Nissan X-Trail 2007-2013 used car review

The Nissan X-Trail stands out in the crowded market for small family SUVs by retaining useful off-road ability. A lack of child seat mounts in some versions may be off-putting for families.

The X-Trail was Nissan's first mid-size crossover vehicle. It combines passenger car attributes with an SUV. In 2007 the second-generation X-Trail was launched – bigger, with an exaggerated version of the model’s chunky styling.

While most small SUVs feature an entirely automatic all-wheel drive system, the X-Trail’s is switchable, allowing the car to be front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or locked into an off-road mode, sending an equal amount of power to the front and rear wheels for maximum traction.

Replacing the previous-generation X-Trail's unusual centre-mounted instruments is a conventional dash layout. There is a huge amount of interior storage, including a large lidded unit on top of the dash, a box great for holding smartphones in the centre console and two lidded pockets able to double as storage or cupholders.

Our 2007 used-import review vehicle is fitted with a touch-screen infotainment unit, which tilts forward to reveal a CD player. It has a navigation system, but lacks local maps, and a band expander is required to receive most local stations.

An option fitted to this car is soft, charcoal-coloured leather. The driving position is very comfortable, with seat side bolsters that hold you in place. The driver’s seat is height adjustable; the angle of the steering wheel can also be adjusted, ideal for shorter drivers.

There is a good level of leg and head room for rear seat passengers, and the back adjusts for recline. The centre seat is broad and flat, but without a headrest and with only a lap belt it is less appealing for passengers, and can't be used for a booster seat.

At 630 litres the X-Trail offers one of the biggest boots in its class. It will take four large suitcases, and with the back seats folded down there’s a massive 1773 litres — allowing you to carry a couple of mountain bikes.

The back of the rear seat and the boot floor are made of a textured, hard-wearing plastic that can be easily cleaned. Underneath the floor are two long drawers which pull out and are perfect for keeping small items that would otherwise slide around, or tucking valuables out of sight. There are also hooks for shopping bags and tie-down points.

Handling is acceptable. The steering does not supply the driver with much feedback of what the wheels are doing and it rides more firmly than other family SUVs — passengers may get a little jostled by bad roads.

You control the all-wheel drive system using a dial forward of the transmission shifter. For day-to-day use, select 2WD for maximum efficiency, on wet or slippery roads choose 4WD for extra grip, and when going off road or on extra-slippery surfaces, you can lock the centre differential to provide equal power to the front and rear wheels for maximum grip. How far off the road will an X-Trail go? It will happily tackle a sandy beach, dry rutted trail or paddock crossing.

Handy for off-road driving is hill descent control, which helps automatically slow the vehicle on a steep decline using the anti-lock braking system. The button for this system is next to the all-wheel drive selection dial.

Raised edges of the bonnet makes it easy to judge the edges of the X-Trail while parking. There are large blind spots to the rear and sides, as the rear pillars are very thick. The 10.8-metre turning circle is average for vehicles of this type.

Towing weight varies between 750kg for an unbraked trailer and 2,000kg for a braked trailer – enough for a medium-sized trailer boat, and more than most competing vehicles by 400kg.

Normally this is found during the inspection service when the car is imported into New Zealand, but check for yourself by looking inside the arch for bubbling or discolouration of the metal. If you find something of concern, avoid the vehicle or have it professionally checked - as rust repairs are expensive.

Also check the boot area for signs of excessive wear and damage. While they are designed to be cleanable and durable, previous owners may have taken this as a sign to treat the area badly.

All models are available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive and 2-litre or 2.5-litre form called the ‘20’ and 25’ respectively.

This review covers the Nissan X-Trail for model years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013.

Review vehicle supplied by 2CheapCars, Botany.

*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.