Tow Test: Nissan X-Trail Ti

OVERVIEW

Representing more than 100,000 vehicles sold last year, the mid-size SUV market is one of the fastest growing in Australia. It’s also one of the most competitive, with 22 models to choose from at last count.

Currently the most popular of these compact, high-riding wagons is Nissan’s X-Trail. According to official V-Facts figures, the X-Trail outsells all rivals in the medium and large SUV market except for the bigger Toyota Prado.

Launched in 2001, the X-Trail was significantly updated in 2007 with the arrival of a second-generation model based on an all-new platform, although to the casual observer the chunky, rugged looks appeared largely unchanged.

X-Trail buyers currently have the choice of petrol (2.0-litre and 2.5-litre) or diesel (2.0-litre) engines, as well as three transmission options: six-speed manual, CVT (petrol only), and six-speed auto (diesel only).

There’s also front drive (petrol only) or four-wheel drive, and two equipment grades across the range. Pricing starts at $28,490 for the 2WD 2.0-litre petrol manual, rising to $45,240 for the top-spec TL diesel automatic.

For this test we drove the top-spec, AWD 2.5-litre petrol X-Trail with CVT auto transmission, priced at $44,990. While loaded with comforts and conveniences and boasting a class-leading two tonne towing capacity (unlike some other X-Trail variants), it’s not necessarily the best option for towing a reasonably weighty caravan, as we discovered...

IN THE CABIN

As the second most expensive variant, the Ti X-Trail comes with a long list of standard features, including six-way electric adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, rear cargo blind, seven inch touchscreen display with sat nav and DVD player, Bluetooth audio and phone streaming, reversing camera, keyless start, double sunroof, climate control with rear vents, six speaker CD audio system, Xenon headlights, and 18 inch alloy wheels.

The only option fitted to our example (apart from the tow kit) was Twilight metallic paint which adds $495 to the price.

While not offering the latest in interior design, the cabin was well screwed together and suitably stylish with a soft touch dash, leather steering wheel and silver highlights to break up the otherwise sombre colour scheme.

The huge electric sunroof extending all the way back to the rear seat headrests helps contribute to the spacious, airy feel.

Seating up front is reasonably comfortable and supportive, and most switches, dials and instruments are easy to reach and use. Leg and head room is a bit tighter in the second row, with space in the back about average when compared to rivals.

Practicality-wise, the X-Trail scores points with two, 12v outlets (front and rear), eight cup holders, a heated/cooled glovebox and a large, lidded compartment on top of the dash.

The split-fold (40:20:40) rear seats can be adjusted for seatback angle, while the large boot with its 433 litres capacity offers plenty of room for the shopping or even a double pram.

Our only gripe is the double-layer rear cargo floor arrangement. Although the slide-out drawer is useful, it makes access tricky to the space-saver tyre underneath. And while easy to clean, the slippery, vinyl surface results in cargo sliding around unless you secure it or fit some carpet.

Awarded a four-star safety rating, the X-Trail has electronic stability control, traction control, anti-skid braking with brake assist, six airbags, and hill descent control among its swag of safety features.

ON THE ROAD

With the 2.5-litre petrol engine producing 125kW at 6000rpm and 226Nm at 4400rpm, the X-Trail offers plenty of zip around town and although it needs to be revved for maximum performance, remains relatively quiet and refined.

The CVT transmission which acts in a similar manner to a traditional, torque converter automatic ‘box albeit with ‘artificial’ gear change points, also operates mostly in a smooth, unfussed manner.

The only issue we had was when cruising on the freeway, when it was reluctant to kick up into ‘top’ gear in Drive mode. It was also very sensitive to throttle input, immediately kicking down a gear or two at the slightest provocation.

The only way to overcome this was to ‘lock’ it into the top gear using the manual gear shifter, but then the lack of torque under 2000rpm made it unresponsive when overtaking.

One feature now fitted standard to the Ti X-Trail worth a special mention is the Around View Monitoring technology. Using a trick system of cameras and ultrasonic sonar devices fixed to the outside of the vehicle, a two-part image is relayed on the screen displaying a virtual ‘birds-eye’ image of the vehicle.

It was really handy when parallel parking, to avoid hitting the kerb, although the medium-resolution image was quite small and difficult to see specially in bright sunlight.

The X-Trail is also one of few compact SUVs that you can take off-road with some confidence, thanks to features like the electronic All-Mode four-wheel drive, 212mm ground clearance, and Hill Start Assist.

TOWING

Not all X-Trails are the same when it comes to towing ability. While most variants offer a maximum braked towing capacity of 2000kg, there are some exceptions. These include 2WD, petrol manual variants, which are restricted to a maximum 1500kg. Diesel, auto X-Trail can only tow 1350kg (or 2000kg with the manual transmission).

The other, slightly confusing issue to consider is towball mass, which varies according to how much you’re carrying on board the 1556kg X-Trail. Fully loaded to the maximum GVM of 2100kg, the maximum weight on the towball is limited to 50kg. Keep the GVM to 1850kg or less and towball mass increases, up to 200kg.

Nissan doesn’t recommend fitting load levelling or weight distribution devices when using a Nissan Genuine towbar, and (sensibly) recommends no greater than 100km/h when towing.

With this mind (and the Ti CVT offering 2000kg towing), we hitched up a 1500kg caravan with 90kg on the towball. With the van weighing about the same as the X-Trail, it seemed a good match with only a slight drop in the rear suspension.

On the move though, the van was always noticeable behind, and the X-Trail struggled a bit, particularly up inclines. Trying to maintain a 60km/h speed up a short, medium incline hill required pedal-to-the-metal throttle and revving almost to the 6500rpm redline.

This resulted in the fuel consumption when towing never falling below 18.5L/100km, compared to 10.5L/100km solo. With a 65 litre fuel tank, you’ll want to make sure you don’t venture too far from a fuel pump.

Even when sitting on the freeway at 80-90km the engine was forced to rev at 2500-3000rpm to maintain speed, which also contributed to in-cabin noise.

Although we’ve only driven it on another occasion solo, the gutsier, more fuel efficient diesel X-Trail with manual transmission would seem a much better option if you plan to regularly tow something 1500kg or greater.

VERDICT

It’s easy to understand the attraction of the X-Trail among compact SUV buyers. Reasonably roomy, comfortable and practical, it’s also well equipped for the money particularly in up-spec models.

With an unbeatable 2000kg towing capacity, at least in this segment, it’s also a decent tow vehicle, although we’d go for a diesel, non-CVT version if hauling a reasonably-sized rig is a major priority.

>> Thanks to
Melbourne & European RVs in Melbourne, for loan of the Adria Adora 662UP caravan for this towing test.

NISSAN X-TRAIL TI 4WD

Engine: 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol
Max. power: 125kW at 6000rpm
Max. torque: 226Nm at 4400rpm
Transmission: CVT auto
Length: 4635mm
Width: 1790mm
Height: 1700mm
Wheelbase: 2630mm
Ground clearance: 212mm
Kerb mass: 1556kg
Fuel: 65 litre
Towing cap. unbraked/braked: 750kg/2000kg
Tow ball mass maximum: 50-200kg (depending on payload)
Fuel economy (claimed): 9.1L/100km
Price: $44,990 (MRRP)