The refreshed Nissan X-Trail arrives with a sharper look, upgraded technology and significantly lower prices.
Image: Jason Woosey
The Nissan X-Trail has taken many forms, from the boxy first- and second-generation models to the smoother third iteration and the fourth generation, which attempted to strike a balance between the two design philosophies.
The facelifted model, launched in South Africa this week as part of the company’s strategy to bolster its imported range after ending local production, builds on the latter with a fresh look and new interior technologies aimed at keeping it current amid fierce competition from Chinese rivals. The company is also planning to introduce the new Tekton SUV later this year.
The new-look Nissan X-Trail offers more technology, enhanced safety features
Image: Jason Woosey
As before, the Nissan X-Trail is available in three variants, but prices have been reduced significantly. The 2.5 Visia kicks things off at R599,900, down from the previous version's R687,900 sticker price. The 2.5 Acenta occupies the middle ground at R688,900, while the 2.5 Acenta Plus all-wheel drive tops the line-up at R770,900. These models previously cost R751,900 and R812,900 respectively.
This not only makes the X-Trail significantly cheaper than the recently introduced Toyota RAV4, which starts at R770,500, but also brings it closer in price to numerous Chinese alternatives such as the Chery Tiggo 8, Haval H6 and American-badged Ford Territory, all of which start in the R500,000 to R600,000 range.
Styling changes include a wider grille pattern and new alloy wheel designs for Acenta and Acenta Plus.
Image: Jason Woosey
What the Nissan does offer is a solid, tried-and-tested package with proven mechanicals, while the 2026 refresh brings a new look and improved technology.
On the outside, the X-Trail retains the split-headlamp design that defined the current generation, but it gains a new black front grille, with the previous 'V' border making way for a wider mesh pattern. The lower bumper has also been reprofiled to match the new detailing.
At the rear, you'll find new LED light clusters, while redesigned diamond-cut alloy wheels come in three sizes, from 17-inch items on the Visia to 18-inch versions on the Acenta and 19-inch wheels on the Acenta Plus.
Styling is subjective, I know, but I do feel they could have given this vehicle a more purposeful look and a more distinct identity. Nissan has created some iconic sports cars and trucks - would it not be nice to see a bit more of that attitude in its family-sized SUV?
The cabin of the new X-Trail has been given a major technology boost, with one of the highlight features being a new '3D' eight-point Around View Monitor system, fitted from the Acenta upwards.
Now using wide-angle cameras, the system features an 'Invisible Bonnet' mode as well as a T-Junction View. The former helps drivers avoid obstacles such as kerbs and rocks, while the latter offers a wide forward perspective at low speeds when emerging from intersections with limited visibility.
The cabin features genuine leather which, whether you prefer it or not, has become a genuine novelty.
Image: Supplied
In terms of standard features, the base Visia comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless charging, a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters and keyless access.
The base model also gains a wider range of active safety features, including Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking and Trailer Stability Control.
In addition to all that, the Acenta gains genuine leather seat upholstery, dual-zone climate control, new powered front seats with heating, and a fully digital instrument cluster.
The Acenta Plus adds a head-up display, Terrain Mode Selector and a third row of seats.
Speaking of practicality, all X-Trail variants boast a second row that slides, folds forward and reclines, which, surprisingly, is an unusual feature in modern SUVs.
As before, all X-Trail models are fitted with Nissan’s tried-and-tested 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, producing 135kW and 244Nm. Power is channelled to the front wheels via a CVT transmission engineered to provide more natural-feeling shifts. The Acenta Plus is equipped with Nissan's Intelligent 4WD system and also gains Hill Descent Control as well as a Terrain Mode Selector with Mud, Snow and Sand settings.
The front-wheel-drive versions feature a conventional drive mode selector with Eco, Normal and Sport modes. Furthermore, all versions are fitted with a limited-slip differential that improves traction and control under hard acceleration.
On the road, the Nissan X-Trail delivers a comfortable and refined driving experience. At altitude, however, the naturally aspirated engine delivers performance that is more adequate than brisk, but it gets the job done comfortably and has enough urge for safe overtaking. What's more, the CVT transmission feels more natural than many similar units and, thanks to the abundant low-down torque, it doesn't drone to the point of annoyance.
The X-Trail is also quiet on the open road, while the ride quality remains comfortable even over uneven surfaces and large speed humps.
The new Nissan X-Trail is sold with a three-year/90,000km service plan and a six-year/150,000km warranty.
IOL Motoring