The Nissan X-Trail offers two seating configurations, depending on model. All bar the base ST all-wheel drive (AWD) and second-from base ST-L AWD grades are five-seater SUVs, with a pair of bucket seats up front and a three-seater bench seat out back.

The ST comes with manually-adjustable cloth-covered seats up front and a rear bench with a reclinable 60/40-split backrest, while the ST-L and Ti replace these with part-genuine/part-synthetic leather trim on seats that are heated and powered up front, as well as a sliding rear bench with reclinable 40/20/40-split backrests. The Ti-L flagship upgrades to Nappa leather-faced seating, with the rear outboard positions also being heated.

The ST AWD and ST-L AWD, meanwhile, correspond with their five-seater equivalents above, but as the sole X-Trail models to offer a 2+3+2 seven-seater configuration, add a pair of small seats in the cargo compartment to create a third row.

The X-Trail ST is the base grade, but is reasonably well-equipped, offering cloth seats, manual air-conditioning, a reverse camera, a 60/40 split-fold bench that reclines, approach/walkaway auto central locking, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, digital radio, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels.

All grades feature Nissan’s 'Pro-Pilot' driver-assistance systems, including AEB front and rear with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, a driver fatigue monitor, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition and seven airbags.

The ST-L adds goodies like a surround-view camera, front parking sensors, lane-keep assist tech, dual-zone climate control, a powered driver’s seat, part-leather vinyl upholstery, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, privacy glass and 18-inch alloy wheels. 

Moving to the Ti brings larger electronic instrumentation with a head-up display, tri-zone climate control, an electric panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate with motion sensors, ambient lighting, rear-door sunshades and 19-inch alloys.

The flagship Ti-L adds Nappa leather trim, a Bose audio upgrade, heated second-row seats and steering wheel, driver’s seat memory and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Note that the e-Power hybrid loses the space-saver spare wheel for a (largely useless) tyre repair kit.

With a large body and wide doors, getting in and out of the X-Trail is easy. The interior for the 2026 facelift gains a new steering wheel, while the base ST ditches the old small central touchscreen for the same 12.3-inch item found in the higher-specification models.

It’s essentially the same as the earlier models, with a large interior allowing for plenty of space for five occupants in the first two rows, though the seven-seater models’ third-row pair of seats are for shorter people only.

Nissan has retained physical buttons and switches for most of the main vehicle functions including the climate-control air-conditioning system, though many vehicle features can also be accessed in the central touchscreen.

A commanding driving position and deep side windows afford better all-round vision than many rival mid-sized SUVs. Effective climate control, excellent storage options and comfortable seating are further X-Trail plus points. Access to the back seat is made easier by massive rear doors that open to almost 90 degrees – a rarity in today’s SUVs. 

The second row features seating that is partly reclinable and, ST-apart, slides back and forth. The backrest is split 60/40 in ST, and 40/20/40 in the rest, with the whole middle portion folding down to reveal cupholders. Most amenities, like air-vents, USB ports and overhead lighting, are included.

The Nissan X-Trail offers two powertrain options.

The more traditional is a 135kW/244Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and driving either the front or all four wheels. This is standard across the range.

There is also the X-Trail e-Power extended range electric vehicle (EREV) hybrid system. This consists of a 106kW/250Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, paired to a 2.1kWh battery, inverter and an electric motor on each axle (front: 150kW/330Nm; rear: 100kW/195Nm), for a combined 157kW and 525Nm, distributed to all four wheels.

Note that the internal combustion engine (ICE) solely charges the battery that feeds the electric motors that powers the driven wheels. As an EV that is charged by a petrol engine, no plugging in is required.

The Nissan X-Trail e-Power can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h (0-100km/h) in 7.0 seconds, on the way to a top speed of about 180km/h.

The Nissan X-Trail powered by the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine offers an ADR 81/02 combined average fuel consumption figure of 7.4-litres per 100km. Filling the 55-litre tank with standard 91 RON unleaded petrol, expect an average range of around 740km (2WD) and 705km (AWD).

Meanwhile, the Nissan X-Trail e-Power with its extended range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain and 'e-4orce' AWD system averages 6.1L/100km. Filling its 55L tank with the required 95 RON premium unleaded petrol, the e-Power has an average range of over 900km.