Used Nissan X-Trail for sale: everything you need to know

The Nissan X-Trail has more history than you might expect. It first arrived in 2000 as a proper 4x4, pitched somewhere above less rugged rivals like the Toyota RAV4. Then, in 2013, it became a seven-seat version of the popular Qashqai. Since 2021 the Nissan X-Trail once again took on a boxier, more utilitarian appearance - but underneath, it’s still closely related to the Qashqai launched the same year.

All that is to say, the X-Trail you’re looking at may be quite different depending on how old you’re shopping - but one thing they all have in common is that they’re very family-friendly, with many of the Qashqai’s advantages wrapped up in a more spacious package.

The Nissan X-Trail isn’t short of rivals, from the sensible Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, to the striking styling of the Hyundai Santa Fe and the stylish Mazda CX-60. Most, like the X-Trail, also offer hybrid power, though some rivals are better to drive.

Should you buy a Nissan X-Trail? 

The Nissan X-Trail competes in a busy segment with some particularly appealing rivals, but that’s not to say you should overlook it. The latest model introduced in 2021 takes a fairly big step up in ability over its predecessor and its more rugged styling has a little more personality too.

Perhaps the X-Trail’s biggest selling point is its engine range. All models offer a degree of hybrid technology, from a mild-hybrid entry-level model, to front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive e-Power models that use an engine as a generator but actually drive around using an electric motor. They aren’t the most efficient cars of their type on the market, and a full plug-in electric car will cost even less to run, but the technology works well, and there’s no need to plug the car in - in this respect, it’s more like running any other combustion vehicle.

The cabin meanwhile is hushed whether you’re crawling around town or at motorway speeds, and the interior design and materials are pretty good too, with the leather-trimmed Tekna+ in particular feeling quite luxurious. The infotainment system works well too - the 12.3-inch screen in N-Connecta models and up is responsive and has clear graphics.

If you’re considering an X-Trail then you may also have some of the model’s rivals on your radar. The Skoda Kodiaq is a favourite in this segment, with similarly chunky styling and a sensible cabin, plus a useful engine lineup and plenty of family-friendly features. If more interesting styling is your thing, then the Hyundai Santa Fe is another strong seller. The Mazda CX-60 is also worth considering. It has an upmarket feel inside and out without premium pricing, and as well as the plug-in hybrid variant, there’s a punchy 3.3-litre diesel, which may work well long-term for higher-mileage drivers. Slightly older examples of premium models like the Audi Q5, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and BMW X3 may also be worth a look.

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What’s the best used Nissan X-Trail model to buy?

Of the current generation model, the best used Nissan X-Trail is probably the front-wheel drive e-Power model in N-Connecta trim. It’s the most fuel-efficient model in the range (the e-4orce isn’t far behind, but unless you really need the extra help come winter, it’s extra outlay for less efficiency), while N-Connecta means a few useful toys over the otherwise well-specified Acenta Premium. It’s worth noting however that some rivals are even more fuel-efficient, and the current flat tax rates means there’s not a huge saving choosing a hybrid over a diesel, for instance.

With pre-2021 X-Trail models, buying on condition will be even more important since these models are older and likely to be out of warranty by now. Engine-wise the 2.0 dCi diesels offer the best blend of pace and economy (particularly if you’re planning to fill seven-seat models with passengers). All models are well-equipped, so shop around to see which features suit your needs the best.

Used Nissan X-Trail fuel economy and performance

• Nissan X-Trail mild hybrid: The X-Trail’s powertrains are all based around a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. In mild hybrid form it’s gently assisted by a motor/generator to 163PS. It’s good for 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds, with claimed economy of 39.8mpg.
• Nissan X-Trail e-Power: The e-Power also uses a 1.5-litre engine, but here it acts as a generator, with a 204PS electric motor driving the front wheels. It can reach 62mph from rest in 8.0 seconds, and achieve up to 48.7mpg.
• Nissan X-Trail e-Power e-4orce AWD: With an extra electric motor for the rear axle, output rises to 213PS, and all-wheel drive traction helps to achieve a 0-62mph time of 7.0 seconds. Claimed consumption is 44.8mpg.

What used Nissan X-Trail trim levels are available?

The trim levels mentioned below pertain to the current X-Trail, though they should be relevant for all latest generation cars since its launch in 2021. Nissan has also used these trim lines across its range for some time now, so while specific equipment on older X-Trails may not correlate with those below, you can be confident that Visia models have traditionally been at the bottom of the range, and Tekna towards the top.

• The Nissan X-Trail Visia opens the range. All X-Trails come with LED headlights and a suite of safety features. Visia trim toys include manual air conditioning, 18-inch alloy wheels, and switchable drive modes.
• The Nissan X-Trail Acenta Premium trim opens up the option of the e-Power hybrid models and on top of Visia spec adds an 8-inch infotainment screen, parking camera, dual-zone aircon, and keyless go.
• The Nissan X-Trail N-Connecta upgrades the central screen to a 12.3-inch unit, as well as adding wireless Apple CarPlay, privacy glass, and standard roof rails.
• The Nissan X-Trail Tekna gets even more kit: three-zone air conditioning, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel and heated windscreen, power adjustable seats (and a power tailgate), 19-inch wheels, and a head-up display.
• The Nissan X-Trail Tekna+ tops the range with 20-inch wheels, leather seats, and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system.

Used Nissan X-Trail dimensions and boot size

The Nissan X-Trail’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4680mm
• Width: 1840mm (without mirrors)
• Height: 1725mm
• Ground clearance: N/A

The Nissan X-Trail’s boot size is:

• 485 litres (e-Power 7-seater) to 585 litres (hybrid 5-seater) with the rear seats up
• 651 litres (e-Power 7-seater) to 770 litres (hybrid 5-seater) with the rear seats folded down

Used Nissan X-Trail road tax

Post 1st April 2017, all X-Trail models are subject to a flat rate of tax. With all X-Trails using hybrid technology, this works out at £170 per year, though models higher up in the current, post-2021 range (such as the Tekna with the regular hybrid engine) have a list price of more than £40,000 when new, attracting a £390 annual surcharge, bringing the total cost to £560 per year from the second to sixth years of registration. Pre-2017 X-Trails will be subject to the CO2-based tax rates.

How much is it to insure a Nissan X-Trail?

The current generation Nissan X-Trail ranges from group 22 for a basic Visia with the hybrid powertrain, to group 31 for a top-end Tekna+ with the e-4orce all-wheel drive setup. Pre-2021 X-Trail models again conform to slightly different insurance groups, covering a range from groups 17-35 depending on trim level and engine.

Read our full Nissan X-Trail review