The Qashqai might get all the attention, but the bigger X-Trail is the Nissan model for those who still want an SUV with the extra practicality of a seven-seat option. The X-Trail is also a global model, being sold in the US for a couple of years as the Rogue before its UK launch last year. 

Sharing largely the same CMF-D platform as the smaller Qashqai means that its E-Power series drivetrain is also employed here in 201hp Tekna spec, without the E-4ORCE four-wheel drive. The way the E-Power system works is the 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine never actually powers the front wheels directly. Instead, the engine is used as a charger for the 2.1kWh battery powering the electric motor on the X-Trail’s front axle.  

The result of this, is that from the start, this Nissan feels very much like an EV, with near silence, the only noise being an audible hum from the electric motor. This is fine if you’re happy with a very sedate start off, however like most hybrids, the lightest of touches to the accelerator ends with the engine joining in for support – the three-cylinder soundtrack making itself known perhaps more than it should.  Around town, we were also grateful for this X-Trail’s E-Pedal mode to the transmission. On top of regening the battery, it brings this Nissan almost to a stop without touching the brakes – equalling very smooth progress. 

Apart from the ‘Sport’ mode which changes the steering weighting and gives a general feeling of being more eager, there is not much difference from the other driving modes, and your ears may become tired of the vocal engine working hard.  

If E-Power isn’t up your street, there’s a mild hybrid version using the same 1.5-litre engine and 12V technology boasting 161hp.

Like the E-4ORCE version we drove on the launch, even with two fewer driven wheels, the X-Trail impresses with its comfortable, composed ride – even on the 19in wheels of our test car. Elsewhere, the steering might be slow, but it feels reasonably precise and whilst there is some body roll, the X-Trail is a tidy handler when compared to other SUV rivals. 

Inside, the two extra seats of the seven-seater X-Trail E-4ORCE are welcome but are only really practical for children or small adults. They’re not fitted in this test car, and they were not missed, as the large and practically shaped 575-litre boot is unaffected, and you get extra stowage under the boot floor. The rest of this Nissan’s interior feels spacious, well-finished and most-refined when in hybrid mode – without the engine noise! To aid practicality, like on the Qashqai, the rear doors have 85-degree opening for easy access. The X-Trail’s driving position and general all-round vision are good. However, the thick rear pillars make it difficult when you’re reversing. 

In Tekna spec, this X-Trial felt well-equipped. The larger infotainment screen with sat-nav is fitted as standard, along with a 12.3in digital display. Other welcome convenience features include the keyless entry and start, and rear privacy glass.

Perhaps the X-Trail’s styling isn’t as impressive as the tech underneath it, but it still looks attractive and distinctive enough against the Qashqai. Plus, despite its chunky looks, this Nissan SUV generates surprisingly little wind noise at speed – which is welcome.

So, with the new X-Trail you’ve got a car that drives like an EV, with decent practicality. Despite its decent residuals, plus the improved 47.1mpg fuel economy over the E-4ORCE four-wheel drive and slightly reduced 32% BIK figure, an EV such as the Skoda Enyaq will be cheaper to run – if not to buy. As such, it’s hard to recommend this Nissan hybrid SUV against an EV – it’s still an unusual alternative, however.

Nissan X-Trail Tekna E-Power  

P11D: £42,810

Residual value: 47.3%

Depreciation: £22,535

Fuel: £8,699

Service, maintenance and repair: £2,824

Cost per mile: 56.76p

MPG: 47.1 mpg

CO2 (BIK %): 135g/km (32%) 

BIK 20/40% a month: £228/£456

Luggage capacity: 575 litres

Engine size/power: 1,477cc /201hp