Think of the X-Trail N-Trek as Nissan’s answer to the Subaru Outback X or Toyota RAV4 Adventure: a version of a popular family crossover-SUV with a package of extras designed to make it look and feel a bit more outdoorsy.
This is a factory model, not a special-edition cooked up locally, so some of the changes are well-embedded. There’s a new lower section to the front bumper for example, with unique LED fog lamps and gunmetal finish at the bottom (also on the back).
Many bits that are shiny on other X-Trails have been blacked out, including the “V-Motion” grille, side mirrors, door handles and roof rails. The 18-inch alloy wheels are a unique design for the N-Trek. Three of the 5 colours available can be matched with a black roof - including our test car’s Ivory Pearl, which is a very-slightly-off-white. Looks good.
The N-Trek is based on the mid-range X-Trail ST-L, but the cabin has been upgraded to the larger 12.3-inch infotainment display of the flagship Ti-L (the standard ST-L’s is 8in), with matching 12.3in instrument display and 10.8in heads-up display.
The dashboard and door trims are an earthy blend of black and dark brown, and the upholstery is a synthetic material “with water-resistant qualities… [for those] likely to return to their car after sporty activities outdoors in all-weather”. So no pressure, but don’t let looming wintery weather stop your active lifestyle.
Think of the X-Trail N-Trek as Nissan’s answer to the Subaru Outback X or Toyota RAV4 Adventure.
By now you might have noted that none of the above makes the X-Trail more capable off-tarmac in any way. Okay, but you can say the same of the Outback X and RAV4 Adventure and to be fair to Nissan, it says the N-Trek package was designed around the motto of “Let’s Get Dirty”. It’s probably more about gravel roads, kids’ sports mornings or ski field carparks than conquering a proper 4x4 trail.
The base X-Trail package is pretty versatile anyway, as soft-roaders go. There are conventional-petrol (as tested) and e-Power range-extender versions available, and both have full-time AWD. The former has six different terrain-mode selections plus descent control, and the e-Power steps up to more sophisticated electric-configured e-4orce AWD technology. Ground clearance of 205mm is also pretty decent for a mainstream SUV.
By now you might have noted that nothing in the N-Trek package makes the X-Trail more capable off-tarmac in any way.
The driving experience of the ICE model is more than the sum of its on-paper parts. The 135kW/244Nm outputs of the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine are pretty modest and the transmission is continuously variable… so yeah.
But it’s perky off the line; you could argue too perky in fact, as it takes a bit of practice to drive away briskly from traffic lights without an abrupt lurch and rearward weight-shift. Mostly down to powertrain calibration of course, and if the idea is to make the X-Trail feel more powerful than it is, job done.
We like the subtle styling changes for this model; it’s an interesting (albeit pretty expensive) alternative to the ST-L on which it’s based.
But in general, the X-Trail impresses for its refinement. The engine sounds a bit coarse when pressed, but the CVT is smooth and the powertrain noise is well-suppressed. As is road noise. At motorway cruising speeds, it can provide a positively luxurious ambience for the ears.
It’s decently agile in corners, too, with a combination of substantial steering, good mechanical grip and (a rare thing this) light weight: just 1643kg at the kerb, which means it changes direction quite eagerly for a vehicle of this type.
None of the dynamic package is really affected by the N-Trek specification, of course. Not a lot of the cabin, either, although you do get more screen-size than the ST-L (very old-hat graphics, but phone projection is standard) and you’re sitting on that durable seat fabric, which has a slightly strange texture to the touch but provides comfortable seating for sure; and we really like the concept of it.
On that note, in some overseas markets the N–Trek comes with full rubber floor mats and a liner for the luggage compartment floor. No sign of those in our test car and it’s hard to nail down whether they’re available, as the N-Trek is not on the Nissan NZ website and the local marketing doesn’t mention them. The company hasn’t been forthcoming with much information about specification or even pricing, so all we can do is report as we find.
It’s a shame Nissan NZ hasn’t included the mats (if they are indeed not included, rather than just missing from our car), because it would really underline the lifestyle character; as well as being incredibly practical for a family car.
The rest of the X-Trail cabin is conventional but well-thought-out and spacious. It’s particularly good on storage space up front, with a generous centre console, including a big tray underneath.
A unique selling point for the N-Trek ICE is the 3rd-row seating. It’s strictly occasional, but it’s a big draw for family buyers who don’t want to go to a large SUV, but do need to carry extra kids around sometimes. As an aside, the rearmost seat-row is one of the arguments against the big rubber mat in the boot, because there’s nowhere to put it when the vehicle is in 7-seat configuration. But we’d like it regardless, Nissan. The e-Power N-Trek is 5st only, by the way.
N-Trekness to the background for a moment, we’ll admit we haven’t been too familiar with the current X-Trail over the last couple of years. Time with this car has underlined what a composed, quiet and polished competitor it is in NZ’s medium-SUV segment.
If you’re looking in this genre, the Nissan (in any specification) should definitely be on your shopping list.
But back to N-Trek… should you? We like the subtle styling changes for this model and at $59,090 for our ICE version, it’s an interesting (albeit pretty expensive) alternative to the $53,990 ST-L on which it’s based. Or more importantly, an even more interesting alternative to the higher-specification $57,990 Ti-L; you can kind of choose your X-Trail character between the two.
If you don’t actually need the 3rd-row seating, the $7k step up to the e-Power N-Trek is worth considering, because that’s a whole new world of powertrain technology. Although a price starting with a “6” does also seem like a lot for an X-Trail.
Regardless, we’d still have liked Nissan to go a bit further with the X-Trail N-Trek. The aforementioned rubber mats for a start, and it would actually look pretty good with some mildly-all-terrain tyres… as long as they didn’t spoil the on-road refinement. Bolting a sleek roof box up top would also look brilliant. But then that’s all stuff you could also do yourself.
What are the key statistics for the Nissan X-Trail N-Trek?
The 2.5-litre petrol engine makes 135kW/244Nm and drives all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission.
Is the Nissan X-Trail N-Trek efficient?
The modest outputs of the petrol engine mean it's working pretty hard at times, and there's no electrification in this powertrain: the official figure of 8.2l/100km is okay but not brilliant. However, you also have the N-Trek package with the e-Power hybrid/range-extender engine (6.8l/100km).
Is the Nissan X-Trail N-Trek good to drive?
It's remarkably well-sorted: not fast, but smooth, refined and very capable in the corners.
Is the Nissan X-Trail N-Trek practical?
The durable, water-resistant upholstery that's exclusive to the N-Trek is a nice touch and the X-Trail generally is a spacious family SUV.
What do we like about the Nissan X-Trail N-Trek?
The N-Trek extras are nicely integrated and quite tasteful - definitely more than just an aftermarket dress-up. We like the durable upholstery that's exclusive to this model and the X-Trail generally is a polished, refined and well-sorted family SUV.
What don’t we like about the Nissan X-Trail N-Trek?
It looks kind of expensive next to the ST-L on which it is based, the petrol engine is a modest performer and not that economical, and where are our rubber mats?
What kind of person would the Nissan X-Trail N-Trek suit?
Somebody who wants a conventional, big-brand, well-resolved family SUV... with a bit of extra off-roady style.