Nissan X-Trail Review | Family SUV | Hybrid Option | Price Australia

The Nissan X-Trail has long been a familiar sight on Australian roads. Known for its practicality, dependability, and family-friendly appeal, the latest X-Trail builds on its reputation with a stylish redesign and the introduction of Nissan’s e-Power hybrid technology.

It’s the SUV that balances urban ease with weekend adventure. Whether it’s tackling a school run in Melbourne, a camping trip near the Blue Mountains, or a highway drive up to Queensland’s beaches, the 2025 X-Trail is engineered to meet every family need while keeping fuel bills in check.

Exterior Design: Confident and Modern

At first glance, the new X-Trail looks sharper and more confident than ever. The bold V-motion grille, signature LED headlights, and sculpted bonnet give it an athletic stance, while the high beltline and 19-inch alloy wheels (on higher trims) add sophistication.

The proportions are balanced — large enough for presence but compact enough for city car parks. The floating roof design, chrome accents, and sleek rear LED taillights create a premium look that rivals pricier competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson.

Nissan also offers a wide colour palette, including two-tone options that emphasise its sporty character. The top-spec Ti and Ti-L variants introduce a panoramic sunroof and hands-free power tailgate — practical touches for family life.

Interior & Comfort: Built for Families

Step inside the X-Trail and it immediately feels premium yet functional. The cabin layout is driver-focused, with soft-touch materials, stitched leather (in upper trims), and a clean dashboard design dominated by a 12.3-inch digital display and 9-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Seating & Space

• Available in five- or seven-seat configurations, the X-Trail caters to growing families.
• The rear seats slide and recline, offering extra legroom or boot space as needed.
• The boot capacity ranges from 465 to 575 litres (depending on trim and seating), perfect for strollers, camping gear, or sports bags.

The zero-gravity front seats, developed with NASA technology, reduce fatigue on long drives. Climate control extends to the second row, and dual USB ports ensure everyone stays charged — features busy parents will appreciate.

Noise & Ride Comfort

Nissan’s engineers have enhanced cabin insulation, reducing road noise and vibration. Combined with the smooth suspension tuning, the X-Trail glides quietly over rough Australian roads, from inner-city bitumen to regional highways.

Infotainment & Technology

Technology is a major highlight of the new X-Trail. The system integrates seamlessly with Australian digital habits through Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto (wired), with crisp graphics and an intuitive interface.

Key tech highlights include:

• 12.3-inch digital driver display
• 9-inch infotainment touchscreen
• 10.8-inch head-up display projecting key info onto the windscreen
• 360-degree around-view camera for effortless parking
• Bose premium audio system (Ti-L trim) for immersive sound

The ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving system deserves special mention. It manages steering, acceleration, and braking in certain conditions, taking the stress out of long highway drives — a huge bonus for family road trips.

Performance and Driving Experience

Engine Options

Nissan offers the X-Trail with two powertrains:

1. 2.5-litre petrol engine – 135 kW and 244 Nm, paired with a CVT automatic.
2. 1.5-litre turbocharged e-Power hybrid system – a standout option producing 157 kW combined output.

Unlike conventional hybrids, Nissan’s e-Power works differently. The petrol engine doesn’t drive the wheels directly — it simply charges the battery, which powers the electric motor. The result is smooth, instantaneous torque like an EV, without the need for external charging.

On-Road Feel

The X-Trail feels composed and confident, with sharp steering and solid grip thanks to Intelligent AWD. Switchable drive modes (Standard, Eco, Sport, Snow, Off-road) adapt the response for changing conditions.

The hybrid e-Power variant particularly shines in urban environments, delivering near-silent acceleration and impressive low-speed refinement. On highways, it remains stable and planted, with minimal body roll — ideal for long family journeys.

Fuel Efficiency

The petrol model averages 7.4 L/100 km, while the hybrid e-Power variant drops that to around 6.1 L/100 km, depending on driving conditions. It’s a practical improvement that makes real-world difference over thousands of kilometres.

Safety: A Strong Focus

Nissan has packed the X-Trail with a comprehensive suite of safety technology under its Intelligent Mobility umbrella.

Standard features across the range include:

• Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Adaptive cruise control
• 360-degree safety monitoring cameras

Higher trims add rear automatic braking, driver attention alert, and front parking sensors.

The X-Trail has earned a 5-star ANCAP safety rating (2023 assessment), with excellent scores for adult and child occupant protection — a vital factor for family buyers.

Variants and Pricing in Australia (2025)

Here’s a snapshot of the latest pricing and features across the X-Trail range (approximate drive-away figures; vary by state):

For families seeking value, the ST-L offers a balanced mix of comfort and tech. Those wanting refinement and efficiency will find the Ti-L e-Power variant worth the premium.

Hybrid Technology Explained: Nissan e-Power

Nissan’s e-Power hybrid is a unique proposition in the Australian SUV market. Unlike plug-in hybrids or mild hybrids, it provides full-electric drive without charging infrastructure dependency.

Here’s how it works:

• A 1.5-litre petrol engine acts purely as a generator.
• The electric motor drives the wheels, giving an EV-like response.
• Regenerative braking recharges the battery during deceleration.

This setup offers instant torque, whisper-quiet operation, and low fuel consumption, bridging the gap between petrol SUVs and full EVs.

It’s particularly appealing for Aussie buyers who want hybrid efficiency but aren’t ready to go all-electric yet.

Ride & Handling: Australian-Ready Comfort

The suspension tuning in the latest X-Trail feels spot-on for Australian roads. Whether navigating bumpy suburban streets or gravel backroads, the damping is compliant without feeling floaty.

The AWD system uses real-time torque distribution, adjusting between front and rear wheels to optimise grip. During tests on wet roads, the SUV maintained its composure even during sudden lane changes or uphill acceleration.

Steering is light but precise — perfect for daily commuting, parking, and long-distance touring.

Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs

With rising fuel prices, efficiency is a key concern for families. The X-Trail e-Power delivers tangible savings over time. On mixed driving cycles, it achieves roughly 6.1 L/100 km, compared to around 8 L/100 km for many rivals in the same size class.

Other ownership advantages:

• Five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty
• Six-year corrosion warranty
• 12-month/10,000 km service intervals
• Capped-price servicing program available via Nissan dealerships

Nissan’s strong dealer network ensures easy access to parts and maintenance across Australia, from major cities to regional towns.

Practicality for Australian Families

What makes the X-Trail truly shine is how effortlessly it fits into daily life:

• The wide-opening rear doors make child seat installation easy.
• The divide-n-hide cargo system allows flexible boot organisation.
• Roof rails and towing capacity (up to 2,000 kg in AWD models) make it ready for family adventures.
• The electric tailgate and keyless entry are time-savers for parents juggling kids and shopping bags.

It’s built for real Australian families — versatile, safe, and dependable.

Competitors & Comparisons

The midsize SUV market in Australia is competitive. The X-Trail competes with:

• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – slightly better economy but longer wait times.
• Mazda CX-5 – sportier handling but smaller cabin.
• Hyundai Tucson – strong value, but lacks e-Power hybrid tech.
• Kia Sportage – stylish and high-tech, though petrol efficiency trails.

The X-Trail stands out with its EV-like hybrid drive and generous interior space — perfect for growing families who value refinement without excess cost.

Verdict: Why the Nissan X-Trail Deserves a Spot in Your Driveway

The 2025 Nissan X-Trail perfectly blends comfort, technology, and hybrid efficiency in a smart, family-ready package. Its e-Power hybrid system delivers electric-like driving without charging hassles, while the cabin offers flexibility, safety, and sophistication at every trim level.

Whether you’re navigating daily commutes or setting off on weekend road trips, the X-Trail feels built for Australian life — confident, economical, and ready for anything.

Key Takeaways

• Family-focused SUV with five or seven seats
• Hybrid e-Power offers smooth, efficient performance
• Comprehensive safety suite earns 5-star ANCAP
• Premium interior with advanced tech features
• Strong value in a competitive SUV segment

The Nissan X-Trail proves that practicality and modern innovation can coexist — a dependable choice for Australian families who demand more from their everyday drive.