Nissan X-Trail SUV (2013-2021) - Interior & comfort

The Nissan X-Trail wants for little, with even entry-level models boasting cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, DAB radio and air-conditioning. Unlike the Qashqai’s funkier style, the X-Trail’s is smart and business-like. The dashboard is restrained but well organised and features a five-inch colour screen that displays a range of information. The N-Connecta version and above gets a seven-inch touchscreen, complete with sat nav.

Nissan X-Trail dashboard

Nowhere is the new X-Trail's change in character compared to the previous model more apparent than from the driver’s seat. Gone are the functional, straight edges and scattered controls of the old dashboard, replaced by curves, soft-touch materials and a classy looking arrangement of dials, switches and a touchscreen. It’s generally attractive and seems well built, but falls some way short of the quality of the Skoda Kodiaq or Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.

Thanks to a wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustment, it's easy to find the perfect driving position. The seat bolsters could be a little more supportive in corners, though, and only top-spec models get lumbar adjustment. Most people will find plenty of head and legroom whether they sit in the front or back of the X-Trail.

Equipment

Nissan offers the X-Trail in four trim levels. Entry-level Visia cars are reasonably (if not hugely) equipped, with LED running lights, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, DAB radio, a five-inch infotainment touchscreen, all-round electric windows and Bluetooth connectivity. Upgrading to Acenta Premium trim costs around £2,000 more, but we reckon the extra speakers for the stereo, tinted rear windows, automatic lights and wipers, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control and a leather steering wheel represent far better value for money – and we’ve seen that Acenta Premium spec cars are a little easier to sell on than entry-level models. This trim also comes with an upgraded seven-inch infotainment system, complete with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 360-degree parking camera. All models get DAB radio and LED rear lights.

Every Acenta Premium car is equipped with Nissan’s Smart Vision Pack adding front and parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition.

The N-Connecta trim (about another £400 over Acenta Premium trim), adds 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and go, and a power-operated boot.

Tekna tops the range and costs around £5,000 over an equivalent base model. For this you get, well, everything really: heated and power-adjustable quilted leather seats, a Bose sound system,a clever self-parking feature (which you may or may not use), full LED adaptive headlights and yet more safety equipment, including a blind-spot monitoring system. If you want ProPilot semi-autonomous technology, currently it can only be had with this trim level - and only as a cost option.

10

Options

Nissan touts the X-Trail as a car that enables family adventures and the long options list reflects this. Importantly, you can add two additional seats as a £1,000 option on any version of the X-Trail, enabling seven to travel together.

Alternatively, you can forgo that in favour of bringing your dog along instead. A 'paw pack' for £600 includes a dog guard boot separator, a ramp to enable smaller or less mobile dogs to climb into the boot with ease and a machine-washable dog bed. Thoughtfully, the pack also includes a non-spill water bowl, boot-liner and storage tidy to keep doggy treats and accessories handy.

Aside from practical considerations, there are some welcome technology boosts available, too. Many of the driver-assistance features from higher-specification models are available as an option pack on the Visia trim. Each costs around £500 and includes lane-departure warning and traffic-sign recognition. This is a cost-effective way of adding smart technology to your X-Trail, but probably won't boost the car's resale value. It seems odd that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't available on the X-Trail – an unfortunate oversight on a car of this type and price.

Other options include 19-inch alloys for around £1,300 and illuminated side styling bars for roughly £750. Though visually distinctive, they'll also add nothing to the car's value in the long term, while the bigger wheels can actually spoil the ride comfort. ProPilot semi-autonomous technology is an option for top-spec Tekna models for around £800.