NISSAN really knows how to stretch out the product cycle of its vehicles, and the previously generation X-Trail was a prime example.

Launched in 2013, the T32-series X-Trail served longer than most within its segment, losing popularity over time to slip further from consumers’ minds, and further down the sales ladder.

But Nissan is confident its new-generation mid-size family hauler can turn all that around – and rightly so. The fourth-generation X-Trail is entirely new, slightly larger, and comprehensively more modern than the vehicle it replaces. It’s also more expensive.

Priced from $36,750 plus on-road costs for the base grade ST two-wheel drive five-seater, the least-expensive X-Trail is now $6000 dearer than the outgoing entry point to the range.

A seven-seat version of the same model will set you back $39,790 + ORC while at the other end of the scale, the new range topping Ti-L AWD five-seater is pitched at $52,990 + ORC, a cool $6875 on top of the previous Ti 2.5 flagship.

Between those two are the ST-L in 2WD and AWD at $43,190 and $46,290 respectively, the latter a seven-seater. A step up the range takes us to the penultimate Ti AWD five-seater at $49,990. All prices before on-road costs. Full specification and pricing details are available here.

Offsetting the price hikes somewhat is additional equipment as standard across the range and an impressive ANCAP safety rating. All X-Trail variants include auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear AEB with pedestrian detection and cross-traffic alert, lane departure prevention and adaptive cruise control.

Soon, the X-Trail will also be offered with a hybridised driveline featuring an efficient motor-generator system combined with a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that provides energy to a small battery, which directly feeds a 140kW/330Nm electric traction motor driving the front wheels.

It’s just part of the flexibility the fourth-generation X-Trail’s new CMF-C/D platform – which it shares with the smaller Qashqai, Mitsubishi Outlander and Renault Austral – and is something we’re likely to see in local showrooms from next year.

For now, however, the X-Trail range features a revised 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers a 9kW lift in power and an 18Nm increase in torque (to 135kW and 244Nm) when viewed against its predecessor.

All variants are paired exclusively to Nissan’s X-Tronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with the optional multi-mode all-wheel-drive system offering driver-selectable Eco, Standard and Sport modes linked to five bespoke traction modes and algorithms to suit conditions such as bitumen, dirt, ice and snow.

Towing capacity jumps 500kg to a useful 2000kg.

Nissan’s new X-Trail competes in the bustling sub-$60K medium SUV segment against a strong field of rivals including the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Skoda Kodiaq, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan.