Crossover popularity Nissan X-Trail in Russia has remained at a high level for more than a decade, despite fierce competition from European and Korean counterparts. Many buyers are interested in understanding how the new T33 has changed compared to its predecessor, and whether it meets modern expectations of a family car. A test drive allows you to evaluate not only the dry performance of the engine, but also the actual driving sensations, the noise level in the cabin and the ease of landing.
During a trip through city traffic jams and country roads, we managed to find out that adaptive suspension really works as advertised, smoothing out uneven asphalt. However, some changes in design and ergonomics are controversial, especially among fans of the previous generation. To make an informed purchasing decision, it is necessary to consider in detail all aspects of operation: from the operation of the multimedia system to off-road behavior.
Dynamics and operation of power units
The basis of the engine range in our test was the turbocharged one. 1.33 liter engine paired with a variator. Despite the modest displacement, the power plant demonstrates amazing traction even from low revs, which is especially noticeable when starting from a traffic light or overtaking on the highway. Turbocharging works almost imperceptibly, providing smooth acceleration without jerks typical of cheap CVTs.
In the city the car feels confident, easily weaving between traffic flows. However, during active acceleration, the engine begins to make a lot of noise, which somewhat spoils the impression of the premium interior. Gearbox simulates gear shifting, which allows the driver to better feel the dynamics of the car, but in “Drive” mode it tends to keep the speed as low as possible to save fuel.
On a country road X-Trail shows itself as a calm cruiser. Noise insulation at speeds up to 110 km/h is at a decent level, but after 130 km/h a noticeable wind from the mirrors and a hum from the rubber penetrates into the cabin. Fuel tank volume of 55 liters provides a range of about 600-700 km in the combined cycle, which is an excellent indicator for a car of this class.
⚠️ Attention: When you press the gas pedal sharply in “Sport” mode, the CVT may exhibit a delay in response, which requires getting used to when overtaking on busy sections of the road.
- 🚗 Turbocharged engine provides excellent traction from the bottom, compensating for the low volume.
- 🛣️ Gearbox adapts to driving style, but can feel sluggish in economy mode.
- ⛽ Fuel consumption in traffic jams it is about 10-11 liters, on the highway it drops to 6.5 liters.
- Front
- Full (4WD)
- Hybrid
- Doesn't matter
Ergonomics and interior
The new generation salon has undergone major changes, becoming more modern and technologically advanced. The central element of the instrument panel has become a huge multimedia screen 12.3-inch diagonal, which is integrated into the overall structure of the dashboard. The system interface is responsive and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which solves the problem of navigation and music without unnecessary wires.
Seats Nissan traditionally considered one of the best in class thanks to the Zero Gravity concept. The pillow and backrest have pronounced side support, but do not put pressure on the back on long trips. Finishing materials selected with high quality: soft plastic on the dashboard, pleasant-to-touch leather on the steering wheel and “dark wood” inserts.
However, ergonomics also have its drawbacks. Physical climate control buttons have been replaced with touch panels, which is not always convenient when driving blind. The buttons for turning on the heated seats are located too low, next to the armrest, which requires taking your eyes off the road. Space at the back It's spacious enough for three adult passengers, but the center floor has a noticeable tunnel.
☑️Assessment of interior ergonomics
What's behind the screen?
There are a number of physical buttons hidden under the screen for quick access to basic functions, but they have very little travel and are difficult to find by touch in the dark.
Suspension and road behavior
The main trump card X-Trail There has always been its suspension, and in the new generation the engineers tried to maintain this balance. Front suspension MacPherson type with trailing arms perfectly absorbs small irregularities, creating the effect of “hovering” above the road. The rear multi-link also operates smoothly, but when taking sharp corners at high speed, you can notice body roll.
In city traffic, the steering is light and responsive, making maneuvering and parking easier. On the highway, the steering wheel becomes heavier, ensuring stability and predictability of the car's behavior. Electronic assistants work unobtrusively, helping to maintain lane and maintain distance, but they can be completely turned off if desired.
All-wheel drive system i-4WD capable of distributing torque between axles in a fraction of a second. Under normal conditions, the car drives like a front-wheel drive, but if traction is lost, the rear axle instantly engages. This allows you to feel confident on wet asphalt, slushy snow or light off-road conditions, although this is not an SUV in the classical sense.
⚠️ Attention: When actively driving along serpentine roads, the rear of the car may behave somewhat unpredictably due to the soft setting of the anti-roll bars.
- 🛣️ Smooth ride allows you to comfortably overcome speed bumps and slab joints.
- ❄️ Four-wheel drive effectively copes with winter conditions and primers.
- 🔄 Body roll noticeable in turns, but do not interfere with confident handling.
Security systems and technology
Safety plays a key role in a modern car, and Nissan offers an impressive list of options here. System ProPILOT is one of the most advanced driver assistants, combining adaptive cruise control and lane keeping. In traffic jams, the system itself stops the car and starts moving behind the leader, which significantly reduces driver fatigue.
Surround camera 360 degrees has high resolution and allows you to see the car from above in real time. This is an indispensable tool when parking in narrow yards or in cramped parking lots of shopping centers. Blind spot sensors operate in a timely manner, warning of approaching cars by flashing an indicator in the mirrors.
The driver fatigue monitoring system analyzes your driving style and may suggest you take a break. Automatic braking in an emergency, it can prevent a collision with a pedestrian or another vehicle at low speeds. All these systems work together to create a feeling of security, but require trust in the electronics.
Before you start driving, be sure to calibrate the all-round camera if you have changed the wheels or after repairing the suspension so that the picture is not distorted.
Practicality and luggage space
One of the main advantages of a crossover is its practicality. Luggage compartment X-Trail has a volume of 568 liters in the standard version, which allows you to load a lot of things for a family holiday. With the rear seats folded down, space increases to 1,988 liters, turning the car into a small truck.
The trunk floor is adjustable, allowing you to comfortably place tall objects. Cabin division allows you to transport long items without disturbing passengers in the back row. Under the floor there is an organizer and a spare full-size wheel, which is a nice bonus, since many competitors only offer re-rolling.
In the rear part of the cabin there is a wide hatch that opens from side to side, which makes loading large cargo easier. Isofix fastenings They are conveniently located, but access to them may be difficult due to the shape of the seat cushions. Overall, the car is perfect for a large family, providing comfort and spaciousness.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Trunk volume (seats up) | 568 liters |
| Trunk volume (seats folded) | 1988 liters |
| Ground clearance (ground clearance) | 200-210 mm |
| Fuel tank volume | 55 liters |
| Load capacity | up to 550 kg |
The practicality of the X-Trail is confirmed by the large trunk volume and the presence of a full-size spare wheel, which sets it apart from many competitors.
Final test drive summary
Test drive Nissan X-Trail shows that this is a balanced crossover that does not strive to be a leader in any one category, but confidently holds its own in everything. Suspension comfort, high-quality sound insulation and a spacious interior make it an excellent choice for family trips. The engine dynamics are sufficient for most usage scenarios, although those who enjoy active driving may find the sharpness lacking.
Modern safety and multimedia technologies put the car on par with market leaders, and the all-wheel drive system adds confidence in difficult weather conditions. Price and options are also at an adequate level, offering good value for money. However, it is worth considering that some ergonomic solutions, such as touch buttons, may raise questions among conservative drivers.
Ultimately, X-Trail remains one of the best offers in the crossover class, offering a reliable, practical and comfortable car for everyday life. The main advantage of the model is the unique combination of softness and spaciousness, which is rarely found among competitors. If you're looking for a family car that can cope with city traffic and country travel, this model deserves your attention.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing, be sure to check the operation of all security systems on the stand, as sensors can be sensitive to contamination and require regular calibration.
- ✅ Comfort — ideal suspension for Russian roads.
- ✅ Practicality — huge trunk and full-size spare wheel.
- ❌ Ergonomics — touch climate buttons are not always convenient.
Which engine is better to choose for the city?
For the city, the optimal choice is a 1.33 liter turbocharged engine. It provides sufficient dynamics for overtaking and starting from traffic lights, while fuel consumption remains at an acceptable level. Atmospheric versions can feel sluggish in heavy traffic.
How reliable is the CVT in the Nissan X-Trail?
The new generation CVT (Jatco) is considered quite reliable, subject to regular maintenance. It is recommended to change the oil every 40-50 thousand kilometers and avoid extreme loads, such as towing trailers or sudden starts from traffic lights.
Does the X-Trail have an off-road mode?
Yes, the i-4WD all-wheel drive system has several operating modes, including a mode for snow, mud and sand. However, the car is not intended for serious off-road use with deep ruts and rocks, since the ground clearance and body geometry limit its capabilities.
What is the actual fuel consumption in winter?
In winter, when operating in the city with the heater running and warming up, fuel consumption can increase to 11-13 liters per 100 km. This is due to the peculiarities of engine operation in the cold season and the increased warm-up time.
Is it possible to install additional equipment yourself?
Installing additional equipment, such as an alarm or a video recorder, is possible, but it is recommended to trust this to specialists so as not to violate the electrical warranty and not damage the wiring in complex interior components.