Getting Dirty in a Nissan X-Trail N-Trek

Nissan released an N-Trek version of the quite brilliant X-Trail, based on the ST-L model, for a premium of around $5,500.

You get a choice of a 2WD 5-seater, or for an extra $3,100, an AWD 7-seater. Despite the excellent e-Power hybrid being available in trim level either side of the N-trek, Nissan brought X-Trail N-Trek to market sans hybrid. All of the N-Trek changes relate to trim and colour when perhaps a little extra ride height and power would have been handier.

The X-Trail range already had something for everyone, so adding this mid-range model is meant for those who want a slightly less precious interior, and a couple added touches to the exterior. Nissan bravely says X-Trail N-Trek can get grotty because the seats and trim are vinyl instead of leather or fabric. Although there is only so much dirt to be accrued in a humble front-wheel-drive wagon, it isn’t something we’d test.

Meanwhile, the AWD X-Trail N-Trek is a hoot off road, and CVT automatics that are normally the bane of my life, but seem suited to light AWD work. Sadly ours was a front-wheel-drive.

While you wouldn’t want to climb a mountain, there is a ton of space for camping gear, scuba wets, and any other water-sport accoutrements.

Outside:

The grille V is black, as are the door mirrors, door handles and roof rails. The redesigned lower front bumper is gunmetal grey and has a new set of LED foglamps, and the 18” wheels are unique to the model.

Despite the off-roading aspirations, X-Trail N-Trek is more marketing than any extra ability.

Inside:

The casual onlooker would be hard pressed to pick the vinyl interior, and Synthetic leather as it is called, is nothing unusual. In fact, posh brands have this simulated animal under brand names so that unless buyers inquire too closely, won’t notice. Don’t think of it as cost-cutting, more of a Trompe-l’œil, and in Nissan’s case, sheer practicality.

Otherwise, X-Trail N-Trek has the usual appointments like well placed switch gear, clear dual 12.3” LCD screens, and a superb 10.8” HUD.

Download brochure and specifications HERE: NIS5043_MY24_XTRAIL_Brochure_Web

ABOVE: 2024 Nissan X-Trail N-Trek

The Drive:

The boys and I headed up to the cottages where some glamping tents had been rented. Our usual compound had been taken over Max’s mum’s eastern suburb mates, and their mates. We all confessed to being slightly put out by being put out, but as we normally get free digs, voicing those feelings would have been churlish.

The road to perdition is paved the best of intentions, so we opted for the safe paved roads even though it is a longer route. It turned out to be a wise choice. Within minutes of making that decision the heavens opened with a deluge of the century that chucked down a month’s worth in a few hours.

For the record, by the time we arrived our glampsite was more was less glam and more bam. Our front-wheel-drive coped with the lashing as well as could be expected. We were careful in the filthy weather but I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Luca and Trav in the Mini. We could see them behind us, windows fogged, trying to keep up. Luca upgraded the driving lights but the wipers are pure Carnaby St circa ’68.

The X-Trail cabin in incredibly quiet and we had seat heating on, the AC on 22c, and Nina Simone on the CarPlay. I hate Nina Simone but Raffy and Hunter are mad for it.

As we turned into the home paddock gate utter devastation greeted us. The 5 cottages were strewn with branches and leaves and the 2 tents nearby looked like shags on a rock.

With temps south of 0c, the electric heaters did their best to makes toasty tents out of pigs ears. At least they were dry, having been installed on some decks overlooking the lake.

Next day we headed down to a local café for a late breakfast.

Here’s what we thought of the X-Trail N-Trek

Luca

Trav and I did the drive in my plucky little ’68 Cooper S but we also spent time in the Nissan. As mint as the Mini is, it can’t compete with the luxury of the X-Trail N-Trek. I love its sound system, the equipment, and the drive, but 135kw runs out of grunt fast.

Steering is lovely and sharp but the brakes feel too touchy for my liking.

We had 3 peeps in the N-Trek and the associated detritus for 5. Unlike the weekends at the Cottages where most of us have enough gear to last, this time needed everything brought in. The Nissan wasn’t noticeably different when fully loaded except for a harder working engine.

My Mini and the trip home was an oh-dear moment. I’m glad we decided to be in front.

Travis

X-Trail N-Trek is a wagon that has to be viewed and used as it was intended. It isn’t meant to be up to its axles in muck, especially the FWD version. For most people the 2.5L 4 cylinder is plenty. Overtaking needs planning but cruising is bliss.

The cruise control took a minute to sort out. The blue concentric rings indicate pro pilot and all its clever features. Lane centre works well, and the handling is rather good.

Most of the time X-Trail N-Trek doesn’t put a foot wrong and is such a massive step over the old model.

On the way home we had to use the back road and although not muddy, it was deeply rutted and while we did extremely well, the Mini Cooper S is almost 60 years old and needed to go slower.

Raffy

I love me a big-‘ol truck so the X-Trail N-Trek feels so small.

4 guys on board fit without any trouble but 5 was a non-starter. The wagon had to take most of the luggage because Luca’s Mini takes “compact” to extremes, and 4 days away needs a lot of outfits, right?

The ride is sensational and the suspension has a sophistication about it that you wouldn’t expect from a smallish SUV. Considering the price at around 50k on the road, X-Trail N-Trek is really well equipped with a couple of screens and Head Up Display.

Drive modes made a huge difference to the experience. Although you get a nice little pep in your step but I am not a fan of the CVT automatic. It feels like a rubber band and nowhere near the sublime whoosh of the e-Power’s electric drive system.

As it is, I’d take the X-Trail N-Trek in AWD because it does have everyth8ing I want in a small car. 205mm in ground clearance going to tackle all but the worst of bush tracks, something I’d love to try.

Hunter

As an inner-city dweller I don’t own a car. I get where I’m going on my e-scooter, but can’t deny the luxury of comfy seats and heating.

I didn’t drive this time so as a passenger, the X-Trail N-Trek is totally bougie. The ride is extremely smooth and most of the time you can’t hear the engine which makes any journey a contemplative experience.

I’d like the top audio system, otherwise the X-Trail N-Trek is brilliant.

Alan

I feel like the daddy of the group.

Having a quick spin in the Mini allows for a great perspective on technology and quality that have seen a quantum leap.

As a modest staple of the Australian car scene, X-Trail N-Trek feels beautifully put together and crammed full of the latest technology. The X-Trail lineup already had great offerings but clearly Nissan saw a gap to fill with N-Trek.

After a week in the seat there was no evidence of any kind of cuts in quality. The drive is as good as anyone could want.

In short, X-Trail N-Trek is worthy of a spot on the podium.

Conclusion:
Like the rest of the X-Trail range, N-Trek is a great drive in a car with plenty of space. It could use a little more power and the CVT is not my first choice. The AWD is the top tip pick even if going rough is not your thing. There are times on a tarmac surface when AWD is a life saver.

On the way home from the farm we needed to use the back road which was in a bit of a state after rain. The FWD coped beautifully.

X-Trail N-Trek is smooth and responsive but you can run out of puff during take-off and overtaking, so plan, plan, plan.

Unlike the posh brands, Nissan X-Trail’s options list is short meaning the level is high and meets expectation without complaint.

2024 Nissan X-Trail N-Trek 2WD/AWD