When Nissan reintroduced the X-Trail to India in August 2024, it wasn’t just another premium SUV launch—it marked the return of a global flagship that carries Nissan’s ambition of repositioning itself in the Indian automotive space. Priced at ₹49.92 lakh (ex-showroom), the imported, 7-seater SUV brings together modern technology, advanced safety, flexible practicality, and an undeniable road presence. Positioned above mainstream SUVs but slightly shy of luxury brands, the X-Trail enters a niche zone where it must impress with exclusivity, refinement, and engineering innovation.
Powertrain: The Balance of Performance and Efficiency
Under the bonnet lies one of the most interesting aspects of the new X-Trail: a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder VC-Turbo petrol engine paired with a 12V mild-hybrid system. This engine is no ordinary petrol motor—it comes with variable compression technology, a first in India, which dynamically adjusts the compression ratio between 8:1 and 14:1. This allows the engine to seamlessly shift between power-focused and fuel-efficiency-focused modes depending on driving conditions.
The motor generates 163 PS (around 161 bhp) and 300 Nm of torque, sending power to the wheels via Nissan’s advanced XTRONIC CVT gearbox. While CVTs are generally associated with smooth but slightly dull responses, Nissan’s unit has been fine-tuned to reduce the “rubber band effect” and provide a more direct driving feel.
Fuel efficiency is estimated at 13.7 kmpl, which is quite respectable for a petrol-powered SUV of this size and weight. While diesel lovers may miss a torque-heavy engine option, the X-Trail’s refined hybrid setup manages to balance city convenience with long-distance efficiency—especially appealing to families and urban professionals looking for modern petrol-hybrid technology.
Design: Distinctly Nissan, Bold and Modern
The exterior design of the new X-Trail is unmistakably premium, combining sharp lines with muscular proportions. At the front, Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille dominates, flanked by split LED headlamps and sleek DRLs that add a futuristic character. The side profile is enhanced by the floating roof effect, sculpted doors, and chrome highlights, all of which give it a strong road presence.
Large 20-inch alloy wheels fill the arches and contribute to its SUV stance, while the rear gets stylish sweeping taillamps and a subtle spoiler that complete the modern design language. The X-Trail’s road presence is commanding without being overly aggressive—striking a balance between elegance and sportiness.
Its styling clearly separates it from rivals like the Toyota Fortuner, which leans towards ruggedness, or the Skoda Kodiaq, which emphasizes understated sophistication. The X-Trail instead embraces a cosmopolitan, urban-premium identity, making it appealing to lifestyle-oriented buyers.
Interior: Spacious, Premium, and Tech-Friendly
Step inside, and the cabin immediately signals premium intent. The X-Trail offers a 7-seater configuration with a focus on flexibility and comfort, making it one of the most family-oriented SUVs in its class.
Key highlights include:
- 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster with crisp graphics and customizable layouts.
- 8-inch infotainment system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping connectivity seamless.
- Panoramic sunroof, flooding the cabin with light and creating an airy feel.
- Dual-zone climate control for personalized comfort.
- Wireless charging pad, keyless entry, and push-button start for daily convenience.
- Sliding and reclining second row along with a foldable third row, offering multiple seating and cargo layouts.
The material quality is premium with soft-touch panels, metallic accents, and leatherette upholstery, ensuring the cabin feels both durable and luxurious. Unlike some SUVs that emphasize only the driver’s experience, the X-Trail has been designed to be family-friendly, ensuring comfort for every occupant.
Safety: Confidence at Every Turn
Nissan has equipped the X-Trail with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assist features, aligning it with international standards. Highlights include:
- 7 airbags ensuring occupant safety in all rows.
- 360-degree around-view monitor, making parking and maneuvering easier in tight urban spaces.
- ABS with EBD, traction control, and stability assist for enhanced control.
- Electronic parking brake with auto-hold for convenience.
- Front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic headlamps for ease of driving.
- 5-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, giving assurance of global safety standards.
For Indian buyers who prioritize safety for their families, this SUV makes a strong case, offering more features than some of its direct rivals.
Ride and Performance: Urban Comfort Meets Highway Maturity
On the road, the Nissan X-Trail feels well-balanced and composed. The CVT gearbox provides smooth acceleration, particularly well-suited for urban traffic and relaxed highway cruising. While outright performance is not as aggressive as turbo diesels or performance-tuned petrols, it delivers refined driveability.
The 210 mm ground clearance ensures it can handle rough patches, broken roads, or mild off-road trails without issue. Suspension tuning leans towards comfort, soaking up bumps effectively, while steering remains light in the city but stable on highways.
For buyers who spend most of their time in urban areas but also enjoy long-distance road trips, the X-Trail strikes an excellent balance.
Practicality: Space Meets Versatility
Practicality has always been a strong point of the X-Trail, and the 2024 model continues the legacy. With all rows upright, the SUV provides 585 litres of boot space, which is more than sufficient for daily family use or weekend trips. When the second and third rows are folded flat, luggage capacity expands to a massive 1,424 litres, making it highly versatile.
This adaptability allows the X-Trail to serve as a family mover during weekdays and an adventure-ready SUV on weekends.
Market Positioning: Where It Stands Among Rivals
At ₹49.92 lakh (ex-showroom), the Nissan X-Trail sits in an interesting price bracket. It competes against SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, Jeep Meridian, and even brushes shoulders with entry-level luxury SUVs from brands like BMW and Audi.
- The Toyota Fortuner remains cheaper but lacks the modern technology, comfort, and fuel efficiency of the X-Trail.
- The Skoda Kodiaq offers European finesse but doesn’t carry the hybrid innovation of Nissan’s VC-Turbo system.
- The Jeep Meridian is more rugged but smaller in dimensions and less versatile as a 7-seater.
What makes the X-Trail unique is its blend of Japanese engineering, hybrid efficiency, modern luxury, and exclusivity as a CBU import. Unlike mass-market SUVs, it positions itself as a lifestyle statement.
Exclusivity and Brand Prestige
The X-Trail is being imported to India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), which naturally keeps numbers limited. This exclusivity makes ownership more special, appealing to those who want something different from the crowd of Fortuners or Kodiaqs.
For Nissan, the X-Trail serves not only as a flagship but also as a brand image builder, signaling the company’s renewed focus on premium engineering and aspirational products.
Final Verdict: A Flagship With Purpose
The Nissan X-Trail 2024 isn’t just about numbers or specs—it’s about creating an emotional connect with buyers looking for something more premium, refined, and unique in the SUV segment. For its asking price of ₹49.92 lakh, buyers get:
- A technologically advanced variable compression turbo petrol engine with mild hybrid efficiency.
- Premium, spacious, and flexible interiors suitable for families.
- A strong set of safety and driver assistance features backed by Euro NCAP certification.
- Practical cargo flexibility with multiple seating layouts.
- A distinctive design and exclusive ownership experience.
While its pricing makes it a niche choice, the X-Trail successfully positions itself as a modern alternative for buyers who prioritize innovation, comfort, and prestige over ruggedness or badge value. It isn’t just an SUV—it’s a bold statement in India’s evolving premium SUV landscape.