The Nissan X-Trail has been one of the brand’s most enduring nameplates in Australia, carving out a reputation for being a family-friendly SUV that blends everyday practicality with enough ruggedness for light off-road adventures. In 2025, Nissan has taken that winning formula and added a technological twist with the e-POWER hybrid system, delivering a unique driving experience that blurs the lines between electric and petrol.
Unlike conventional hybrids, the X-Trail e-POWER doesn’t rely on the petrol engine to directly drive the wheels. Instead, the petrol engine works solely as a generator, producing electricity for an electric motor that powers the wheels. This means you get the smoothness and instant torque of an EV, without the need to plug in and charge. For many Australian buyers, this could be the ideal bridge between traditional SUVs and a fully electric future.
Design and Styling – A Modern SUV With a Premium Edge
The 2025 Nissan X-Trail e-POWER continues with the bold, athletic design that has been a hallmark of the current generation. Its V-motion grille, sleek LED headlights, and sculpted bodywork give it a premium presence on the road. In Australia, buyers will appreciate the balance between rugged SUV proportions and the refined styling cues that appeal to urban drivers.
The high bonnet line and squared-off wheel arches project strength, while the chrome accents and contrasting roof options bring sophistication. Wheel sizes range from 18-inch alloys in the lower trims to 20-inch premium designs on the Ti-L grade. Colour options cater to both conservative and adventurous buyers, with earthy tones like Boulder Grey and more vibrant finishes like Scarlet Ember.
Aerodynamics have been improved subtly, with underbody panels and redesigned mirrors helping to reduce wind noise and improve fuel efficiency—small touches that make a big difference on long highway drives.
Interior and Comfort – Family-Focused With Tech-Heavy Features
Step inside the 2025 Nissan X-Trail e-POWER, and you’re greeted with a cabin that blends comfort, technology, and practicality. Nissan has clearly designed this SUV with Australian families in mind.
Cabin Space
The X-Trail continues to offer a generous interior, with seating for five or seven passengers depending on the configuration. In the seven-seat models, the third row is best reserved for kids or shorter trips, but the versatility it adds is a big plus for growing families.
Materials and Finish
Higher trims introduce premium materials, including quilted leather upholstery, soft-touch dash panels, and matte-finished wood or metallic trim. Even in entry-level models, the build quality feels solid, and the surfaces are designed to withstand the wear and tear of active lifestyles.
Technology and Infotainment
The centrepiece is Nissan’s 12.3-inch infotainment display, paired with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display in higher trims. Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto (wired) are standard, as is a crisp 10-speaker Bose audio system on upper models. A head-up display, wireless phone charging, and multiple USB-C ports ensure the cabin stays connected.
Practicality
Boot space is generous—585 litres in five-seat mode, expanding to over 1,400 litres with the rear seats folded. Nissan’s Divide-N-Hide cargo system lets you configure the boot floor in multiple ways, making it easier to carry groceries, prams, sports gear, or camping equipment.
e-POWER Hybrid System – How It Works
The e-POWER drivetrain is the standout feature of this X-Trail variant. Instead of being a plug-in hybrid or a conventional petrol SUV, it uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that never directly drives the wheels. Instead, it acts as a generator, feeding a 140kW electric motor that provides propulsion.
Key Benefits for Australian Drivers
- EV-like driving feel: Instant torque and smooth acceleration without gear shifts.
- No charging required: The petrol engine keeps the battery topped up, so you can refuel at any service station.
- Better efficiency: Especially in city driving, where the electric motor does most of the work.
- Reduced noise and vibration: The petrol engine runs at optimal RPM for generating electricity, not for acceleration.
In real-world conditions, the system feels more refined than a traditional hybrid because there’s no mechanical link between the petrol engine and the wheels. When you accelerate, it’s the electric motor doing the work, delivering seamless power.
e-4ORCE All-Wheel Drive – Confident in All Conditions
For buyers who opt for the e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system, the X-Trail e-POWER gains serious all-weather capability. This dual-motor setup uses one motor on each axle, allowing for rapid torque distribution between the front and rear wheels.
Why It Matters in Australia
Whether you’re tackling gravel roads in the outback, dealing with slippery boat ramps, or navigating wet suburban streets, e-4ORCE delivers enhanced grip and stability. It can send up to 100% of torque to either axle, depending on traction needs, making it highly adaptable.
On-Road Performance – Smooth and Responsive
The 2025 Nissan X-Trail e-POWER feels different from any petrol SUV you’ve driven. The absence of gear shifts and the instant torque delivery give it a calm, composed acceleration. In urban environments, it’s whisper-quiet, with the petrol engine occasionally humming in the background when generating electricity.
On highways, the system maintains steady speeds with minimal engine intrusion, and overtaking is confident thanks to the electric motor’s responsiveness. The e-4ORCE system adds stability in cornering, making the X-Trail feel planted.
Fuel Economy – Real-World Efficiency
Official figures suggest around 6.1L/100km for the AWD model, but in stop-start city driving, you may see even better results due to the electric motor doing most of the work. For Australian families who do a mix of city and regional driving, this translates to genuine savings at the pump compared to larger petrol-only SUVs.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2025 Nissan X-Trail e-POWER comes equipped with Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety technologies, including:
- ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving (adaptive cruise + lane keep assist)
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- 360-degree surround-view camera
- Traffic sign recognition
The ANCAP safety rating remains a full five stars, making it one of the safest family SUVs in its segment.
Pricing and Variants in Australia
Nissan offers the e-POWER system in mid- to high-grade trims in Australia, with pricing starting around the mid-$50,000 range and stretching into the mid-$60,000s for fully loaded Ti-L models with e-4ORCE AWD. This positions it competitively against rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, while offering a unique drive experience.
Verdict – Who Is It For?
The 2025 Nissan X-Trail e-POWER is ideal for:
- Families wanting SUV space and comfort without the thirst of a full petrol engine.
- Drivers curious about EVs but not ready to commit to charging infrastructure.
- Australians who regularly drive in mixed city and rural conditions.
It’s a well-rounded, comfortable, and efficient SUV that doesn’t compromise on capability or technology. The e-POWER system might just be the sweet spot for buyers wanting the smoothness of electric drive with the convenience of petrol refuelling.
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