Thirstier than RAV4, but MUCH quieter (Nissan X-Trail E-Power Hybrid 2023 review)
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- Опубліковано 2 чер 2024
- Tom reviews the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L E-Power hybrid, a new midsize petrol-electric SUV in which the engine never directly powers the wheels.
The new Nissan X-Trail has been heralded as an improvement over the previous version, but it still needed a decent engine. Well, now it has one, in the form of a 1.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder paired with dual front and rear electric motors.
Unlike a Toyota RAV4, the X-Trail E-Power is a series-hybrid system where the petrol engine runs to charge the battery or drive the motors via an inverter under long periods of strain, but it has no physical connection to the wheels.
Combined power is 157kW (210 hp) and for Australia the X-Trail hybrid has standard AWD, but a cheaper FWD version could come here later if demand requires it.
The X-Trail competes with the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester and other midsize SUVs.
As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct - so this is an independent, honest review of the Nissan X-Trail.
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Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
0:18 - Price & Specs
1:29 - Interior
4:13 - Back Seats
6:04 - Boot
7:30 - Fuel Economy
8:38 - Servicing & Warranty
9:10 - Driving
16:43 - Verdict
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I took this car for a test drive last weekend. I was very impressed with the interior design and quality. The drive experience was great too. It was very agile and quiet. One excellent feature of the infotainment system is the full screen integration of Android Auto on the 12.3" screen, something that most car manufacturers are currently failing to offer and it really frustrates Andoid users. This car is far better than its mainstream competitors and reasonably priced. Overall I think your review is spot on.
My family has been Toyota fans for generations.
Now this Nissan is making my eyes shift to its beauty both in function and aesthetics.. and practicality for families. Damn. That’s hard to say😊
I ordered one not because of the fuel consumption, which isn't all that bad in my opinion, but because it has the driving characteristics of an EV, it is a very nice car to drive and way more refined than a RAV4.
Yep that makes sense to me
I ordered mine with exactly the same mind set! Plus the refined finishing across the cabin which Toyota fails to deliver too.
If the batt dies… does it run on fuel?
Great review - I think someone forgot to turn up the saturation on your video though. Unless it’s a stylistic choice, in which case, what would I know 🤪
Most underrated vehicle of 2023. People stop buying Rav4 please.
Great review!!! One of the best I’ve watched!
The X Trail is awesome. Definitely e Power for me!
Thanks for this detailed review. I think Nissan has done a fantastic job with an innovative approach to the hybrid drivetrain. Also i think it would be more reliable considering the engine is just charging the batteries and completely disconnected from driving the wheels. Well done Nissan.
Looking forward to your in-depth review back in Sydney!
I’d love to see a head to head comparison with its cousin, the Outlander PHEV. Even better test all the hybrids/PHEVs included in the segment. On and off road and track test the braking, acceleration and collision avoidance 👍
love your style and flow of review!
Great review, Tom. I think this X-Trail is a handsome car that is a huge step up from the previous model. The E-Power would be my choice. I’m pleased to hear that the ride is so good. As I’ve aged, that virtue has become more important to me and I do a 700+ Km round trip every six weeks or so in a day.
Totally agree
What get's me is needing to use 95 fuel in addition to the higher purchase and service costs over the Rav4. Here in NZ, the cheapest hybrid X-Trail is $63k where as the Rav4 hybrid starts at $47 and maxes out at just under $59k. I get that it may have a nicer interior but I have small kids and sometimes having nice things isn't worth it at this stage (for us)!
I took delivery of a Rav4 GXL in December 2021 after 5.5 month wait. So far I've been happy with it. It's not perfect but it gets the basics right. I do wish I could run off of EV longer or when using more than a tap on the pedal as well as having a quieter ride as we have some pretty poor roads in our part of NZ. I hope to try and reduce some of the noise with some better tyres when they are due for replacement. But in terms of handling and power, it's been good. I'm only getting 6.7l/100km but I don't have the lightest foot and we do have to go over some big hills here occasionally. But I am happy with it, especially for the price of $51k all in, which included an OEM towbar and 5 years service. It seems like a deal compared to other cars.
Well, I saw a few reviews before buying one, and I'm not disappointed. Managed to get an ex-demo, op spec, only 9 months old and fully loaded. I love it. Because its so quiet you do notice the engine when it kicks in, and I would say it grumbles when cold. But after 5 mins of driving you won't even notice it. I love it. A lot of bang for your buck and a great drive
My brother test drove an X Trail E Force and immediately ordered on after exclaiming "Beautiful". I then test drove one at the same dealer. So smooth, quiet, responsive and comfortable. An EV drive without heavy batteries and without having to plug in. Fabulous.
Such a great solution in Australia with none of the EV downsides.
Logical controls and a heads up display add to the delights.
He agrees with you. The Ti is the best value.
The ship has arrived with his champagne Ti. There are delays with quarantine clearance.
Loves it. Exceeded expectations.
Small battery, but it’s still heavy … the twin motor electric drive train adds a lot of weight. Nice to drive around most of the time and excellent performance when needed - quicker than the old 3.5L V6 for half the fuel use (had a 2012 Murano Ti). But like the Murano I just hated the front styling - but many others seem to like it. Shitty sound system in the Ti for a $55K car - give me the twin sub Bose system of the Murano!
Like other commenters here I also took a TiL for a drive. I also have an My22 Tucson Highlander diesel, which is one of top SUVs of its type currently [looking to upgrade]. The drive of the e-power straight away is just so smooth it is electric drive. The torquey electric drive off the line is just brilliant in around town, merging onto roundabouts and so forth compared to ICE combinations. Nissan at this stage couldnt estimate when the tan interiors were coming in for me to see, the current black leather interior altho nice is just a bit drab. What has Nissan missed on this XTrail, is not routing Android Auto nav to heads up display ? why ? such a great opportunity. The boot cover is a light colour just waiting to get marked/dirty . But apart from those niggles its a seems to be a good, sure footed capable SUV quiet to drive, and comfortable. I tested the AWD /e4orce capability on my steep off angle driveway, it was as good as the Haldex system [Hyundai, VAG group etc] IMHO. Several awd cars I tested couldnt manage my drive without excessive wheelspin, clunking drivetrain [Ford] or so on. Very interested in the TiL spec, my 40 min test drive suburban and highway netted hi 6sL/100 km, which was similar to what my MY22 diesel Tucson does across the same drive..but a much nicer quieter smooth [electric] drive. Want to see one with the tan interior before I decide to change.
Thank you for your review. Last weekend I had a test drive. Ellegant, confortable and modern. The only con is about the e-power, i still can´t get used to have an "anchor feeling" because the inertia lost generating electric energy, I´m not sure about that sensation.
Hey Tom, great review as always, how would you compare this to the Cupra Formentor Plug-in Hybrid, interested in your thoughts? Thanks
That car looks so good, much love thanks for this video ❤
No problem!!
I am a current 4-year-old Qashqai owner and ordered a new Qashqai E-power as a replacement. Have been waiting for more than 12 months. Placed a new order for a Ti_L X-Trail in November 2022. Should get the car in few weeks' time. Based on Tom's report, looks like I done the right thing.
I got my car over a week ago and done over 800km. It has such a silky smooth drive around town.
My average fuel consumption is sitting at 5.7 l/100km.
I filled up the tank after picking up from the dealership with 98 octane half tank. Drove to Helensburgh yesterday and back. Each trip indicated only 5l/100km and 24 km out of 70 km gained by regeneration.
Quite impressive so far. Will use 95 octane next time and see.
My current Corolla ZR hybrid averages 4.7 l/100km.
Happy with my new Xtrail for sure.
@@BalaKuganesan Nice to hear re the consumption! Can't wait to get my Ti-L Sept/October here in Perth.
Nice review! whether this new X-trail has laminated glass?
Wow, an ICE drive the invertor to power the electric motor to drive the road. My son got his front wheel drive RAV4 at the beginning of 2022 after a nine months wait. And now he is waiting to trade up a 4 wheel drive RAV4. And we are in the middle of a 24 months wait, told by the dealer. Don't know the wait time for this one. But it surely looks interest. Great review.
So it works sort of like a locomotive. Just a gen set and some motors.
What's the road noise like, in the cabin? Awesome review by the way. I think I might put my name down for one tomorrow. Cheers
I found it to be quiet enough
This car vs Kia Sportage GT-line Diesel (assuming the 1.6 hybrid has no arrival date), which car should I choose? Also should I go for Sorento HEV for more space? It's more weight to tow with a 1.6t hybrid...
Maybe for the next model a bigger battery and plug-in option would beat the Rav4 on fuel consumption?
Love the review. I'm not in the market but if I were, this might be it.
Thanks!
Interesting how the 7-seat versions of this come only in AWD. One would think the system would eat into the 3rd row. Still a compelling 5+2 for the top spec at $50k DA. But would be nice if they gave this that Merc engine. Kinda like a GLB.
I test drove a Ti e-power x-trail a couple of months ago and placed an order. Dealer said to expect a 6 month wait. Just need to sell off my old Forrester now. 😊
After 6 months owning my Xtrail, I am still smiling. Loving my daily driving.
@@grahambyrne9726 Hey mate how much was it ? I am thinking of buying the same spec
Congratulations Nissan. Much better looking than the Rav4 and interesting hybrid system. If the drive is good, the slight penalty in economy would be well worth it.
Absolutely needs a spare tyre or a space saver at minimum.
To the question when did you last have a puncture?
Tomorrow.
It’s only when you need the spare do you realise how important they are, especially on our increasingly poor roads.
Love the X Trail through.
Stopped watching at "tyre repair kit"
What about reliability of this 3-Zylinder engine with turbo?
I wonder why Nissan don't offer the E-Power in the USA..thank you, great review.
I was wondering the same thing
why is this video so hazy and dream like?. Otherwise great review. I dropped my order for the Lexus NX350H and have a TI-L ePower on order!
Was considering this before the prices got released. Unfortunately a bit too expensive imho.
What are the RPMs when city driving?
Prices have changed it's 40k plus for base model
Test drove the 2023 spec RAV4 Hybrid cruiser and the TI-L e-power back to back and the in cabin ambience is so much better along with the far more premium finish in the Nissan and the acceleration. The price is just a little too much. If the TI-L e-power had a drive away price in the mid to late $50’s, it would be a big winner IMO. For me, the fact that it may be 1- 1.5 litres worse than the RAV4 per 100km would have no bearing as the overall driving experience would be priority as the extra $20 per fill up is really not that much in the grand scheme of things based on what I’m driving now. With that being said, i have a RAV4 on order purely because a got a great deal. When I get it is another story!!
The Ti is the car that matches that price range, and it’s hardly a stripped out spec
@@chasingcars Good point that TI is the cruisers competitor, although the RAV has some features including remote features that the TI does not. Once you sit in the TI-L and then sit in the TI, its hard to love the TI as the leather seats look more like pleather and less plush. Nissan, if you’re listening, put the Ti-L e-powerat $59.999.99 or maybe be open to discounting like other brands and you may chip away at the cult like RAV4 following.
The Nissan looks every big upmarket in the cabin and is quieter I believe. Anyway I have a RAV4 Hybrid.
@@johnmartin7158 Yes, agree that the Nissan has a level of more luxury than the RAV4 does and is quieter in the cabin. Can’t deny that Toyota hybrid is the king of fuel economy and service costs are very good but thats about all it has going for it as the rest is so bland and outdated. Still didn’t stop me ordering a RAV although seriously considering the E-power.
did you shoot the video on a foggy day?
Thank you, Tom, for a considered review of a SUV that will sell well - ePower or not.
One thing I will ask though. Please stop referring to the use of 95RON petrol as a disadvantage. Our 91RON is is high sulphur crap and one of the poorest quality fuels, rating 85th comaperd to other countries.
I agree with that, but it’s a matter of being balanced between acknowledging the superior qualities of premium with the fact that for some family buyers it does hurt the bottom line. I’m actually not expressing an opinion in these videos about it - merely stating the facts about what different cars require
Fuel consumption @ 150km/h?
Put in Sport and push the pedal to the floor …. OMG it’s quick (and mostly silent on the sprint) for an almost 2 tonne SUV … circa 6.5s 0-100. Very EV like. Irritating over time to drive on the highway where the steering is twitchy and it has front styling only a mother could love. Bought the CR-V RS instead, but I may end up missing the X-Trail’s twin motor grunt.
As a mechanic I would like to point out that servicing is part of owning a car. I get really annoyed at most car reviewers who complain about service costs. Seriously spending a few dollars every 10,000ks over the life of the car is cheap compared to major maintenance if you ignore it.
If you buy a car then expect to pay for servicing it.
Please don’t make things up. I have never said servicing isn’t necessary. I’ve said that Toyota makes it much cheaper. Why? They subsidise dealer costs to make the first 5 years of RAV4 ownership very inexpensive. Nissan on the other hand charges owners about double for the same logbook servicing job in that time. I’m not going to obscure that fact, because it’s important information for family buyers.
@@chasingcars I agree it is important for all consumers to have access to that information. However I object to reviews complaining about High costs of services (personal opinion). In my experience as an independent mechanic for the last 12 years
It is no cheaper using capped price services vs a good independent shop. You are still paying for it. The dealerships need to make money & often do that through service centres.
Toyota do make it easier for owner as in the pocket book, don’t you agree. Anyway with my new RAV4 Hybrid I’m getting my servicing done as in oil changes every 6 months. But I’ll still take it to Toyota every 12 months.
Cheers.
Get review, I'm thinking to buy one of these petrol based.
RAV4 look way better outside but these look way better inside
Sounds like an interesting alternative to the RAV4, and I like the styling much better. Do you know if Toyota has any plans to bring the RAV4 Prime PHEV (which has been a major success in the US) to Australia?
They can’t deliver the current hybrid… I canceled my order after waiting a year and no car within sight!
Toyota Australia seems to be pushing their BS "self-charging" hybrid line in Aus which would be counter to the far superior Prime. I'm guessing they'll milk the non plugin cash-cow until it dies.
So, is this a plug in hybrid? Is there any electric only range?
It’s a closed loop series hybrid, drive to wheels only ever comes from the electric motor, using petrol motor as a generator. Not a PHeV.
You can force it into EV only for 6-8 km
It is also 200kg heavier than a RAV4. But Toyota are the best at hybrid efficiency.
I test drove one this week.
Fabulous, responsive, comfortable and very quiet. Loved it. Your review is spot on.
The Dealer Principal commented that RAV owners never get under 5.5 litres per 100 km.
Although the Toyota hybrid system is more efficient I’ve always believed that using the engine to generate electricity only is the way to go, even more so now that they are putting CVT gearboxes in cars which I do not like.
6.7L per 100kms? Hybrid?
This is perfect if you're considering a RAV4 and you're doing a lot of highway driving. If you're a city dweller, wait for the RAV4.
Thanks, Tom.
I just wonder if Australian families are ready for a car with no spare wheel at all?
Am I the only person who can envision a scenario in this car of getting a cut tyre half way between Wilcannia and Broken Hill, on a public holiday, it’s starting to get dark, the kids are screaming and you’re the devil’s sporn in your wife’s eye for causing this sh!t show?
Most people just don’t go that far out is the simple answer. Yes, lots of people imagine doing so but many just do not divert far from trunk routes where you’ll get roadside. I like to go further out so I carry a spare
The Mitsubishi PHEV comes with a "repair kit" rather than a spare tyre. In my last 8 years of mostly suburban driving, I never had to use it. The one time when I had a puncture, I just used an electric pump to pump it up sufficiently to get me to the nearest tyre-repair shop.
Great review with priority on driving experience and comfort.
My brother recently bought a 2020 RAV 4 petrol as a second car. The hired a RAV4 Hybrid and unimpressed by the driving experience.
Test drove an X Trail E Force and was smitten... Beautiful drive. 3 month wait.
I am looking forward to driving it.
The only EV type I would consider. No need to plug in, battery technology in EVs is very young and high in resource use. The range and infrastructure work need to improve a lot in Australia...
Facts
Took delivery 2 days ago .
Fabulous 🎉
Servcing intervals are kind of irrelevant for me as I would service the RAV 4 every 10,000KMs. This should be done for basically all modern cars regardless of how reliable their brand image is.
I can tell you 99% of people who buy midsize SUVs do so to drive it as an appliance and will service it only when the interval warning appears on screen!
What about the cvt is it going to pack up?
Not CVT its direct drive electric
@@d.e.p.r7182 thanks mate
Any one know what its like as a tow car?
The inclusion of just a puncture repair kit is just crazy in Australia and disqualifies an otherwise attractive proposition. Honda is guilty of the same with the CRV. No way am I driving in regional Australia without a spare.
We picked up my wife’s RAV4 Cruiser in August last year after a 15 month wait 😅 and we love it! I tested the Ti a couple of weeks ago and it’s another level up again for a similar price. So, it’s on order to replace the Mazda 6 GT wagon diesel 😊
What is the current wait time for the new X-Trail hybrids?
If you had to go again, would you have gone with Nissan Ti instead of RAV4?
Better refined driving propulsion than Toyota or Honda by far!
How does this compare to the Outlander PHEV, which shares the same platform but with a different drivetrain?
The Outlander PHEV has an 80km+ electric range so you could drive it in pure EV mode for the bulk of daily driving and potentially charge it off home solar for minimal ongoing cost.
It also has longer (15,000km) service intervals, lower capped price servicing costs and longer 10 year warranty when serviced through an authorised dealer. It’s also available with 5+2 seating, which would be handy those with the occasional need to carry more people.
The Outlander PHEV is more expensive though, topping out at $75k DA (Vic), although it does currently qualify for the FBT exemption for EVs via a novated lease, which could cut costs significantly.
In the Nissan’s favour is a nicer interior with a larger and more modern infotainment system, better suspension tuning and possibly better performance. Which one would you recommend?
Phev outlander also has a huge wait time right now. Dealer I talked to said if I ordered now I'd be waiting until 2024. EPower xtrails are meant to be arriving April.
Only time I have put fuel in my latest gen Outlander PHEV is for long road trips, most weeks it's just EV only unless I put it in Tarmac mode for funsies. I have put fuel in twice, neither time a complete fill, so probably 1 and a half tanks, and I'm at 2500kms - that's with 3 longish road-trips with no charge options.
Most drivers do over 10,000 klms a year. So its likely most owners would be taking their X-Trail back for services before 12 months. Bit of a pain. Also not sure I would trust a car company who's X CEO escapes prosecution by Japanese Authorities by hiding in a suitcase and leaves the country.
I wasn't expecting Forester hybrid levels of fuel consumption. That sucks.
Forester is more like 9 than 7.
@@chasingcars Oh, your review quotes a 7.6L/100km
What is Nissan thinking? Victoria has third world roads outside Melbourne. No spare tyre - no deal. No wonder the Hilux is the best selling car in Australia.
Most drivers won’t leave roadside assistance range any more than once a year… and certainly not those tied to a charger.
Agree, no spare tyre is a deal breaker for me. Did you hear that Nissan?
They do pretty extensive customer focus groups and they’d be saying ‘I get a puncture once every 10 years’. That’s the kind of thing that drives these decisions.
@@chasingcars shouldn’t the thinking go the lines of, how many sales are we likely to miss out on by not having a spare tyre. Just my rant for today.
@@jeremybean-hodges6397I’m not most drivers…. I recently got a flat tyre, before that 10 years no flat. However I got my flat late at night in regional NSW…it was a 10min inconvenience… roadside assistance would have been hours…. And I wouldn’t have slept in my own bed or turned up to work the next day.
Looks like interior lights are halogen. Not good enough for $60k plus car
Been reviewing a few hybrid SUVs, and sadly they just don’t seem to be saving much fuel in comparison to some traditionally powered SUVs, some using more fuel. The price differential between traditionally powered and hybrid models in most brands is just far to far apart, and considering they don’t seem to save enough to warrant the extra expense? The old but current model Honda CRV gets better fuel consumption then the new Hybrid XTrail.
The RAV4 hybrid uses half the fuel of the combustion version in the real world; the X-trail uses 30% less. The Forester is the only one that comes to mind that fits your description - it’s not really a general rule of thumb TBQH
@@chasingcars I’m all for hybrid, phev, and electric, and what I said was they don’t save enough to warrant the expense of the hybrid over the traditionally powered equivalent. I also said that the current Honda CRV seems as good if not better then some of the hybrid models around. You say your not sponsored, maybe your not, but the car companies look after you guys very well, the old saying, you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. It’s a simple fact, so many of the current hybrids don’t save enough fuel to warrant the excessive outlay in cost.
@@raymondmumford6255on a pure fuel savings basis you are not wrong - basically only Toyota parallel hybrids make financial sense on that basis - with a payback of maybe 1 to 2 years - hence their huge popularity. But I think the point the reviewer has made is that in this case you get a vehicle that is much faster than the non hybrid while also being much more refined - a nicer car to drive and be in. Just happens you also save some fuel as well. That might be enough for people to justify the extra cost, regardless that it can not be justified on fuel savings alone.
My son's RAV4 hybrid does 5.7L/100k. It saves some fuel.
It’s not just about fuel economy either. As the review notes, having a smaller carbon footprint is part of the appeal. If you only have a financial lens you have to also consider what future petrol prices could be, as there could be real world direct costs / taxes in the future that could be mitigated here. Regardless of the cost saving math between models there are those that simply want their ride to be gentler on the planet than the petrol only models
If they have lots in stock already in Australia then it gives a compelling alternative to the Rav4 and its long wait times.
But a lot of people buy Toyota for reliability and that's not something that can be teased out during these reviews and tests.
e.g. reliability of this 3-Zylinder engine with turbo.
I wish Tom had explained the car doesn’t not have the cvt to drive the axle. The engine is solely used to charge the battery so only the twin motors drive the front and rear axle. Hence there is no tunnel in the seat and it makes more comfy.
If your saving about 3 litres per 100km and Petrol is $2L doing an average of 15,000 km it would take you 5.5 years to get your money back over the standard engine not a couple of years as stared. Your car is then out of warranty and you need to start again :( OK if you prefer the drive but not a reason to save money.
That’s about right - but it’s also a lot more powerful underfoot than the 2.5L, so part of the reasoning is it’s better to drive.
But the car E Force is worth more at any point in time. Actual payback will probably be 2 years... And a much better driving experience. Plus it is safer.
Man why did they go with no spare on the hybrid. Deal breaker for me.
I certainly loved Nissan at one time but since its association with Renault, no thank you.
A Kia Sorento is better deal in my opinion
What is the point of e-power if it is less efficient than 20 years old Toyota's hybrid system ? They've just made "dirty EV"
It's a EV with a generator.
Not quite, no.
No, it’s a ICE with electric drive train. The battery is anaemic. Extremely complex and unnecessary.
@@chasingcars how is it not?
Unlike with a generator there’s also the battery function - the engine can work as a direct generator at various RPMs but most of the time it’s effectively a battery charger
Oof. Too expensive and it's not as fuel efficient compared to it's competitors.
This is exactly the comment I was hoping an independent like chasing cars would end on. But thank you for pointing it out!
On the highway, at 140km, the consumption is 13.5 l/100km, 4 people and the trunk full of luggage. The old Xtrail T32, diesel engine, consumption, in the same condition is 7.5 l.
It's a petrol car. Or as the greenies say, a fossil car.
And it has no spare tyre . Good luck on those trips outside town or going bush. Take food and drink, as help such as the RACQ may take a few hours to find you. The rear electric motor is where the spare usually sits.
If batt does, does the car run on fuel?
Bmw mazda interior😂
Uses more fuel than a Hyundai diesel….this sounds like an overly complex (likely to have poor reliability) attempt at green washing. What a cop out Nissan. You should have called it out!
It’s not my job in any way to make political statements, it’s my job to review cars that are put in front of me - including making factual statements about fuel economy so you can make up your own mind.
Nothing political about the fact the hybrid uses more fuel than a diesel Tucson.
@@alexrobinson2100 Should they compare it to every vehicle make in the world to keep you happy?
Just a little pricey and not highly fuel efficient. I think a Mazda CX5 turbo would be more my taste
Keep in mind CX-5 Turbo will cost $1000+ extra per year in fuel for most drivers
Google the dangers of Hybrids and Electric vehicles in an accident. Emergency Service personnel will tell you that damaged electric motors have the capacity to catch fire and even explode, do you really want to be trapped in a vehicle after an accident with emergency personnel unable to cut you free without the possibility of the car catching fire....i'll pass thanks.
Gee, and petrol cars NEVER do that, do they?