Nissan X-Trail India Review: Why This Premium 7-Seater Is Bold, Different & Risky

The Nissan X-Trail’s return to India is not just another car launch—it’s a statement. A statement that Nissan still believes in Indian buyers who want something intelligent, refined, and different, not just big and loud.

But here’s the twist.

Instead of chasing volumes, Nissan has taken a bold and risky path. The fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail arrives as a fully imported CBU, priced deep into premium territory, and powered by one of the most advanced petrol engines ever sold in India.

This is not an SUV built to impress your neighbors.
This is an SUV built to impress you—if you understand what it offers.

So, is the Nissan X-Trail worth its asking price, or is it simply too niche for India? Let’s dive deep.

Nissan X-Trail India Launch: A Different Strategy

The fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail was launched in India in August 2024, and contrary to speculation, this is not a 2026 model. It is already on sale—but in a very limited and premium avatar.

Model Generation: Fourth-generation X-Trail
Assembly: Completely Built Unit (CBU) from Japan
Positioning: Premium 7-seater SUV
Variants: Single, fully loaded trim

By choosing the CBU route, Nissan has clearly decided to prioritize brand image over sales numbers. This puts the X-Trail in direct competition with established premium SUVs like the Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, and Jeep Meridian.

VC-Turbo Engine: The Soul of the Nissan X-Trail

If there is one reason to talk about the Nissan X-Trail, it’s what sits under the hood.

World-Class Engine Technology

Engine: 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol
Technology: Variable Compression (VC) Turbo
Power Output: 161 bhp
Torque: 300 Nm
Hybrid Tech: 12V Mild-Hybrid System

This VC-Turbo engine is a technological masterpiece. It can intelligently change its compression ratio on the fly—from 8:1 for performance to 14:1 for fuel efficiency.

In simple words:

Drive calmly → it behaves like an efficient engine
Push hard → it transforms into a performance motor

No rival SUV in India offers anything remotely similar.

Mild-Hybrid System: Subtle but Effective

The 12V mild-hybrid system may not sound exciting, but it plays a crucial role:

Extra torque assistance during acceleration
Smoother stop-start operation
Energy recovery during braking

You don’t feel it working—but you feel the refinement.

Transmission & Driving Feel: Built for Comfort

The Nissan X-Trail uses a 3rd-generation XTRONIC CVT automatic transmission, paired exclusively with front-wheel drive (FWD).

0–100 km/h: 9.6 seconds
Top Speed: 200 km/h

Thanks to D-Step Logic Control, the CVT feels far more natural than traditional CVTs. Paddle shifters add a layer of control, especially on highways.

However, the absence of AWD at this price is a serious miss—and one that adventure-loving buyers will not ignore.

Mileage: Better Than You Expect

ARAI Mileage: 13.7 kmpl

For a petrol-powered, CBU-imported, 7-seater SUV, this is surprisingly respectable, especially when driven sensibly.

Interior: Calm, Practical & Thoughtful

Step inside the Nissan X-Trail, and the first thing you notice is space and simplicity.

This is not a flashy cabin.
It’s a functional, intelligently designed interior meant for families.

Seating & Layout

7-seater configuration (India-specific)
Second row:
- 40:20:40 split
- Sliding & reclining
- 85-degree wide-opening doors
Third row:
- Suitable for children
- Adults only for short trips

The second row is where the X-Trail truly shines—comfortable, flexible, and extremely usable.

Features: Good, But Not Class-Leading

What You Get

Panoramic dual-pane sunroof
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Rear AC vents
8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster
Floating center console with massive storage

What You Don’t (At This Price)

This is where emotions shift:

❌ No ventilated seats
❌ No powered front seats
❌ No leather upholstery
❌ No powered tailgate

For nearly ₹50 lakh, these omissions sting—and rivals do better.

Safety: One Area Where Nissan Nails It

Safety is non-negotiable, and the Nissan X-Trail delivers strongly.

Crash Safety

5-star rating – Euro NCAP & ANCAP

Safety Features

7 airbags, including a rare front-center airbag
ABS with EBD
ESC / Vehicle Dynamic Control
Traction Control System
Hill Start Assist with Auto Hold
Front & rear parking sensors
360-degree Around View Monitor

ADAS: The Biggest Disappointment

Despite global availability, the India-spec Nissan X-Trail misses ADAS features, such as:

Adaptive cruise control
Lane keep assist
Forward collision warning

At this price, this omission hurts its premium credibility.

Nissan X-Trail Price in India

Ex-showroom price: ~₹48.20 lakh

This places it dangerously close to larger, diesel-powered SUVs that offer AWD, stronger resale, and more features.

Nissan X-Trail Rivals Comparison

Skoda Kodiaq: Better value, locally assembled
Toyota Fortuner: Diesel dominance, resale king
MG Gloster: ADAS + road presence
Jeep Meridian: Premium interiors, AWD option

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Nissan X-Trail?

The Nissan X-Trail is not for everyone—and that’s okay.

This SUV is for buyers who:

Appreciate engineering over gimmicks
Want a refined petrol 7-seater
Drive mostly in cities and highways
Value safety, smoothness, and reliability

Skip it if you want:

Diesel power
AWD capability
Feature-loaded luxury

Bottom Line

The Nissan X-Trail is bold, intelligent, and different—but also expensive and emotionally demanding.

If you connect with what it offers, you’ll love it.
If you don’t, you’ll wonder why it exists.

And that’s exactly what makes the Nissan X-Trail one of the most interesting SUVs in India today.