Overview of the Nissan Xtrail
The X-Trail has established itself as one of the most popular Nissan models since its 2001 introduction.
It continues to share its platform and other components with its Qashqai/Dualis stablemate, as well as the Renault Koleos SUV as part of the giant Renault-Nissan alliance.
The Nissan X-Trail featured a boxy, trad-4WD look for its first two generations before the latest model adopted curvier lines in acknowledgement of its primary role as urban transport.
NISSAN X-TRAIL GENERATIONS (SINCE 2001)
2001-2007
2007-2014
2014 onwards
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption
2.5L 4-cylinder: 7.9 to 8.3 litres per 100km
2.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel: 6.0 to 6.1 litres per 100km
1.6L 4-cylinder turbo diesel: 5.3 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Post 2017 update: Every 10,000km or 12 months, whichever is sooner. Each service currently costs between $224 and $686. Pre-2017 update: Every 10,000km or six months, whichever is sooner. Each service currently costs between $245 and $830. Nissan X-Trail parts and accessoriescan be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO NISSAN X-TRAIL
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Tucson
Mazda CX-5
Toyota RAV4
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: NISSAN X-TRAIL (2007 to 2013)
Because these were big inside compared with the competition, many X-Trails were used by pet owners and mountain bikers. Combine that with the hard-plastic interior trim that was easily scratched and an X-Trail can quickly look pretty shabby inside.
If the steering wheel or column starts making a noise, pull over and stop the car. There was a recall for a bolt that connected the steering system, which could come loose and finally jump ship altogether and, if that happened, the vehicle suddenly lost its steering.
The diesel X-Trail is, like many others of its sort, prone to blocking up of its soot filter if the vehicle has been used for short, urban journeys. Nissan developed a new program for the computer that altered the way the EGR valve works, reducing this problem, but it's still something to investigate in a second-hand example.
Many dealers uploaded this new software during routine servicing and the owner never even knew about it. But it's worth having the upgrade done as it also liberates a bit more power.
