Used tow car test Nissan X-trail (2014-present)
X-TRAIL (2014-PRESENT) Comfortable and well-equipped, the X-trail is worth consideration,
BEING A NISSAN X-TRAIL when there’s a Qashqai around must feel a bit like being Frank Stallone. You’ve got a sibling who’s super-famous and whom everybody wants to meet, so you’d hope that visual similarity and a sprinkling of good luck will help you through life.
However, as with Grammy-nominated Frank, that would be to do the X-trail a disservice – because it’s actually good vehicle in its own right, and one that tow car buyers should not dismiss out of hand.
What’s it like inside?
It’s pretty big, for a start. The X-trail was offered with the option of seven seats, but the rearmost pair are cramped and steal boot space, so we’d stick with a five-seater.
As such, this is a properly roomy car, with loads of space up front, plenty of head- and legroom in the back, and a 50-litre boot behind. The optional panoramic sunroof doesn’t impact too much on the space.
Nissan pushed the boat out a bit with the X-trail’s interior, which felt cosseting, luxurious and well-made from new. Yes, the earliest cars are seven years old now, so they might feel a little dated; but squeaks and rattles should be largely absent, and everything should work as it’s meant to. There are even air-conditioned cupholders to keep your drinks cool.
If your budget can stretch to it, the X-trail was facelifted in 2017, and received a bigger central touchscreen, flat-bottomed steering wheel, and on-board tech and connectivity that’s easier to use than that of earlier cars.
How does it drive?
Should you be considering the purchase of a pre-facelift X-trail, the engine of choice would be the 128bhp 1.6-litre diesel, which is actually comparatively strong, despite its small(ish) capacity.
It also marries this with good economy, although anyone expecting anything more than relaxed acceleration when hitched up will be disappointed.
This was the most popular pre-facelift X-trail, so there will be plenty of examples available for you to look at.
Those thinking about a post-facelift car will be better served by the 175bhp 2.0-litre diesel model, which generates 280lb ft of pulling power, and so makes impressively light work of towing. This is also available with four-wheel drive, which will help on slippery campsite grounds. A 1.7-litre diesel was introduced last year, which is excellent, but very expensive to buy at the moment.
All X-trails remain stable in lane-change manoeuvres, and they’ll stop you quickly in an emergency, even when hitched up, but they can be affected by the odd crosswind.
When solo, the suspension deals well with rougher surfaces, although the downside is plenty of body lean around corners. The steering is also vague and rubbery, although parking requires little effort.
Verdict
If you want a quiet, comfortable and unobtrusive tow car with lots of standard equipment, the Nissan X-trail is well worth a look, but if you have a liking for any kind of driving enjoyment, try elsewhere.
‘All X-trails remain stable in lane-change manoeuvres, and they’ll stop you quickly in an emergency, even when hitched up’