Nissan X-Trail T33

After years of waiting, the fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail has arrived and this new model becomes the new standard of Nissan because, for the first time, the new model features a bold new powertrain; a combination of the second-generation e-Power and the VC-TURBO engine. So, what's it all about the all-new X-Trail?

2023 Nissan X-Trail

Starting at 3,198,800 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new Nissan X-Trail T33 rewrote the crossover rules with its new powertrain the competition never saw it coming. It's the first Nissan sold in Japan to have a VC-TURBO engine while mated to the new-generation e-Power first applied on the current Nissan Note. More with that later on but first, the design.

2023 Nissan X-Trail

Beginning with the design, the all-new X-Trail features a masculine look compared to its predecessor. Sure, the sideline and the rear sight look awkwardly similar to its main rival, the Toyota RAV4, but the front view is too radical for a Japanese crossover so it's a knife edge when you best describe it.

2023 Nissan X-Trail

2023 Nissan X-Trail AUTECH

Of course, that's just the normal look for the new model because the all-new X-Trail can be specified with an adventure-oriented XTREMER-X and the custom-tailored AUTECH variant with glossier looks. Whichever X-Trail you're on, it's all business.

2023 Nissan X-Trail interior

What about the interior? Nissan says the new interior is a true "family hub" designed to provide comfort and utility for all. From a choice of five-seater and seven-seater configurations, complete with foldable rear seats, tri-zone climate control, a motion-activated tailgate, hidden storage, and tons of compartments to store stuff, it's all about practicality the Nissan way. Gadgetry? Well, let's see, you have the 12.3-inch NissanConnect display screen with smartphone connectivity, 10.8-inch HUD, USB-A and USB-C ports, sure, this crossover packs some serious gadgetry on the go. Boot space? It's good for 585 liters, which is 20 liters more than the previous model.

2023 Nissan X-Trail

Time to uncover the X-Trail's unique powertrain that combines the 1.5L KR15DDT VC-Turbo engine and the second-generation e-POWER. For a quick recap about these two; the first one is a variable compression ratio engine that is capable of delivering an optimal compression ratio from performance to efficiency. It's a petrol engine that behaves like a diesel engine. Enough said. e-POWER? Well, this hybrid powertrain lets the electric motor do the talking while the petrol engine charges the batteries. This powertrain delivers 204PS of total power output and while mated to a CVT, the fuel economy is 19.7kmpl based on WLTC Mode standards, a tad less than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

Supplementing this unique powertrain is Nissan's revolutionary e-4ORCE 4WD system derived from the Ariya. Of course, you are already familiar with e-4ORCE but for those who keep asking the same question, e-4ORCE manages power output and braking performance for each wheel, making handling everywhere worth enjoyable without the drama involved.

While the e-4ORCE deserves a lot of attention, the use of the CMF-C platform, rear multilink suspension, ventilated disc brakes, and rack-and-pinion steering, the new X-Trail feels as simple and as civilized as any commoners should.

In terms of safety, Nissan's Intelligent Mobility goes full circle with the new X-Trail. From its Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking, advanced headlamp technology, and many other active safety features, it's all about being prepared for the trip.

The e-POWER VC-TURBO combination, the muscular looks, the refined interior, the tech, the Nissan X-Trail T33 had it all. Like it or not, this could be your next ride worth living.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Nissan X-TRAIL T32 Minor Change

Nissan's best-seller SUV in the world, the current third-generation Nissan X-TRAIL, has been given a much-needed facelift to keep it updated, and what's even more surprising for the latest minor change is that it was gifted with the same semi-autonomous tech as witnessed from last year's new Serena minivan. That's right. We're talking ProPILOT.

2018 Nissan X-TRAIL

2018 Nissan X-TRAIL

2018 Nissan X-TRAIL

First and foremost, the recent facelift sees the application of Nissan's signature V-motion grill on the front view as well as the addition of LED lights on the front and the back and some new alloys in store for the new X-TRAIL. On the inside, you will notice that the steering wheel looks suspiciously similar to the Serena's and if you pay close attention, you will notice that it now comes with a button that engages ProPILOT.

2018 Nissan X-TRAIL interior

2018 Nissan X-TRAIL interior

As you are aware by now, ProPILOT controls the steering, acceleration, and braking in a single lane on highways during heavy traffic and high-speed cruising. Because this is version 1.0, much like from the Serena's, it's set for single-lane traffic use in the meantime but you should know that the ProPILOT is on a self-propagating phase as when it features it on future Nissan vehicles, its tech gets evolved even further. Easier said than done.

Part of Nissan's Intelligent Mobility campaign that promotes safe cars with future-ready driving tech for the drivers of today and tomorrow, the X-TRAIL is accompanied by Nissan Safety Shield technology such as the Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Emergency Brake, Lane Departure Warning, and a collision prevention assist. With these and ProPILOT, there's no doubt that this is the most technologically advanced X-TRAIL ever built. It's here today, ready for tomorrow.

The 2018 X-TRAIL still offers the MR20DD engine like last time, in normal and hybrid with the Intelligent Dual Clutch Control system capable of delivering now up to 20.8km/L of fuel economy based on JC08 Mode standards. All of these engines are mated with a smoother XTRONIC CVT. Let's not forget that it comes with Active Ride Control, Active Engine Braking, and the available ALL-MODE 4x4-i made to tackle any surface and weather with ease. Best of all, it still offers either a 5-seater or a 7-seater for long family hauls, and finally, the new remote control auto back door that can be opened automatically at the lift of your foot. Now that's convenience done right for the most demanding of times.

2018 Nissan X-TRAIL

The 2018 Nissan X-TRAIL starts at 2,197,800 Japanese Yen and it's available in many variants including the special XTREMER X and Mode Premier variants, including the new NISMO Performance Package with NISMO exterior touches and handling updates courtesy of NISMO themselves. With its autonomous tech implanted, this X-TRAIL is ready to take on the roads of today and tomorrow, no matter what's happening right now.

Available colors: Premium Corona Orange, Garnet Red, Olive Green, Galaxy Gold, Imperial Amber, Shining Blue, Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver, Dark Metal Grey, Diamond Black, Burning Red, and Titanium Khaki.

Photo: Nissan Motor Company

Nissan X-TRAIL Hybrid

The Nissan X-TRAIL T32 is now becoming a car that really grinds my gears because since its launch two years ago, there have been more and more people, mostly Europeans, are becoming interested in the latest-generation crossover which combines its so-called toughness that its predecessors got with science that makes it well ahead of the curve. Just when I thought that this crossover had enough making too much exposure, well, it's not over yet because there's a first-ever X-TRAIL Hybrid appeared and this time, it's going to grind my gears even more, or is it?

2016 Nissan X-TRAIL Hybrid

Here it is, then. At first glance, it looks exactly the same as the new model but what's on its heart counts because I'm going to dig deep through its core, evaluating how would the hybrid powerplant became an instrument for added fuel consumption than the base gasoline model.

First and foremost, it's still the same 2,0L direct injection engine that you get from the Serena but now, it comes with the Intelligent Dual Clutch Control system, which is a 1-motor 2-clutch parallel setup, where the engine is mated with a 30kW electric motor, double clutches, and a Li-ion battery. It's capable of delivering up to 20.6km/L of fuel economy based on JC08 Mode standards.

Like the normal gasoline model, the X-TRAIL Hybrid still features the world's first Active Ride Control, which autonomously adopting the brakes and adjusting the engine's torque to help smooth the impact, as well as the world's first Active Engine Braking, which adjusts the engine's torque to slow down while enhancing control and stopping confidence. All seems fine for a family car but these features still grind my gears and I'm seeing too much exposure from this ride, which ironically, is good and comfortable.

For 4WD models, it comes with ALL MODE 4x4-i, which constantly optimizes torque to all four wheels for stability on snowy and other slippery surfaces.

While the normal X-Trail is offered in either a 5-seater or a 7-seater (which I don't like it because of my strong dislikes for crampy third-row seatings), the Hybrid model is available only in 5-seater, which is good news for picky passengers like me, bad news for baby boomers. Well, if you have a baby and if you're planning to occupy the 2nd row seat with some crappy child seats, you're out of luck and you'd better off with the petrol version instead but as for me, I can seat wherever I want and avoiding the fear of getting myself sandwiched by my siblings. It's better and it's more spacious at the back despite the added load due to the battery. You can fit most of your thrift shop hauls and you're not afraid of being a hoarder.

2016 Nissan X-TRAIL Hybrid

The new X-TRAIL Hybrid starts at 2,804,760 Yen for the 2WD model up to 3,011,040 Yen for the 4WD, which is somewhat much more expensive than the petrol variant but not too costly to own than the Toyota Harrier. Although, this isn't one of the most exciting crossovers to drive on your next day-off, this can make a great road-trip crossover fit for your friends and some members of your family. Hopefully, you don't get a baby or else, you'll be better off with a normal, 7-seater, petrol variant instead because the hybrid version is available only with 5-seats,.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Nissan X-TRAIL T32

In the past, when you want a crossover worthy enough to do the jobs you are facing on such as going for work, fetch kids to school, and whatever's on your schedule, you would always go for the Nissan X-TRAIL because while it may not be the flashiest crossover in the market but it's still a worthy contender. Back when the second-generation model was launched years ago, it looked nearly the same as the first generation model so the confusion sparks in but still looks as tough as a bantamweight boxer. But now, Nissan went back to the drawing board and regenerate the X-TRAIL into something...hmmm...

2014 Nissan X-TRAIL

Well, this is it, the all-new Nissan X-TRAIL T32, the third-generation of Nissan's mid-size crossover that competes with the likes of the Toyota Harrier, Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-5, and the Honda CR-V. It looks kinda bizarre because for this new generation, its machismo-laden design has been thrown away and redrawn into something more...unibody-ish and more...hatchback-ish. I don't know but the new model doesn't look as tough as it used to be. The front looks like it came from a Juke while the back looks suspiciously familiar to the Mitsubishi M_nt_r_ Sp_rt and overall, it's becoming more of a softroader rather than a offroader. What else?

2014 Nissan X-TRAIL interior

On the inside, the new X-TRAIL doesn't look chunky anymore and it's now looking pretty interesting for the new model. The dashboard looks like it came from next year's Teana J33 while the seating's not so bad. Not only you can have the five-seater model but for the first time in this generation, the new X-TRAIL now offers seats for seven people, meaning that if you have a family, this is the X-TRAIL for you and it's so much you can do to take care of you because with seats for the whole family, there's still enough room for your luggage because of its best-in-class max cargo of about 39.3 cubic feet with the seats up. There's even a class-exclusive divide-and-hide cargo system to make your luggages as organized as an office space. Now that's clever science.

If I have a drawback, however, it's the third-row seats because not only because it adds weight to the new model, the legroom's a bit small, meaning the kids in the back will have a hard time squeezing their legs without disturbing ate or kuya. Take note, if you have teenagers in the second-row, this could get really messy.

2014 Nissan X-TRAIL

For the new model, Nissan wanted to focus more on fuel economy and nothing else so for the new X-TRAIL, it now comes with the MR20DD engine lifted from the Nissan Serena C26. The MR20DD engine, complete with idling stop system, is direct-injected. It produces about 147PS of power, 10 more than the previous model's MR20DE engine, and with the XTRONIC CVT gearbox, fuel economy is a best-in-class 16.4km/L calculated in JC08 Mode standards. If you're going to ask what is the fuel economy of this car, here's your answer. Remember; for Japanese cars, fuel economy is measured in JC08 Mode standards. The More You Know so put this in your heads and never forget.

On the CVT issue, it's even more responsive and positive-feeling than the outgoing model because what the new X-TRAIL has is Nissan's next-generation XTRONIC CVT and for this next-generation XTRONIC CVT, it has 7.0 of ratio coverage, 15% fuel efficient, and 40% less friction, making this more responsive than the regular mass-market CVTs.

For 4WD models, the new X-TRAIL still comes with ALL MODE 4x4-i, which constantly optimizes torque to all four wheels for stability on snowy and other slippery surfaces. It has Uphill Start Support, which controls the brakes to avoid rolling backwards when you start off on the hill, and Downhill Drive Support, which controls the brakes to avoid getting too much speed when going downhill.

The new X-TRAIL comes with the world's first Active Ride Control and how does Active Ride Control works? Stop yabbering and watch this clip...



Active Ride Control works by autonomously adopting the brakes and adjusting the engine's torque to help smooth the impact. If you bump into a speed bump or a pothole or something a bit...well, bumpy, this new feature helps you stay composed and comfortable. It feels like nothing happened when you get through a bumpy situation. Aside from the Active Ride Control, it also comes with the world's first Active Engine Braking, which adjusts the engine's torque to slow down while enhancing control and stopping confidence.

2014 Nissan X-TRAIL

In terms of safety, the new X-TRAIL still focuses on the theme of technology and for the new model, new features are added for the first time in a Nissan vehicle such as the EMERGENCY BRAKE and the NO-ENTRY SIGN DETECTION. Well, you know how the EMERGENCY BRAKE works like, right? But in case if there are new to the scene, let me tell you about this feature; it uses sensors to detect an incoming collision and when it goes bee-do, bee-do, bee-do...it brakes automatically but not at all. NO-ENTRY SIGN DETECTION...well, when it detects a sign that says NO ENTRY, it warns the driver with a notification. Wait, what? I already know what a NO ENTRY sign is! Why would they put such a feature that we all know?

Anyway, there are tons of safety support features available on the new X-TRAIL such as the Around View Monitor, the new Intelligent Parking Assist where it lets the car park by itself, Blind Spot Warning, and a feature that detects drowsy drivers.

And now for the verdict. What can I say about the new model? Well, the things I like about the new X-TRAIL is the new CVT's getting more responsive than the old X-TRAIL CVT of yesteryears, it's got seven seats for the first time, it's still made for those who are in their hectic schedules, it's now fuel efficient than the old model, and overall, it gets even more interesting for us. Things I don't like about it is the third-row seats' legroom looks too small, the looks aren't that tough for a crossover, and of course, there's going to be a hybrid version coming next year. Oh dear...

Prices start from 2,249,100 to 2,597,700 Japanese Yen including destination and delivery charges.

Available colors: Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Dark Metal Grey Metallic, Diamond Black Pearl, Burning Red, Titanium Khaki Pearl Metallic, and Steel Blue Metallic.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.