The SUV market in Australia continues to boom, and standing strong in this space is the 2025 Nissan X-Trail. This latest generation builds on Nissan’s legacy of family-friendly design, functional features, and a balance between urban refinement and light off-road ability. But with increased competition from rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, and Subaru Forester, does the X-Trail still have what it takes to win over Aussie buyers?
In this detailed review, we’ll explore every angle of the new X-Trail — from its design, interior tech, hybrid options, and driving performance, to how it compares against its closest competitors.
🔍 Overview: What’s New in the 2025 Nissan X-Trail?
Nissan has taken a comprehensive approach to updating the X-Trail. The 2025 model brings:
- A modernised exterior design with sharper lines and premium cues
- More efficient powertrains, including the e-POWER hybrid
- Improved ride and handling thanks to a revised suspension and chassis
- Updated NissanConnect infotainment with Google integration
- A full suite of advanced safety tech as standard
- Option for seven seats on select trims
🚙 Exterior Design: Sharper and More Confident
At first glance, the new X-Trail looks more athletic than its predecessor. It retains the signature V-motion grille, now wider and more aggressive, paired with slim LED headlights and daytime running lights. The muscular wheel arches and sculpted bonnet give it a more SUV-like, confident stance.
Key exterior highlights:
- LED lighting across all grades
- New 20-inch alloy wheels on Ti-L models
- Contrasting roof options available on higher trims
- Electric tailgate with hands-free access (from ST-L and up)
While it’s not radically different from the 2023-24 model, the 2025 refresh aligns the X-Trail with Nissan’s global design direction, especially with hints from the US-market Rogue.
🛋 Interior Comfort and Practicality
Step inside, and the X-Trail greets you with a spacious, tech-rich, and premium-feeling cabin. Materials across the dashboard and doors have improved in quality, especially in the Ti and Ti-L grades, which offer quilted Nappa leather seats and ambient lighting.
Interior dimensions (5-seat layout):
- Boot space: 585 litres (with seats up)
- Rear seat legroom: Ample for adults
- Optional third row: Available in ST and ST-L grades
Comfort Features:
- Dual-zone or tri-zone climate control
- Panoramic sunroof (Ti-L)
- Heated front and rear seats (Ti-L)
- Power-adjustable driver and passenger seats
In terms of practicality, the rear doors open almost 90 degrees for easy access, and the second-row bench can slide and recline. For families, the ISOFIX points and clever storage options make the X-Trail a smart choice.
📱 Technology and Connectivity
Nissan has significantly boosted the X-Trail’s tech credentials in 2025. The new infotainment system is powered by NissanConnect, offering:
- 12.3-inch infotainment display (Ti and Ti-L)
- 10.8-inch head-up display (Ti-L)
- Digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & wired Android Auto
- Google Assistant & Google Maps built-in
There are also USB-C and USB-A charging ports front and rear, wireless charging pad (from ST-L), and an optional Bose 10-speaker audio system.
Voice control now works naturally with Google Assistant integration, a welcome step up from the older clunky systems.
⚙️ Engine Options & Performance
The 2025 X-Trail in Australia is available in two main drivetrain options:
1.5L Turbocharged Petrol (Mild-Hybrid)
- Power: 150kW
- Torque: 305Nm
- Transmission: CVT
- Fuel economy: 7.4L/100km (2WD), 7.8L/100km (AWD)
This engine offers a smooth, responsive drive with mild-hybrid assistance for efficiency.
e-POWER Hybrid (Series Hybrid)
- Power: 157kW (system output)
- Torque: Instant electric torque
- Electric motor drives the wheels, petrol charges the battery
- Fuel economy: 6.1L/100km combined
What is e-POWER?
Unlike a traditional hybrid, e-POWER uses the petrol engine only to generate electricity. This allows for EV-like driving smoothness and torque, without the need for plug-in charging.
Drive Modes:
- Eco, Standard, Sport (Petrol)
- Snow and Off-Road modes (AWD variants)
🛣️ Ride & Handling: On-Road & Light Off-Road
Thanks to a stiffer chassis and refined suspension tuning, the 2025 X-Trail rides with confidence and composure. Around town, it’s light and easy to drive. On highways, it feels stable and well-damped, and the e-POWER version is especially smooth.
Off-Road Capability:
- Intelligent 4x4 system
- Hill Descent Control
- Ground clearance: 205mm
- Approach/Departure: modest but enough for mild trails
While it's no Land Cruiser, it handles gravel roads and bush tracks with ease — ideal for adventurous families or weekend getaways.
🛡️ Safety & Driver Assistance
The 2025 X-Trail earns top marks in safety with Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist and 360° Safety Shield.
Standard Safety Features:
- AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keep assist
- Intelligent cruise control
- Rear auto emergency braking
- 7 airbags
- 360° camera with Moving Object Detection (Ti-L)
ANCAP is expected to maintain its 5-star rating, and Nissan’s emphasis on active driver assistance puts the X-Trail near the top in its class.
💸 Pricing and Variants (Drive-away Estimates)
| Variant | Powertrain | Seats | Drive | Est. Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST | 1.5T Mild-Hybrid | 5 | FWD | ~$39,000 |
| ST-L | 1.5T Mild-Hybrid | 5/7 | AWD | ~$45,000 |
| Ti | 1.5T Mild-Hybrid | 5 | AWD | ~$50,500 |
| Ti-L | e-POWER AWD | 5 | AWD | ~$56,000 |
Warranty: 5 years/unlimited km
Servicing: Capped-price servicing with intervals of 12 months/10,000 km
Fuel Type: 91 RON petrol
🔁 2025 Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals
| Model | Fuel Economy | Power | Boot Space | Drive | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X-Trail e-POWER | 6.1L/100km | 157kW | 585L | AWD | ~$56K |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | 4.7L/100km | 160kW | 580L | AWD | ~$52K |
| Mazda CX-5 GT SP | 7.4L/100km | 140kW | 438L | AWD | ~$50K |
| Subaru Forester Hybrid | 6.7L/100km | 110kW | 509L | AWD | ~$49K |
| Hyundai Tucson Elite | 7.9L/100km | 132kW | 539L | AWD | ~$47K |
Verdict: The X-Trail edges out competitors in boot space, real-world comfort, and unique e-POWER driving experience — though RAV4 remains more frugal.
✅ Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Roomy and versatile cabin
- Smooth and quiet e-POWER hybrid
- Excellent safety tech suite
- Solid infotainment and Google services
- Option for 7 seats on select trims
Cons:
- Priced higher than some rivals
- e-POWER fuel savings not as good as RAV4
- CVT not for driving enthusiasts
- Third-row seats are tight for adults
🧠 Who Is the 2025 Nissan X-Trail For?
The X-Trail hits a sweet spot for:
- Families needing space, flexibility, and safety
- Urban drivers who want SUV presence without bulk
- Tech-savvy buyers appreciating Google integration
- Weekend adventurers who like gravel roads and trails
Buyers considering RAV4 or CX-5 but wanting something a little different
🏁 Final Verdict: Still a Smart Buy in 2025?
Yes — the 2025 Nissan X-Trail successfully blends practicality, innovation, and style. While it doesn’t dramatically outperform rivals in every metric, its refined drive, flexible interior, modern tech, and Nissan’s attention to safety and detail make it one of the most well-rounded midsize SUVs on the Aussie market.
If you’re after a comfortable, capable, and tech-rich SUV — the X-Trail is definitely worth a test drive.
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