x trail review 2023 Page 28

The 2023 Nissan X‑Trail finally feels modern, not just a hire‑car with dreams. You get a smooth 2.5‑litre petrol with CVT or the clever e‑POWER hybrid that uses a petrol engine as a generator while the wheels are driven electrically, with optional e‑4ORCE AWD. Economy is decent—think mid‑7s L/100 km for the petrol and low‑6s for the hybrid—without demanding monk‑like restraint. Cabin quality is up, tech is current, and there’s a useful five‑seat layout (seven seats on select petrol grades) plus a big, family‑friendly boot. The ride is comfy and quiet; push hard and the CVT drones a bit, while the hybrid feels silkier but costs more. It’s not the cheapest medium SUV, but it’s finally one you’d recommend to people you actually like.