Nissan X-TRAIL turns 20 years old with updated range

NISSAN will celebrate 20 years of its X-Trail SUV with the introduction of an updated model range and all-new ST+ variant from December. 

The update follows last year’s MY21 refresh which added a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system across the X-Trail range but signifies the end of the turbo-diesel TS variant’s tenure within the line-up.

Nissan’s latest model year change adds important safety and technology features to the brand’s strong-selling mid-size SUV, of which more than 272,000 examples have been sold here since 2001.

MY22 X-Trail ST variants (priced from $30,665 before on-roads) feature 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, body-coloured electric folding wing mirrors, and a tailgate spoiler. 

The cabin retains Nissan’s flexible 40:20:40 split-fold and sliding rear seat, the five-seat model also includes the aforementioned infotainment array with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, DAB+ digital radio, keyless entry and push-button start, and a reversing camera.

Standard safety equipment extends to cruise control, six airbags, Isofix and top-tether child seat anchorages, ABS, EBD, ESC, brake assist, autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warning, hill-start and hill-descent control (4WD models only), active trace control, active engine brake, and body motion control.

Nissan’s X-Trail scored a five-star ANCAP safety rating when it was last tested in 2017.

The base model ST manual continues to be motivated by a 2.0-litre petrol engine developing 106kW/200Nm while the remainder of the line-up is fitted with a more powerful 2.5-litre petrol engine (126kW/233Nm), paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

Fuel consumption ranges between 7.9-8.2 litres per 100km depending on the variant.

Four-wheel drive versions of the X-Trail are equipped with Nissan’s ‘Intelligent 4x4’ system offering two-wheel drive, auto, and four-wheel drive lock modes.

The newly introduced and five-seat-only X-Trail ST+ (from $34,140) is available in two and four-wheel drive configurations and builds on those features listed for the ST with a 360-degree camera with moving object detection, satellite navigation, and front and rear parking sensors.

Starting from $38,675 – and available in five or seven-seat guise – the X-Trail ST-L adds rear privacy glass, front foglights, heated wing mirrors, roof rails, 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control.

Additional safety aids such as Nissan’s Intelligent Driver Alert fatigue warning system, blind spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert are also offered on the ST-L grade.

The Ti (from $46,115) remains the flagship of the line-up and is available exclusively with five seats and 4WD. 

The Ti variant includes self-levelling and adaptive LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 19-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, and motion-activated tailgate.

Inside, the top-spec X-Trail receives a self-dimming rear-view mirror, heated seats and steering wheel, Bose audio system with eight speakers, and intelligent key with tailgate control. Black or tan-coloured leather upholstery is available.

Safety features are further bolstered by the inclusion of lane departure warning and prevention systems, AEB with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam.

“Celebrating 20 years of X-TRAIL in Australia is a proud moment – that’s two decades of fun and adventure, with more than 272,000 examples of the X-TRAIL welcomed into families right across the country,” Nissan Australia managing director Adam Paterson said.

“What better way to celebrate than with the launch of an update, with an all-new grade option that delivers more of what our customers know and love about their X-Trail. This updated MY22 model is an evolution of the X-Trail brand and sticks true to the Nissan principal of increasing safety and technology at every opportunity.

“With four grades levels, a choice between two and four-wheel drive, and the option of five or seven seats, the X-Trail is one of the most versatile SUV offering in Australia, and with the introduction of a new grade level, there is an X-Trail to suit every Nissan customer.”

The third-generation Nissan X-Trail has received numerous updates since its introduction in 2013. It remains a strong-selling model in Australia’s busiest passenger vehicle segment competing alongside newer rivals including the Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4.

Nissan ranks fourth in the Medium SUV under $60,000 bracket with year-to-date sales of 10,214 units. The segment is dominated by the Toyota RAV4 (29,263) and Mazda CX-5 (21,333) which almost double sales of the third-place Mitsubishi Outlander (10,945) and fifth-place Hyundai Tucson (10,076).

2022 Nissan X-Trail pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs