2024 Nissan X-Trail First Drive Review: What Makes This Premium SUV Worth Rs 50 Lakh?

The Nissan X-Trail is the Japanese manufacturer’s flagship mid-size SUV in international markets. Enthusiasts in India might remember that it was briefly sold here, but it had such a minimal impact on the market that many may have never seen it on the road. Now, Nissan India has introduced the new fourth-generation model of the X-Trail here, and needless to say, the new model is crucial for Nissan India, for its success could significantly influence the brand’s future. In fact, the X-Trail is set to spearhead a series of new launches in the country, which means that a lot is riding on its shoulders – not only must it be a competent product but also have competitive pricing. So, is that the case? Well, it’s time to put this premium made-in-Japan offering to the test and find out. 

2024 Nissan X-Trail First Drive Review: Exterior Design and dimensions

A quick glance at the vehicle is enough for you to notice its balanced proportions and modern aesthetics. While it maintains a traditional SUV design and stance, it is equipped with contemporary features and sports some modern design elements to give it a fresh appearance. At the front, there is the classic Nissan V-motion style grille and two-tier LED headlight and DRL combination. The X-Trail also features flared, blacked-out fenders, which significantly adds to its ‘proper’ SUV design. However, what truly stands out in its side profile are the large 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels – they look great and fill out the wheel wells rather nicely.

In terms of dimensions, the X-Trail looks and feels like a sizeable SUV, much larger than it seems on paper. Internationally, it sits in the middle of Nissan’s SUV line-up, but in India, it’s positioned as the flagship model. It measures 4,680mm in length, 1,840mm in width, and 1,725mm in height. To put that in perspective, it is just shy of the Skoda Kodiaq’s dimensions but slightly larger than the Volkswagen Tiguan. That said, it’s taller than both.

Also Read: Mahindra Thar Roxx Diesel MT Review: The 5-door SUV to Buy?

2024 Nissan X-Trail First Drive Review: Interior Design and Features

Inside, the same theme continues – an old-school package accentuated with modern embellishments and features. True, it’s not the most premium cabin out there, but it definitely feels adequately premium and upmarket. In fact, it won’t disappoint you as a premium SUV in its category.

Japanese manufacturers like Nissan, Toyota, and Honda have previously offered modern-looking interiors, but they were often marred by the presentation of on-screen graphics. Fortunately, this is not the case with the new X-Trail. It has one of the best-looking instrument cluster units in the business, but the 8-inch infotainment system right next to it detracts from the overall experience. Nissan has designed the cabin to be quite practical as well. There are Type-A and Type-C charging ports (one each) and a wireless charger. Additionally, you get a floating centre console, with two large cup holders, a storage area underneath, and a large side-opening centre armrest. The door panel storage areas are quite spacious too. The entire cabin is pretty well laid out, functional, and premium. The quality of materials is excellent, but there are two key aspects that are disappointing. First, it gets fabric seats finished in grey, and second, the front seats are not electrically adjustable. These are two highly desirable features, especially considering the demands of the Indian market.

Also Read: 2024 Mini Countryman Electric First Drive Review: Perfect SUV For Car Lovers In India?

2024 Nissan X-Trail First Drive Review: Rear rows and Boot Space

A significant aspect of a vehicle in this class is the space and comfort offered to passengers at the back. While the Nissan X-Trail has three rows of seating (the only available option), everyone (including children) will prefer to occupy the second row. The rear doors open at an 85-degree angle, making for easy ingress, especially if the rear seats in your vehicle are used by elderly passengers. Moreover, the entire bench is both forward and backwards adjustable, and you can even change the backrest angle to suit your preference.

The X-Trail also offers decent creature comforts to keep passengers happy. These include the middle seat that folds down into a large armrest, large bottle holders, Type-A and Type-C charging ports, and AC vents. While the second row feels adequate, the third row is more of a mixed bag. There are storage spaces on both sides, reading lights, and adjustable seats, but the seats are so small that even children might find them uncomfortable.

With the X-Trail, you get 575 litres of boot space with the third row folded and 1,424 litres with both the second and third rows folded. I think it’s quite generous for all kinds of situations. In fact, even with all three rows in use, there is plenty of storage space to accommodate multiple duffle bags for a weekend getaway. There is also a bit of space for knick-knacks under the boot floor. Beneath that, you will find storage space for the company-provided air compressor and the tyre repair kit.

2024 Nissan X-Trail First Drive Review: Performance and Handling

The Nissan X-Trail gets a 1.5-litre three-cylinder variable-compression turbo-petrol engine, which pushes out 163bhp and 300Nm of peak torque. As soon as I started driving the car, I was immediately surprised by its urgency. The standout feature of this engine is its ability to completely alter the compression ratio to meet the performance demands.

In simple terms, for more efficiency and economic performance, it can go as high as a 14:1 compression ratio. Step on the gas, and depending on the power demand, it can adjust the ratio down to 8:1 for a more powerful performance. This results in an engine that can develop power similar to a large NA engine and has the ability to alter its characteristics to be as economical as a small-displacement turbocharged engine. Paired with a fast-shifting CVT gearbox, it was easy to keep the SUV going strong during the test. Yes, there was some lag but not enough to completely ruin the experience.

Also Read:

In terms of comfort and handling, the X-Trail managed to surprise me as much as it did with its performance. I really wasn’t expecting the car to be as gentle, pliant, comfortable, and nimble as it was. Regardless of the size of potholes or road conditions, it handles everything impressively. Additionally, it doesn’t let any of the thuds or hard knocks seep into the cabin, ensuring that passengers remain insulated from the roughness of the road.

During the test, I deliberately drove the X-Trail over speed breakers and bad road patches at high speeds, and it impressed me every time with how well it absorbed those hits and kept its composure, despite its large 20-inch alloy wheels. What was even more surprising was its brilliant handling. On the road, its steering feels well-weighted and direct and offers decent feedback. Combined with the well-tuned suspension, it allows you to aggressively attack corners with confidence and remains agile in terms of direction changes.

2024 Nissan X-Trail First Drive Review: Verdict

So, what’s the verdict? In simple terms, it’s a mixed bag, but I really like it. It is a sizeable vehicle with a road presence comparable to that of the Skoda Kodiaq but better than the Volkswagen Tiguan’s – at least, in my opinion. Inside, it’s well-built, feature-loaded, and quite practical. And in terms of driving, the X-Trail offers enough power and comfort to keep the whole family happy. However, with a price tag of ₹49.92 lakh (ex-showroom), it is simply too hard to justify its standing in our market.