2007 Nissan X-TRAIL Reviews

With the X-Trail riding on a wave of popularity Nissan chose to tweak the compact SUV rather than re-invent it when it launched the new T31 model in 2007.As a result, the T31 looked very similar to the outgoing model, unless you got up close and saw the changes in detail.If you did that you would have seen it was longer, wider and taller, with more interior space, but it was also heavier.The 2.5-litre petrol engine was carried over with minor retuning, but the growing demand for diesel engines saw a turbo-diesel engine added to the range.In search of improved fuel consumption a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) became the automatic transmission option on the petrol engine.To meet the changing wants of SUV buyers, as more and more switched to the high-riding wagons, was the addition to the X-Trail range of a front-wheel drive model.By the time the T31 X-Trail was launched in 2007 the switch to SUVs, particularly compact models like the X-Trail, was in full swing.This new breed of buyers appreciated the practicality and versatility of a wagon, they liked the visibility of the high driving position, and while they weren’t necessarily going off road, they found the safety of all-wheel drive appealing.But they wanted more, hence the introduction of a turbo-diesel engine for better fuel economy, and a front-wheel drive model for those who had no desire at all to go off-roading.The T31 was launched with a revised model range, which was made up of ST, ST-L, and Ti with petrol engines, and the TS and TL with turbo-diesel engines.Entry to the T31 X-Trail club was through the ST, which boasted an extensive list of standard features, among them air-conditioning, a tilt-adjustable steering column, CD player and four-speaker sound, remote/keyless central locking, cruise control, variable intermittent wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows and mirrors, a rear wiper and washer, roof rails, a vanity mirror, cloth trim, and a trip computer. Metallic paint was optional.A step up to the ST-L added 17-inch alloy wheels, six speakers, climate control for the air-conditioning, an in-dash CD stacker, MP3 compatibility, front fog lights, and chrome exterior highlights.On top of all that, the Ti also came with power front seats, leather trim, and a sunroof.The diesel-powered TS was similarly equipped to the ST-L, the TL similar to the Ti.The spare wheel was full-sized until 2012 when a space saver spare was introduced.Bluetooth was added in 2009 allowing an iPhone or Android device to be connected.A MY10 update saw the ST-L get heated front seats and leather trim, the Ti got 18-inch alloy wheels, a DVD player, parking sensors, a reversing camera, and sat-nav.Another update in MY11 saw the release of front-wheel drive only versions of the ST and ST-L. At the same time Ti buyers were treated to automatic xenon headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and keyless entry and drive away.The spare wheel was full-sized until 2012 when a space saver spare was introduced.There was no touch screen, or park assist system.The cabin had accommodation for five in a roomy and comfortable environment.Gone was the annoying centre-mounted speedo and other gauges that so many criticized in the T30; in its place was a more conventional dash in front of the driver.There were plenty of storage options, including the centre console, a cooled glovebox, door pockets in the front doors, and cupholders in the front and rear.The boot was a generous 633 litres with the rear seat in position, and 1651 litres when the split-fold rear seat was folded flat.The 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine carried over from the earlier model, but had lower noise, vibration and harshness levels, better fuel economy, and its mid-range response was improved.With VVT variable valve timing the double overhead camshaft engine put out 125kW (167 horsepower) at its power peak, and maximum torque of 226Nm.The engine was a willing performer with solid mid-range performance, but with extra weight to haul around its zip was dulled a little compared to the T30.To meet the growing demand for diesel engines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine was added to the range in 2008.At its peaks it produced 127kW (170 horsepower), and 336 Nm of torque, and delivered the fuel-consumption savings motorists were looking for along with the smooth drivability that comes with a good level of pulling power.Those buyers who chose the petrol engine had the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT auto, the latter with six preset ratios to make it feel more like a conventional automatic.With a little more weight to haul around the petrol engine isn’t the zippiest performer.The turbo-diesel came with a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a conventional six-speed automatic transmission.Final drive was courtesy of an improved version of Nissan’s acclaimed 'All-Mode' system, which offered three modes of operation; front-wheel drive, automatic, or 4WD lock for off-road driving up to 40 km/h. Hill start and descent assistance features were added to the system.To meet the demand for a high-riding wagon from buyers not wanting to go off road in their SUVs Nissan added front-wheel drive versions of the ST and ST-L to the range in 2011.The ride is comfortable with good damping and body control on road and off.With its independent MacPherson strut front suspension and coil springs in the rear suspension, handling is balanced and assured in most situations.The steering is light and responsive, and the turning circle is tight enough to make maneuvering easy.Both engines, even the diesel, are acceptably quiet, and there’s little road noise to bother those inside.With a little more weight to haul around the petrol engine isn’t the zippiest performer, and the diesel is better with good response and drivability thanks to its torque.With a comprehensive array of safety features ANCAP rated the T31 at four stars out of a possible five.Passive safety features included front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, side front airbags, head airbags, and seat belt pre-tensioners.It was also well equipped with active safety features, including ABS braking, BAS emergency brake assistance, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and ESP electronic stability control.Lap sash seat belts on all five seats facilitate the fitment of a child seat, and ISOFIX baby car seat mounting points are fitted.The earliest of the T31 X-Trails will now have done on average between 150,000 and 250,000 km, which means they need to be approached with caution and require thorough checking before being purchased.Owners report they the reliability is good and they give little trouble, but any car of the age and odometer reading of those early cars needs careful assessment of its condition.Check under the car for damage from off-road excursions. The X-Trail is quite a competent off-road performer, but its ground clearance limits it to light off-roading rather than rock climbing.Buy the car in the best condition, with the lowest odometer reading, and a complete service history.Nissan recommends servicing every 10,000km or six months. If the service book doesn’t show a car has been serviced as recommended, be skeptical.Regular oil changes, using 5W-30 oil, are the key to long and reliable engine life.Capped price servicing didn’t apply to the T31, but service costs are not excessive, and any competent mechanic can do it.Anyone opting for the CVT auto should road test a car before making their decision, as they’re a different beast to drive and you need to get used its idiosyncrasies, one being the constant whirring noise.There were some issues with the CVT in early T31 X-Trails due to a bearing that was overloaded and prone to failure, and Nissan replaced many transmissions. Listen for odd metallic noises coming from the gearbox during your road test.Another problem reported on a number of diesel models is the failure of he DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). They’re expensive to replace if you have to.The engines use a timing chain, which means there is no requirement for regular replacement.When new, the X-Trail carried a warranty of three years/ 100,000km.MORE: If anything crops up, you’ll probably find it on our Nissan X-Trail problems.Michael Liagourdis: My 2012 Nissan X-Trail Ti 4WD auto has 93,000km on the clock and has been trouble free. It’s great cruising on the highway, and it is impressive off-road. The 2.5-litre petrol engine is both fuel-efficient and smooth. Overall it’s a fun vehicle and a pleasure to drive.Ken Collins: I have a 2012 X-Trail and I love it. I’m tall, but it’s easy to get in and out, it’s great on petrol, has a ton of power, and is great to drive, especially long distances.Ross Weldon: I have been an X-Trail owner for 13 years; the latest is a 2012 ST-L. I wanted a good highway cruiser that could go off-road when required, and the X-Trail fills the bill perfectly. It is easy to enter and exit, has one of the biggest cargo areas in their class, and the fit and finish is spot on.Rigby Gilbert: My 2008 TS diesel manual is my second X-Trail. It has now done 160,000km and is still running as well as ever. The first was a petrol model, but I find the diesel relaxing to drive when towing and the fuel consumption when towing improved.Ian & Rae Singleton: We bought our 2011 X-Trail manual because we wanted easy access in and out of the car. It’s done 43,000km, none off-road, and it has been very reliable, easy to drive and gets good fuel economy on the open road. There’s nothing glamorous about it, but it’s a good, reliable and simple SUV.Roomy, practical family wagon that’s at home on the road and off.

The X-Trail was a compact SUV designed to appeal to those looking for a vehicle that blended bush with the ’burbs.

Towing or touring, the boxy family wagon had ample living room. New Until you got up close to the new X-Trail Nissan released in 2007 you could have been forgiven for thinking little had changed. It was the same boxy shape, but when you did get up close you discovered it was longer, wider and taller than the outgoing

Though often used only as an on-road station wagon, Nissan's X-Trail is pretty competent as an SUV. While not intended to be used in extreme 4WD conditions, it can handle most recreational off-road driving with little trouble. Providing enjoyment to adventurous families while doing so.  Nissan X-Trail uses a complex

Graham Smith reviews the 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Nissan X-Trail as a used buy.

Nissan was relatively late into the compact SUV market, arriving here in the wake of the trail blazing Toyota RAV4 and the popular Honda CR- V, but when it did hit the market it did so with a thoroughly competent vehicle in the X-Trail.The T31 was an all-new model launched late in 2007, initially in all-petrol form, but with a turbo-diesel option from 2008. With its rugged looks, practical cabin, gutsy petrol engine and its clever all-mode 4WD system it won its share of followers, but the diesel was really the icing on the cake.There were two versions of the turbo-diesel engine, one that came with the auto transmission that was less powerful, and one you got with the manual gearbox that boasted more performance. While most buyers would probably prefer the automatic transmission variant for its smooth driveability around town it's important to understand that it has a lower towing capacity than the variant with the manual gearbox. When hooked up to the manual the towing capacity is a hefty 2000 kg, but with the auto it drops to just 1350 kg.Nissan's smart all-mode drive system gave the driver the option at the flick of a switch of 2-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, or a combination of both in which the system chose which drive was needed for the conditions of the moment.The cabin was roomy and flexible, but if there was a criticism it was the central location of the instruments, which meant the driver had to take his/her eyes off the road for an instant to check speed and other vitals.That aside the interior was spacious for the class and there were lots of practical storage options. All models boasted a full-sized spare wheel mounted under the rear for better security.The T31 is still relatively new in the market and few have done high mileage, so there is little service history to report. But there are lots of the earlier T30 models that have done the big kays to have confidence that this one will go the distance without too much trouble. Both the petrol and diesel engines use chains to drive the camshafts, so the cost of servicing is reasonable. The introduction of the diesel brought with it a Diesel Particulate Filter, which periodically needs to go through a regeneration cycle. If a driver fails to complete the cycle as required it can mean a trip to the dealer to have it done and that will cost.Anyone considering converting the petrol X-Trail should think again, the LPG industry generally recommends against it. A number of X-Trails that have been converted have suffered high engine wear, which has been attributed to the engine drawing in particles of the internal structure of the catalytic converter, causing excessive wear on the cylinder bores. While it's been mostly associated with X-Trails on LPG, and blamed on the gas, there have also been reports of cars showing high oil consumption at higher odometer readings. That suggests the issue, while perhaps exacerbated by LPG, is not restricted to engines running on gas.The X-Trail uses regular unleaded fuel and Nissan approves the use of E10 ethanol blend as well.Competent, well-equipped all-rounder with intelligent 4WD system and choice of diesel engine makes it a worthy contender in the compact SUV class.

Nissan had no real reason to rethink or rework its X-Trail compact four-wheel-drive. It has been doing well. Starring, actually.Its sales figures led in its class in 2003 and have kept it in the top three against the Toyota RAV-4 and the Honda CR-V every year since it came to Australia in 2001.But things are getting tougher, the X-Trail was getting older, and Nissan knew it was time for an update without ruining the original recipe.So it took the standard approach: more room, more power, more economy and better equipment.And it's still priced from $31,990.The safety package is underpinned by anti-skid brakes with brake force distribution, six airbags and electronic stability control.Nissan decided against changing the appearance too much after research showed owners and intenders like the looks. However, every piece of sheetmetal is subtly new and different.The body is bigger and stiffer but the basic lines are the same, apart from a brushover, muscular front bumper and swelling wheel arches.Visibility is excellent. A sloping bonnet and headlight markers give a clear sense of the front corners. Restyled pillars add to the airiness of the roomier cabin.A revised suspension means a lower boot floor and about 50 per cent extra capacity, including a hidden removable drawer.Interior surfaces are improved, and armrests are padded for better comfort. Redesigned instruments and switches add to the feeling of better quality.Nissan has simplified and smartened the X-Trail's electronic AWD system with the choice between two-wheel, automatic all-wheel mode or 4WD lock being selected with a dial on the console.A downhill control uses the brakes to maintain a descent speed of 8km/h, and a hill-start system automatically activates on a slope of more than 10 per cent. The stability control can be deactivated to allow some helpful wheelspin in deep sand or gravel.Surprisingly, there is only one engine — a 2.5-litre petrol motor — though Nissan is looking at the viability of the diesel available overseas with either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic.Buying the $31,990 ST X-Trail gets you all the essentials with fabric trim, 16-inch steel wheels and full-sized spare. The $35,990 ST-L gets 17-inch alloys, foglamps, leather-trimmed wheel and a six-stacker CD audio system.The top-level $38,990 Ti adds leather upholstery, sunroof and heating on the front seats.THE X-Trail has always been a real off-roader. The RAV and the CR-V may be better city choices, but the Nissan has been the real deal off the blacktop. Improvements have increased its on and off-road performance, though it still falls short of being truly car-like.The cabin is fairly quiet except for some tyre noise over rough bitumen.Steering is well weighted and precise in following commands, but the feel is strangely artificial.The engine is a highlight. The 2.5-litre four is a strong unit that serves the X-Trail well, having more on tap than most of its competitors, developing 125kW at 6000 revs and 226Nm of torque at 4400.The manual mode in the CVT is lacklustre unless revs are kept high, but in full auto it takes care of most tasks neatly and very smoothly.The CVT wins out on economy, coming in at 9.3L/100km. The manual is 0.2 higher.The fuel figures, decent price and sturdy reputation will keep attracting X-Trail fans, but you can't help wondering if the new Nissan would win even more Aussies away from the RAV and CR-V if its classy CVT was partnered by the diesel engine. 

Owners of the current model said they liked the compact, chunky looking five-seat off-road wagon just the way it is.The message must have got through because the second generation X-Trail looks remarkably like the previous one.It's a bit longer with a larger load area and as such naturally looks different in profile _ but viewed from the front you'd be hard pressed to tell them apart.The uncanny similarity is not surprising considering X-Trail is Nissan's second largest seller and the company was wary of jeopardising this success.While it looks the same, however, the new model sits on a new platform and is in fact all-new from the ground up.It arrives towards the end of the year, along with kissing cousin the crossover Dualis which shares the same platform.But rather than wait Nissan invited us to be among the first to see and drive the new X-Trail at the international launch in Greece this week.It's powered by a revised version of the 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine in the current model.Disappointingly, Nissan has not taken the opportunity to add a diesel to the lineup as might have been expected.There's just no demand for one, a defensive marketing manager Ross Booth declared.That's a shame because the diesel we drove is a good one and, with 320Nm of torque, was the less powerful of the pair available.”We've had a diesel engine available to us for a number of years with X-Trail in Europe, as has Honda as has Toyota _ but no one has brought one out yet because at this stage there isn't a market there," Mr Booth said.Of course the situation could change if one of Nissan's competitors decided to introduce a diesel tomorrow.The revised 2.5-litre petrol engine is good for 124kW of power at 6000rpm and 233Nm of torque at 4400rpm. That's 1kW less but 3Nm more than before, but the big improvements are in smoothness and economy.Twin chain-driven counter-rotating balancer shafts have been added to reduce vibration. This time around the engine is hooked up to a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic (CVT) that makes a big difference to fuel economy.The CVT also offers a six-speed manual modecom and as its name suggests continuously varies the gear ratio for optimal power and economy .Fuel consumption drops from 9.8 to 9.3 litres/100km, compared to the old four-speed auto. The manual on the other hand creeps up 0.1 of a litre to 9.5 litres/100km. To put this in perspective the car has gained about 70kg in weight.Inside, current X-Trail owners will immediately notice the speedo has been moved back behind the steering wheel.  Controversially, in the current model, it sits smack dab in the centre of the dash. The main reason for the move is to make way for a computer screen to accommodate satellite navigation and a reversing camera, plus an in-dash CD changer. Ironically, we won't be getting either satnav or the camera.X-Trail's increased length (up 120mm to 4630mm) translates to a touch more rear leg room, but the biggest gains are in the load area which is wider, taller and deeper _ 85mm deeper to be exact. A removable false floor has also been added that conceals another sectioned storage area. With the seats folded _ and, by the way, they fold 40/20/40 _ Nissan claims load capacity is now best in class.As half X-Trail customers come from cars, the emphasis has been on making the ride as smooth and car-like as possible, with reduced interior noise levels. The second generation all-wheel drive system is also smarter and can anticipate dangerous situations. On the road the vehicle feels competent and comfortable, with a smooth ride and mostly supple suspension.Pushed hard through corners it exhibits noticeably less understeer than before, but the petrol engine remains hash under load and lacks the pulling power of the diesel.Off road X-Trail can still mix it with the big boys, with the addition of hill descent control and a hill holder braking system. Thirty per cent of owners go off road regularly and for this reason the vehicle retains a full-size spare, while the load area remains carpetless so it can be easily wiped clean.Well, Nissan reckons it will prop up residual values for one thing. Buyers were attracted by the original's size, price and practicality, as well as the fact it was well equipped. But perhaps just as important were its off road ability and chunky, masculine styling. The longer design detracts from the look but perhaps not too much. You can certainly fit more gear in the back, including a bike.As for pricing and specification, they will not be revealed until the Sydney motor show in October.