Nissan X-Trail

Model Overview

The Nissan X-Trail is a C-segment SUV manufactured by Japan's Nissan Motor, marketed in China under the name "Qi Jun". The X-Trail nameplate stems from "X", denoting 4×4 off-road capability, and "TRAIL", symbolising tracks or paths, together capturing its identity as an "urban off-road SUV". Since debuting in Japan in November 2000, the X-Trail has spanned four generations, racking up over 8.1 million units in cumulative global sales to stand as one of Nissan's cornerstone global models.

In China, the X-Trail is built and retailed by Dongfeng Nissan with a spread of ICE, mild-hybrid (MHEV), and e-POWER hybrid powertrains. The 2025 X-Trail Honor runs a 2.0L naturally aspirated mill, priced officially between RM160,800 and RM166,800, with limited-time promotional pricing from RM119,800 to RM125,800. In Taiwan, the 2026 X-Trail line-up features the locally assembled Sakura series (RM999,000 to RM1,185,000) alongside the fully imported (CBU) e-POWER variant (RM1,519,000).

Design Language

The X-Trail's design philosophy has shifted steadily from a utilitarian, rugged off-roader to a sleek urban crossover. The first generation (T30, 2000) sported a boxy, upright profile carrying classic 4x4 ruggedness. The second generation (T31, 2007) began leaning into softer, urban-friendly lines. By the third generation (T32, 2013), derived from the Hi-Cross concept, the model had fully embraced a modern crossover aesthetic.

The current fourth-generation iteration (T33, 2022) wears Nissan's signature V-Motion design identity. Up front, it gets an enlarged front grille alongside split LED headlamp assemblies. Visual cues distinguish the CKD mild-hybrid and CBU e-POWER variants—the former gets a chrome grille surround, whereas the latter sports a gloss black finish. The 2025 Japan-spec facelift introduces a black horizontal-slat grille, complemented by high-gloss black cladding and satin silver accents across the lower front bumper. An upcoming 2026 full model change is expected to grow its footprint further.

Dimensionally, the fourth-gen measures 4,680 mm long, 1,840 mm wide, and 1,725 mm tall, riding on a 2,705 mm wheelbase. Certain regional variants measure 4,678 mm in length. Built with 50% high-tensile steel, structural rigidity is up by 27%, while trimming 10 kg off the core body structure.

Inside, the cabin features a clean horizontal dashboard layout housing dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, complemented by a 10.8-inch Head-Up Display (HUD). An optional two-tone black and orange interior is available on e-POWER variants. The 2025 facelift adds a black upper dashboard finish, all-round Type-C USB ports, and upgraded NissanConnect infotainment featuring built-in Google Maps and Google Play Store.

Powertrain and Performance

The fourth-generation X-Trail offers several powertrain options:

Mild-Hybrid (CKD) : Powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder VC-Turbo variable-compression turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 12V mild-hybrid setup. It churns out 204 PS (204 hp) and 30.6 kgm of torque, with compression ratios shifting continuously between 8.0:1 and 14.0:1. This powerplant bagged a spot in the 2022 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list. Power goes to the front wheels via an Xtronic CVT. The 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in roughly 8 to 9 seconds, with a claimed fuel economy of 16.0 km/L.

e-POWER (CBU) : Utilises the same 1.5-litre VC-Turbo three-pot turbo engine strictly as a generator to feed a lithium-ion battery via an inverter, ensuring the wheels are 100% electric-motor driven at all times. Supported by dual electric motors on the front and rear axles, it delivers a combined system output of 213 PS. It completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in as quick as 7 seconds, returning a rated fuel efficiency of 17.5 km/L. It is fitted with a 2.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The upcoming 2026 all-new model is tipped to bump total output to around 335 PS.

Additionally, the Chinese market continues to offer the X-Trail Honor running a 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine (151 PS), while selected overseas markets retain a 2.5L naturally aspirated unit.

Chassis and Handling

The fourth-generation X-Trail underpins the CMF-CD platform, delivering higher structural stiffness and lower kerb weight. Suspension hardware comprises a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent setup.

The e-POWER model features Nissan's e-4ORCE twin-motor all-wheel-drive system engineered specifically for electrified powertrains. Unlike mechanical AWD setups, e-4ORCE manages drive torque and braking independently across all four wheels, making lightning-quick adjustments up to 10,000 times per second. The e-POWER variant mounts a 94 kW electric motor on the rear axle. Drivetrain layouts include front-wheel drive (FWD) for the mild-hybrid and all-wheel drive (AWD) for the e-POWER. Turning radius stands at a tidy 5.4 to 5.5 metres.

The 2025 Japan-spec facelift brings a newly added NISMO variant, featuring KYB Swing Valve shock absorbers for the first time to stamp out unwanted body roll, alongside bespoke tuning for the e-4ORCE and Vehicle Control Module (VCM) systems.

Cabin and Equipment

The fourth-generation X-Trail sports a modern digital cockpit anchored by a triple-display array: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch Head-Up Display (HUD). The infotainment unit supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto connectivity. The e-POWER model is fitted with a 9-speaker BOSE premium sound system.

On the refinement front, extensive NVH soundproofing includes acoustic double-glazed glass for the windscreen and front door windows, backed by a triple-layer firewall insulator. The rear bench offers fore-and-aft sliding and multi-recline adjustments. The e-POWER variant packs a panoramic sunroof and dual powered front leather seats as standard, with semi-aniline Nappa leather upholstery on option for selected trims. Boot space is rated at 647 litres (MHEV) and 575 litres (e-POWER), with a fuel tank capacity of 55 litres.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety is covered by the Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite alongside the ProPILOT driver assist system. 6 airbags come as standard across the range.

Active safety and ADAS features include Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with full-speed range, Traffic Jam Pilot (TJP), and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). It is further bolstered by Nissan's proprietary AI Intelligent Driving Assistance System, Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), and Rear Automatic Emergency Braking (RR-AEB), providing Level 2+ semi-autonomous capabilities.

For passive safety, the body shell incorporates 50% high-tensile steel to boost torsional rigidity by 27%, alongside aluminium body panels and bumper crash beams to shave weight while keeping crash protection high.

Market Performance and Reception

The X-Trail remains a heavyweight in the global C-segment SUV arena, with cumulative sales surpassing 8.1 million units globally by 2025. In Australia, where it has built a 23-year presence, the 2025 range kicks off from 36,990 AUD for the base ST 2WD up to 57,065 AUD for the flagship Ti-L e-POWER.

In China, the X-Trail's sales trajectory saw its fair share of turbulence. The fourth-gen model's initial launch solely with a 1.5T three-pot engine faced consumer resistance, prompting Dongfeng Nissan to bring back the four-cylinder 2.0L NA engine in the form of the "X-Trail Honor". The 2025 X-Trail Honor was subsequently relaunched with sharp promotional pricing starting from RM119,800.

Touted as the "EV that doesn't need plugging in", the X-Trail e-POWER bagged the prestigious Technology Car of the Year at the 43rd Japan Car of the Year (JCOTY) awards. Industry observers praise the e-POWER for delivering smooth EV-like drive dynamics without the attendant range or charging anxieties, giving it a unique edge in the hybrid space. It goes head-to-head with core segment rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

All in all, with 25 years of heritage under its belt, the Nissan X-Trail continues to carve out its own niche in the cutthroat SUV market, leaning on headline innovations like its VC-Turbo variable-compression engine, e-POWER series-hybrid drive, and e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive tech to stand out from the pack.