Nissan X-Trail T32 (2013–2022)

What changed from the T31

The T32 is a different kind of car from the square-rigged T31. Nissan moved the X-Trail towards an urban crossover look inspired by its Hi-Cross concept, and used it to replace two models at once: the old X-Trail and the seven-seat Qashqai+2. Since this generation, the X-Trail and the North American Rogue have been the same vehicle.

The platform changed to CMF-CD, shared with the Nissan Qashqai and the Renault Koleos. Unlike the Qashqai, every X-Trail has a multi-link rear suspension rather than a torsion beam. The body is lighter than its size suggests; the tailgate is largely plastic, which saves 7 kg, and UK reviewers reported that Nissan had taken around 90 kg out of the kerb weight compared with the old car.

Engines changed completely. The T31's 2.0 dCi gave way at launch to a smaller Renault-sourced 1.6 dCi, and automatic versions switched to the Xtronic CVT. The overview of all X-Trail generations sets the T32 against the T31 before it and the T33 after it.

Design, cabin and technology

UK road tests found the T32's cabin a clear step up in quality over the T31. The rear doors open to 80 degrees, the second row slides, and the boot has a split cargo area with an adjustable shelf. A powered tailgate was available.

Infotainment is NissanConnect, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 5-inch display between the dials. Three chassis aids were offered:

• Active Ride Control applies small brake inputs to reduce body pitch over bumps.
• Active Trace Control brakes individual wheels to reduce understeer in corners.
• Active Engine Brake adds engine braking through the Xtronic gearbox, which helps when slowing down or towing.

In the UK, the launch trims were Visia, Acenta, Acenta+, N-Tec and Tekna; N-Connecta followed in mid-2017 alongside a mild facelift with small cosmetic changes inside and out. ProPILOT, Nissan's single-lane motorway assistant that can steer, accelerate and brake, became available on automatic cars with the 2019 engine update. Nissan also presented special versions of the Qashqai and X-Trail in 2016.

Engines and drivetrains

European T32s went through three engine line-ups: the 1.6 engines at launch, the 2.0 dCi added for 2017 and the 2019 update. Outputs are given in kW first, with the PS figure quoted by Nissan.

The 2.0 dCi brought the first X-Trail combination of four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox in this generation. Nissan quoted 5.6 L/100 km and 149 g/km for the manual 4WD and 6.0 L/100 km and 158 g/km for the CVT 4WD on 17-inch wheels (NEDC). The 1.6 dCi with CVT is listed at 0–100 km/h in 11.4 seconds and 5.1–5.3 L/100 km (44.4–46.1 mpg US), and the 1.6 DIG-T at 9.7 seconds and 200 km/h (124 mph).

The 2019 engines meet Euro 6d-Temp. On the WLTP cycle the 1.7 dCi is rated at 6.5–6.8 L/100 km with 2WD and 6.7–7.1 L/100 km with 4WD; the 1.3 DIG-T at 8.1–8.5 L/100 km.

All-Mode 4x4-i is selected with a rotary switch. In Auto mode the system sends torque to the rear wheels when it detects slip, up to about 80 km/h (50 mph). Lock mode holds a fixed split for low-speed driving on loose or slippery ground.

Dimensions and capacities

The table covers the European five- and seven-seat T32. Length, width and wheelbase agree across sources; the height is quoted as 1,710 or 1,715 mm.

Safety: Euro NCAP 2014

Euro NCAP gave the T32 five stars in 2014, testing a 1.6 dCi in Acenta trim. The category scores usually quoted are 86% for adult occupants, 83% for child occupants, 75% for pedestrians and 75% for safety assist. Nissan highlighted maximum points in the bumper and leg-impact tests.

The 2014 result predates several newer Euro NCAP tests, so it is not directly comparable with the T33's 2022 rating. Later T32s with ProPILOT add more driver assistance than the car that was tested.

Reliability and known issues

UK buying guides give the T32 a middling reliability reputation. The problems they report most often are:

• DPF clogging on diesels used mainly for short trips.
• Warped brake discs, felt as vibration under braking.
• Premature clutch failure on manual cars.
• Stalling caused by a faulty camshaft sensor.

The Xtronic CVT is criticised more for how it drives than for failures: road testers found it artificial at times, and the car itself understeers and rolls more than sharper rivals. No large independent survey ranks the T32 against other generations, so treat these as items to check rather than failure rates.