Nissan X-Trail goes premium? (Nissan X-Trail/Rogue 2023 review walkaround)

The 2023 Nissan X-Trail has nearly arrived in Australia and today, Chasing Cars journalist John Law takes a first look at the new midsize SUV. Set to compete against the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5, the Nissan X-Trail offers five seats and uses a new 2.5-litre direct-injected petrol engine.

Should you order a new Nissan X-Trail? Is it a real rival for Mazda’s premium CX-5?

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[JudgeMeByMyJumper]

Interesting to see how new Pathfinder, X-Trail and Qashqai look pretty much the same on the exterior, but only vary in size now. I think that is quite clever actually. Exterior looks fantastic with this gun-metal grey style and the two tone body with contrasted roof. Interior got some beautiful, stylish upgrades, which really brings it into this decade and makes it seems more premium. We do use the third row relatively often on the ST-L, so that means, I guess, getting the Pathfinder next then, if not even the top specs will offer that extra seating. Just wish there were hybrid/plug-in or pure EV options for these cars coming as they are always quite thirsty.

[rotoehu]

That premium feel of a mildly updated (but still barely adequate) 2.5L (originally used by Noah to power the anchor on the Ark) and a Jatco CVT. Yeah… not sure worth the wait even with a much better interior.

[LL]

Finally, I find a infortainment system on Japanese car without obvious lag~

[tonyclarke]

Thank you for the review of the new x-trail. I only wish that Australia got the 1.5 variable compression turbo option with 202 hp

[newdor]

Again a really lovely review - thank you.

[AJ-rclr]

as a X Trail owner, this is definitely worth the upgrade, i am driving the 2018 X Trail and oh boy this new model is 1000x better than the current one both Exterior and Interior, lovely!!

[frednurk]

At 1:33, "It still uses the single-speed torque converter automatic." ???? What's that? My guess is it's a CVT with eight pre-programmed steps to mimic a conventional automatic, as in the Outlander. They just don't want to use the name CVT due to it being unpopular for many buyers.

[MaxFromSydney]

@John Law,
Can you tell us any details about:
- the 4WD system.
- the spare wheel.
- Any possibility of a more powerful engine. This engine seems to be an Achilles heal similar to that of the Subaru Forester and Outback.
Thx.

[willmac]

That non metallic grey looks ace. A grey blue and pastel green wd look great too. Hope the E Power versions make it to Thailand.

[gureno]

Like how they've thrown an "off road" mode in there....may as well include a "race" mode too if they are in denial about its capabilities that much 🤣

[nchia]

I think the title should say "preview" rather than "review". First impressions, looks nice.

[georgeschannel]

Is it still a CVT? He said "single speed torque converter automatic", so I'm confused.

[xili]

Hilarious to call it premium when the engine is about the same as the 20 year old first gen model.

[cityplanner]

I know these two cars are in different class but I think since Mazda has stepped up there interior game for the Mazda 3 and Cx 30 the competition is stepping it up as well.

[nchia]

I still don't like the Corporate Grille, but the front lights arrangement I don't mind.

[joelbowden]

Any word on if we are getting the VC turbo engine that the US and Canada get? Was really hoping for that to be an option on the higher grades instead of the same old underwhelming engine that's been around since 2007.

[screwge]

It’s such a step up in aesthetics but that engine just lets it down. It’d be on my shopping list if it wasn’t for that ancient boat anchor under the bonnet.

[edhunt]

Any idea when and how much would cost?

[jing]

A shame that there's no 7 seats anymore.

[samevil]

Does this new X-Trail offer a hybrid AWD version?