Road test: Nissan X-Trail

Nissan claims e-4ORCE is a gamechanger in terms of stability, cornering and braking performance, on top of the benefits of a 4WD system driven by two independent front and rear electric motors.

I’m looking forward to leaving the sealed highways and experiencing how this SUV performs on gravel back roads and up Tasmania’s second-highest mountain to the Ben Lomond ski village which, at an elevation of 1460m, is the highest place you can drive to on the island.

Heading south out of Launceston, my first impressions are of an X-Trail that’s highly evolved from the boxy, budget original versions first released in Australia 22 years ago. It feels refined and well-designed. I feel hugged in place by the firm, comfortable leather seats and love the clean minimalistic design of the dash, instrument cluster and infotainment screen. There are only four dials on the dash and centre console – one each for the passenger and driver’s climate control, one for the driving mode selector and an actual volume-control dial (so welcome!). Not bad at all for a vehicle laden with technology.

With a panoramic glass roof, three-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay, an ‘intelligent’ rearview mirror and even a little faux woodgrain, the X-Trail Ti-L feels more like a mid-range luxury vehicle than a family-focused SUV.

Following Michael’s encouragement, I select the e-Pedal drive mode as we head towards the historic village of Evandale for a caffeine break. At its simplest, the e-Pedal combines acceleration and braking in one. Step on the accelerator to move and lift off to brake. There are some real benefits here as braking, or decelerating, comes through the electric motors going into reverse and charging the battery, and also in terms of sustainability as it reduces reliance on the traditional braking system. I can see it would be great to use once you’re comfortable with it, but on this first drive I find my foot reaching for the brake pedal.

With its 20-inch alloy wheels and cobalt metallic paint, the X-Trail stands out amid the muted tones of Evandale’s colonial buildings. We pull up at the Clarendon Arms and throw off the morning chill with hot coffee and carrot cake.

Back in the car, we’re soon on classic country roads heading directly for Ben Lomond’s imposing dolerite ramparts. The X-Trail accelerates powerfully and more like a dedicated EV than a hybrid, helped by the one-speed automatic transmission. It’s a confidence-inspiring SUV to drive, making easy work of corners and braking smoothly. I often joke to interstate friends that Tasmania’s early road builders were paid per corner, as our roads are so windy – so having a car that corners well is a real bonus

Nissan’s slick promotional videos claim the e-4ORCE powertrain and braking system will deliver power to the wheels with the most grip, ensuring confidence and stability through corners. It certainly feels like reality matches the hype in the X-Trail’s case.

Before long, we’ve turned onto the gravel road into Ben Lomond National Park, climbing rapidly through tall eucalypt forests. The instrument cluster tells me when the car is purely EV and when the petrol engine is assisting to run the electric motors. Heading up the mountain is a combined effort, but it takes the incline in its stride. The X-trail feels safe and capable on this relatively rough dirt road. It’s solid over bumps and potholes, and tracks well over the more corrugated sections. More of an SUV for weekend getaways than an off-roader, it does what it’s been designed for very well.