potential energy

The world of medium SUVs is now awash with new brands and new-energy technology (both largely coming out of China). So there are a couple of things to know about the Nissan X-Trail e-Power that can really put it into context in the current environment.

First, it's a family SUV with heritage. Perhaps not quite as revered as OG crossovers like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, but not far off: it's been around for over a quarter of a century and the current model (launched in 2022) is only the 4th generation. That kind of solid foundation is important to some buyers.

Second, despite coming across as a fairly cis-SUV, the e-Power models boast some very clever hybrid technology, with 100% electric drive and a small petrol engine acting as a range extender. So who's "new energy" now?

You can have e-Power as an option on two of the three X-Trail models. Ours is the luxury oriented Ti-L, the flashest X-Trail although still not the most expensive (that's the more off-road oriented N-Trek).

On the outside: what are the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power's main design features?

The first two generations of X-Trail were glorious boxy and somewhat idiosyncratic-looking things that went big on functionality and ostensibly ignored fashion. Which is a kind of fashion in itself, because they're both now held in high regard.

The e-Power models have clever hybrid technology, with electric drive and a petrol engine acting as a range extender. So who's 'new energy' now?

The last two generations have been much more mainstream, blending into the medium-SUV scheme of things quite unobtrusively. But you'll still know an X-Trail by the signature Nissan "V-Motion" grille and "floating" roof design. This model is nicely proportioned and the 20-inch wheels fitted to the Ti-L add visual substance.

OVERVIEW

On the inside: what's the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power cabin like?

Like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 (shall we call these "trad-gen" SUVs?),  Nissan favours a mix of virtual displays and physical switchgear in the X-Trail. The sheer volume of buttons is a bit intimidating at first, but it's all ergonomically sound and easy to learn your way around.

There's a real cockpit-style ambience and a few detail touches lift the Ti-L more towards luxury status.

The instruments are digital and configurable, while the infotainment screen is a fairly elegant 12.3in widescreen shape with wireless phone projection. As is Nissan tradition, there's a little angled platform in front of the touch screen containing some core controls for the audio.

It's a real cockpit-style ambience and a few detail touches lift the Ti-L more towards luxury status. For example: the power driver's seat automatically rolls back from its memory position for easier ingress/egress, the side mirror auto-dip switches from left-to-right depending on where the (physical) button is set, the real nappa leather upholstery has a sumptuous feel compared to the fake stuff so often used these days, and there's full automatic unlock/lock as you approach or walk away.

In the back, passengers get slide/recline seats, their own climate control unit and manual sunblinds on the side windows. The X-Trail has also been designed with very wide-opening back doors: nearly 90 degrees, which makes a big difference to rear-seat access.

The e-Power has 10 litres less boot capacity than the conventional petrol X-Trail, but it's still generous at 575l. A double boot floor means you have something pretty close to a flat load-through with the seats folded, plus a shallow storage section underneath.

INTERIOR

On the road: what's the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power like to drive?

The powertrain plays quite a big part in defining the X-Trail's on-road character. The idea behind e-Power is to give as much of an EV driving experience as possible, but without having to plug in.

Because the revs usually have very little to do with what the throttle is doing, there's an odd soundtrack that takes some getting used to.

And yes, the response of the motors and the speed at which the "e-4orce" electric AWD works (Nissan says it can assess its operation 10,000 times per second) is very EV-like. There's even a pushbutton e-Pedal setting that allows you to ramp up the regen and drive with minimal use of the brakes.

Having said that, the engine runs most of the time, because the battery is tiny and needs to be topped up and ready for action. Engine noise is well-isolated from the cabin, so the X-Trail is always a refined machine. But you are aware of the little triple running and because the revs usually have very little to do with what the throttle is doing, it's an odd soundtrack that takes some getting used to.

The X-Trail e-Power is not all about fuel economy. The electric drive and dual-motor AWD system make it highly capable in the corners.

It's interesting technology. But on paper at least, the X-Trail is nowhere near as economical as a conventional hybrid like the Toyota RAV4 (6.8l/100km versus 5.3l). 

That's also true in the real world, but there's potential to do much better in the Nissan if you're prepared to focus a bit more on the driving-task at hand, reading traffic and maximising momentum (which is not for everybody, we admit).

We completed a few commutes in the 5l bracket and while open-road travel pushed consumption up to 6.5l/100km (still better than the official figure), our overall for 500km-plus was 5.9l/100km.

The X-Trail e-Power is not all about fuel economy. The electric drive and AWD system make it highly capable in the corners, especially when you factor in the Ti-L's upsized wheels and low-profile tyres. Forget RAV4s, this is right up with the likes of a Mazda CX-5 for driver appeal.

It achieves that with an impressive ride as well. Even in its most sporty Ti-L form, X-Trail is a comfortable family vehicle around town.

SPECIFICATIONS

On ownership: what's the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power warranty and servicing situation?

All Nissans are covered by a 5-year/150,000km warranty and 5-year roadside assistance. Servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first. Nissan offers pre-paid servicing for 3 or 5 years, the cost of which can be included in the vehicle purchase or finance.

On the whole: what do we think of the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power?

The X-Trail Ti-L e-Power is a lot more interesting than it looks (although it does look nice). It'll satisfy those wanting a medium-SUV with fairly traditional values, and the level of luxury and equipment is impressive. But if you like the techy stuff, the range-extender powertrain is also an intruiging aspect of the car.

The fuel economy doesn't quite live up the promise of e-Power, though. It can do a lot better than the official figure suggests, but it's still not in the same league as the benchmark Toyota RAV4.

However, there's a bit more to the e-Power than just eco-cred. The X-Trail has a well-sorted chassis and the addition of fully electric AWD makes the Nissan an enormously capable vehicle in the corners or on the slippery stuff. If you're so inclined, there are five drive modes to choose from and even hill descent control.

You have to understand what you're getting with the X-Trail e-Power, but here's the thing: you're getting it at a sharp price. Launched at $66,990 back in 2023, the fully loaded Ti-L is now $55,990; the premium for e-Power over conventional petrol has dropped from $7k to just $3k, so it really does make sense.

There's a mildly facelifted X-Trail on the way (announced for Australia this quarter, NZ timing TBC) which includes some styling changes, trim upgrades and tech tweaks like transparent bonnet for the 360-degree camera. It'll likely be more expensive, but if having the newest thing is important, you might want to wait for that.

Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power FAQs

What kind of car is the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power?

A medium-sized family SUV with 5 seats.

Does the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power have hybrid or EV technology?

The e-Power system features 100% electric drive, with a petrol engine used to generate power. You don't plug it in.

What’s the fuel economy of the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power?

It's rated at 6.8l/100km (3P-WLTP).

Is the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power safe?

It's rated 5 stars by ANCAP (valid until 2027). It has 9 airbags, including centre-front and side protection for both rows.

What safety and assistance features does the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power have?

What are the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power's main rivals?

• Honda CR-V RS ($75,000): Similar range-extender technology and now with AWD, but expensive.
• Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD ($63,990): Always the benchmark, new RAV4 is on the way this yar.
• Kia Sportage X-Line AWD ($64,990): Smooth hybrid system and the added appeal of a 6-speed gearbox.
• Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring ($60,990): Capable in all conditions and now with "strong hybrid" technology.
• GWM Haval H6 Ultra HEV AWD ($47,990): The value proposition, but now good to drive as well thanks to Australian chassis development.