This improved version of the fourth generation Nissan X-Trail remains one of the most definitive, volume brand mid-sized family SUVs for up to seven folk, thinks Jonathan Crouch

Background

Lots of brands claim to offer the world's best selling SUV and Nissan is one of them, the brand's X-Trail angling for that title and now in its fourth generation. If you include the US market (where this car is badged as the 'Rogue'), over three-quarters of a million X-Trails are currently being sold globally every year. An awful lot of family buyers, it seems, like the idea of a mid-sized Qashqai-class crossover, but need one with a little more space and the option of a third seating row. Seven-seat functionality hasn't always been an X-Trail trait. Earlier first and second generation versions in this model line (launched respectively in 2000 and 2007) didn't offer it, but sales took off when the third generation 'T32'-series version was introduced in 2013 with three seating rows. That model was updated in 2017 and it kick started demand for mid-sized SUVs that could seat seven. This current fifth generation 'T33'-series X-Trail, launched here in Autumn 2022, was introduced to rival SUVs like Peugeot's 5008 and the Skoda Kodiaq. But new competitors launched since, like the Volkswagen Tayron and a whole series of Chinese brand models, meant the need for a package of updates in Spring 2026, creating the car we're going to look at here.

Driving Experience

You now have to have your X-Trail with Nissan's clever ePower series-hybrid system - the brand is no longer offering the previous 1.5-litre mild hybrid petrol unit on this car. And of course diesel has long-since been banished for X-Trail customers. Still, the ePower set-up is a good alternative. You can't plug any Nissan ePower model in, but it's extremely clever, hence the brand's claim that this is a battery car with a 460 mile range and 5 minute recharging. If you're not familiar with the company's ePower technology, we'll tell you that here, the engine acts only as a generator, drive delivered instead by an electric motor - or two, depending on your choice of models. The front-driven version has its motor on the front axle and puts out 204PS. The AWD variant we tried adds a further electric motor on the rear axle, upping output to 213PS, offering a 0-62mph potential of 7.0 seconds and delivering permanent four-wheel drive. This e-4ORCE tech is able to respond to grip changes by altering front-to-rear torque distribution in less than a thousandth of a second. Plus with the extra rear motor comes a high-tech brake vectoring and brake regeneration set-up, which is supposed to deliver a more stable ride. Ride quality still isn't exemplary though, over potholes and poor surfaces - and gets worse if you choose a top variant with the largest 20-inch wheel size. But higher-speed undulations are coped with better, making this a comfortable family cruiser; particularly in this e-4ORCE form, which pairs its extra rear motor with a high-tech brake vectoring and brake regeneration set-up, which is supposed to deliver a more stable ride. Avoid stressing the little engine, keeping it in its sweet spot and you'll find that refinement's excellent too.

Design and Build

Subtle exterior changes mark out this Model Year 2026 X-Trail; specifically, a revised front end with a wider, smarter V-Motion grille. Plus there are new glossy black lower bumpers, wheel arch surrounds, side sills and mirrors. Revised side vents are flanked by recontoured lower bumpers and increased body-colour coverage at the rear, where there are restyled full-LED taillights to sharpen the lighting signature. A rugged 'N-Trek' version's been introduced with a bolder look that incorporates striking 'magma red' inserts on the bumpers. Otherwise, everything's as before. The boxy shape with its 'floating'-style roof is surprisingly aerodynamic; thanks, Nissan says, to underbody covers that manage air flow beneath the vehicle and a unique 'air curtain' that is supposed to precisely direct air flow from the front to the sides of the car. Arguably more important are the subtle changes made inside. the earlier version of this car felt a bit cheap to sit in, but that's now been addressed thanks to new materials supposed to bring warmth and craftsmanship. Including on plusher models chestnut brown premium quilted leather upholstery, a refined brown wood-effect console trim, and a high-quality synthetic leather option. 'N-Trek' trim includes 'CellCloth' waterproofed upholstery. At first glance, the screen tech fitted to most seems to be as it was - a 12.3-inch instrument monitor which can be paired up with a further 10.8-inch head-up display. But the 12.3-inch centre monitor features the more advanced Google-derived infotainment software from the latest Qashqai. And there's an updated 3D eight-point Around View Monitor system, which displays a high-definition bird's-eye-view onto the central display and now uses wide-angle exterior cameras. As before, there's a choice of either five or seven-seat versions, both offering generous second row room on the sliding bench. The optional third row, once again, isn't really for full-sized adults. Nissan says it's suitable for folk up to 5-foot 2 inches tall. Still, rearmost occupants are well looked after, with new climate controls and USB ports, plus there are sun blinds integrated into the rear doors. Owners will usually be using their seven-seat X-Trails trails with the third row seats folded flat and in this form, there's 585-litres of boot space, plus a central ski hatch for longer items.

Market and Model

Because the mild hybrid engine's no longer available, the starting pricing now looks a bit more expensive, starting from around £38,000, but figures for the ePower variants haven't really risen. There's a premium of about £2,300 to go from the 2WD to the 4WD version. The big news with this improved model is the insertion into the range of a new 'adventurous' 'N-Trek' trim levels, which slots into the line-up between the mainstream 'Acenta Premium' and 'N-Connecta' grades; and the top 'Tekna' trim level - which is now the plushest one for X-Trail folk. Most X-Trail customers will want seven seats rather than the standard five and with three rows fitted, you'll need an extra £1,000. There's plenty of kit included, particularly if you avoid base trim. The 'N-Connecta' version most families choose comes with roof rails and privacy glass, plus there's Nissan's 'Around View' monitor camera system with moving object detection - and a luggage board system for the five-seat version. More importantly, you'll need to stretch to this level in the range for the proper MK4 X-Trail screen-fest, including the larger 12.3-inch TFT Combimeter display for the instrument binnacle. Media tech takes a big step forward from 'N-Connecta' trim upwards, thanks to the installation of the brand's 12.3-inch 'NissanConnect Display with Connected Services' screen for the centre stack. This connects you from home-to-car with 'Google Assistant' and 'Amazon Alexa' devices. And includes wireless connection for 'Apple CarPlay'; and a '3D Maps & Live Traffic' navigation system with over-the-air updates, real time traffic condition reports, Google Street View and info on local fuel prices.

Cost of Ownership

Let's get to the figures. Both ePower variants record up to 49.6mpg on the combined cycle and up to 128g/km. Given that 70% of drive time is likely to be spent in suburban areas, Nissan developed a 'one pedal' driving experience for the e-POWER and e-4ORCE variants called 'e-Pedal Step'. Designed to improve efficiency and take the repetitive strain out of stop-start urban driving, where the driver is frequently moving their foot between the accelerator and brake, 'e-Pedal Step' allows drivers to accelerate and brake using only the accelerator. The system must first be activated by the switch on the centre console and once engaged, the accelerator will deliver acceleration as usual. Upon release of the accelerator, e-Pedal Step will brake the X-Trail at 0.2g, enough to illuminate the brake lights, and reduce the speed down to a "creeping" speed, not a complete stop. This ensures low-speed parking manoeuvres are as smooth as possible. Drivers will quickly adapt their accelerator pedal inputs to maintain smooth travel, ensuring urban driving is more intuitive and less demanding.

Summary

We can see why this fourth generation X-Trail model sells so well for Nissan - and this package of mid-term updates will do it no harm at all. This family SUV offers enough crossover cues to make you feel acceptably trendy but also sufficient size and space to make owners also feel that they've bought into something smartly sensible. Plus of course it's perfect for those who've considered a slightly smaller Qashqai-class model - or owned one - but now need something more practical. Of course, you can't have everything. This car doesn't drive with quite as much verve and flair as a smaller SUV, but we can't blame Nissan for that. Overall, the changes made to this 'T33' MK4 model haven't hugely changed its buying proposition, but it remains a starting point for anyone buying in this segment. If that's you and you're looking for an SUV of this kind, then 'X' may very well mark the spot.