Used Nissan X-Trail cars for sale

Used Nissan X-Trail buying guide

The Nissan X-Trail goes toe-to-toe with cars like the Peugeot 5008, Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. Those are tempting options with plenty of talents between them, but they all usually cost several thousand pounds more than the Nissan, meaning you'll have to settle for an older or higher-mileage example on the same budget.

What used Nissan X-Trail trim levels are there?

Most X-Trails you'll find for sale will be examples of the previous-generation model sold through to 2021. For this model, the range opens with Visia trim. This gets 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control and a basic stereo with DAB radio and Bluetooth. Options for this level include a seven-seat interior and the Smart Vision pack, which gets all-round parking sensors, lane-departure warning and automatic emergency braking. This trim is rare in the UK.

Most X-Trails come in at least Acenta trim, which adds automatic lights and wipers, a panoramic glass roof, full climate control and adjustable driver's lumbar support. Again, seven seats are optional, as is the Smart Vision pack for earlier cars, although later models included the pack as standard. Acenta Premium adds a 360º parking camera along with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat nav.

N-Connecta gains some extra exterior style thanks to 18-inch alloy wheels and silver roof rails. You also get keyless entry and starting, along with a powered boot lid.

Range-topping Tekna gets 19-inch alloy wheels and leather upholstery, plus a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, automatic high beams and electrically adjustable front seats. Tekna cars without the seven-seat option include an upgraded Bose stereo with subwoofer.

The new X-Trail sold from 2022 onwards mostly keeps the same trim names as its predecessor. Standard equipment is more generous than the old car with Visia models getting 18-inch alloys, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and a simple stereo with DAB and Bluetooth. 

Acenta Premium gains a reversing camera, climate control and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. N-Connecta adds roof rails, a 360º parking camera, full digital dials and a larger infotainment screen. Tekna includes 19-inch alloys, a powered boot lid, ambient lighting, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, faux-leather upholstery and semi-autonomous driving. There's also Tekna+ with 20-inch alloy wheels, quilted leather upholstery and an upgraded Bose stereo.

Nissan X-Trail interior and technology

The cabin in X-Trail models built until 2021 is solidly constructed and easy to get your head around, but the design isn't exactly a feast for the senses. Black plastic and soft-touch fabrics cover most surfaces, making you wish for a spot of colour to brighten things up. This was substantially improved for the 2022-onwards model, which gets a much more contemporary design and a substantial jump in material quality.

For older X-Trail cars, the infotainment system where fitted was functional but there was little else to praise it for – the screen is small with slow responses and cheap-looking graphics. It also misses out on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The latest X-Trail is much better here, with all but entry-level cars including a screen and smartphone mirroring.

Nissan X-Trail boot space and dimensions

Both old and new X-Trail models are just shy of 4.7 metres long, with the new one actually cutting 10mm from the total length. That means it's bigger than family hatchbacks like a Ford Focus but a little shorter than saloons like the BMW 3 Series. As a result, parking in very tight spaces might take a little planning, with older cars only having parking sensors fitted as an option.

X-Trails built until 2021 have a 565-litre boot – or a 445-litre area when equipped with seven seats. That's plenty for most families, with space for your holiday luggage or a medium-sized dog. Cars from 2022 onwards have up to 585 litres of space or 485 when specced as a seven seater.

Nissan X-Trail engine range explained

Nissan X-Trail 1.3 DiG-T petrol (until 2021)

This was the main petrol option for X-Trail models built between 2017 and 2021. While it lacks the low-down punch of the diesel alternatives, it performs reasonably well once it's moving and doesn't run out of puff on the motorway.

Nissan X-Trail 1.7 dCi diesel (until 2021)

Diesel power has proved a popular choice for the X-Trail and the 1.7-litre unit has plenty of grunt to move the car, even when fully loaded with passengers and luggage. Full-throttle acceleration is noisy and a little underwhelming, however.

Nissan X-Trail 1.5 VC-Turbo petrol (2022 onwards)

For newer X-Trail models, this is the entry-level engine option. With 163hp, there's decent performance available and it only starts to sound strained under hard acceleration.

Nissan X-Trail 1.5 E-Power hybrid (2022 onwards)

Nissan's E-Power hybrid is a clever setup that uses a petrol engine as a generator to charge a battery that drives an electric motor. As a result, you get zippy EV-like acceleration with fairly good fuel economy, without the hassle of plugging in to charge. This is offered either as a single-motor front-wheel-drive car or a dual-motor four-wheel-drive model with a little extra traction and performance.