• Advertise with us
Saturday, May 31, 2025
  • Login
Torquecafe.com
No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • 4×4 & ADVENTURE
  • ELECTRIC
  • SUPERCARS & EXOTICS
  • PERFORMANCE
  • CLASSICS & UNIQUE
  • BIKES
  • FEATURES
    • SHOWROOMS
    • DREAM GARAGE
    • TOP FIVE
    • REVIEWS
    • IMAGES
    • VIDEO
    • TV
  • HOME
  • 4×4 & ADVENTURE
  • ELECTRIC
  • SUPERCARS & EXOTICS
  • PERFORMANCE
  • CLASSICS & UNIQUE
  • BIKES
  • FEATURES
    • SHOWROOMS
    • DREAM GARAGE
    • TOP FIVE
    • REVIEWS
    • IMAGES
    • VIDEO
    • TV
No Result
View All Result
Torquecafe.com
No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • 4×4 & ADVENTURE
  • ELECTRIC
  • SUPERCARS & EXOTICS
  • PERFORMANCE
  • CLASSICS & UNIQUE
  • BIKES
  • FEATURES
Home 4x4 & ADVENTURE

Nissan X-Trail e-Power review: better than Toyota RAV4

Nissan’s hybrid SUV is a better drive than Toyota’s all-conquering RAV4 – even if it uses more fuel.

Dylan Campbell by Dylan Campbell
17 February 2024
in REVIEWS
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0 0
0
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Nissan X-Trail e-Power

What is it?

The hybrid version of Nissan’s X-Trail, which competes against the best-selling Toyota RAV4 in the very popular mid-sized SUV category in Australia.

Called the e-Power, this unique series-hybrid powertrain is available on three of the four X-Trail grades – ST-L, Ti and Ti-L. The base ST comes as petrol-only.

Does it have any racing pedigree?

Nissan has a long racing pedigree, including in Japanese Super GT

Nissan has plenty of racing pedigree – whether at the Bathurst 1000, Bathurst 12 Hour, in the Japan Grand Touring Car Championship and Super GT, at Le Mans, in Formula E. But the X-Trail itself has minimal motorsport history aside from taking on the famous Dakar Rally in 2002, driven by French rockstar, the late Johnny Hallyday. We’d love to see a new X-Trail Dakar car for the modern era, of course.

What’s under the bonnet?

How Nissan e-Power works compared to the alternatives

There’s a petrol, turbocharged 1.5-litre inline three-cylinder engine, although it’s never connected to the wheels at all.

The engine functions exclusively as a generator for two electric motors which do all the propulsion. Taking a totally different hybrid approach to arch-nemeses Toyota, you could think of the X-Trail e-Power as an electric car but with a fuel tank and internal combustion engine instead of a giant rechargeable battery pack (a much cheaper approach – for now).

The front electric motor is 150kW and the rear, 100kW, making the X-Trail e-Power all-wheel-drive. Total system output is 157kW.

How does it handle?

Nissan X-Trail e-Power

Compared to a normal internal combustion engined car, the e-Power has responsive, near-silent electric acceleration – which we love. The buttery-smooth electric motors also elevate the X-Trail’s driving refinement to a new level.

The engine constantly kicks in and out, although it’s pretty quiet. Boot it and the engine wakes right up and sits at a fixed amount of revs, making the X-Trail e-Power momentarily feel like it’s a normal car with a constant variable transmission (CVT).

The handling is good, even if ultimately the weight blunts the e-Power’s cornering abilities. The e-Power system is about 235kg heavier than the non-hybrid versions (the Ti-L is 1911kg).

Where would you most like to drive it?

The urban jungle is where the X-Trail e-Power excels. Sitting in traffic with the engine automatically off is serene, while it usually stays off as you enjoy the silent, smooth response of the electric motors. Especially punching off the line as the lights go green.

What’s the interior like?

Nissan X-Trail e-Power

No matter the grade, the latest-generation X-Trail is a massive step-up on the old one, offering a budget-premium feel and more interior space. It’s a simple yet smart place to be, feeling contemporary and a bit classy.

That’s especially in the Ti-L e-Power, the top-spec grade. Its quilted Nappa leather seats are very luxe, and its dual 12.3-inch digital displays give it a high-tech feel.

How much does the Nissan X-Trail e-Power cost?

The entry-level ST-L e-Power is $49,990, while the Ti e-Power is $54,690 and the Ti-L e-Power $57,490 – all prices before on-road costs.

Would I buy one?

Nissan X-Trail e-Power

Yes – even if the X-Trail e-Power still uses more fuel than a RAV4 hybrid. It has a nicer, slightly roomier interior than the Toyota and it drives better, if you ask us. It’s also slightly more practical, with a sliding second row and rear doors that open almost 90 degrees.

Our test yielded 6.4L/100km whereas the Toyota will get closer to 5.0L/100km – and this could still be the clincher for some. Nissan also recommends 95RON premium unleaded to the Toyota’s 91RON, and the X-Power is surprisingly expensive to service, $2020 with a prepaid plan.

Dylan Campbell

Dylan Campbell

Contributor
A former Editor of Wheels and MOTOR Magazines, Dylan Campbell has reported on the automotive industry since 2006. An experienced road-tester with a passion for performance driving, Dylan has driven racetracks around the world from the Nurburgring to Laguna Seca.

Discussion about this post

Related Posts

Forget the Ranger and HiLux: This the most under-rated ute on sale today
4x4 & ADVENTURE

Mazda: Diesel still best for utes

2 days ago
Hemi V8 return one step closer
4x4 & ADVENTURE

Hemi V8 return one step closer

2 days ago
Is Kia toughening up the Tasman?
4x4 & ADVENTURE

Is Kia toughening up the Tasman?

2 days ago

4×4 & Adventure Partners

Other News & Reviews

Is this the ultimate driver’s playground?

Is this the ultimate driver’s playground?

31 May 2025
‘Anti-Tesla’ teases Australian launch

‘Anti-Tesla’ teases Australian launch

30 May 2025
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – new age of speed

Hyundai’s EV plans: ‘Whatever it takes’

30 May 2025
Is this the best car in the world?

Is this the best car in the world?

30 May 2025

Torquecafe Newsletter

Try our daily email, The best way to get your news first, fast and free!

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Sign Up

  • Registration
  • Newsletter

About Us

  • What is Torquecafe?
  • The Team
  • Our Values
  • Privacy Policy

Help

  • Contact us
  • General Feedback
  • Advertise with us
  • Site map

Our Network

  • Speedcafe.com
  • SpeedSales.com.au

Our Partners

  • Mobil1
  • Pirtek
  • Truck Assist
  • R&J Batteries
  • KTM
  • Michelin
  • Supercheap Auto
  • Meguiar’s 

Apps

  • Our Team
  • Become a partner
  • Advertise with us
  • Privacy & Policy
No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • 4×4 & ADVENTURE
  • ELECTRIC
  • SUPERCARS & EXOTICS
  • PERFORMANCE
  • CLASSICS & UNIQUE
  • BIKES
  • FEATURES
    • SHOWROOMS
    • DREAM GARAGE
    • TOP FIVE
    • REVIEWS
    • IMAGES
    • VIDEO
    • TV

Copyright © 2023 Speedcafe.com This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. The Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Welcome Back!

Sign In with Google
OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • 4×4 & ADVENTURE
  • ELECTRIC
  • SUPERCARS & EXOTICS
  • PERFORMANCE
  • CLASSICS & UNIQUE
  • BIKES
  • FEATURES
    • SHOWROOMS
    • DREAM GARAGE
    • TOP FIVE
    • REVIEWS
    • IMAGES
    • VIDEO
    • TV

Copyright © 2023 Speedcafe.com This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. The Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.