X marks the spot

What we like:

Decent off-road ability coupled with a comfortable interior packed with a long equipment list.

What we dislike:

Ride can be firm at times.

Starting with the Hill Descent Control, the system seemed to cope well with the weight of the car though it does seem to leave things beyond when you think you should act. Equipped with what Nissan calls the 4x4-i, the car can switch between two and four wheel drive via a rotary dial depending on your speed to cut down fuel consumption.

With our off-road surroundings, we locked the system into permanent four wheel drive and attempted to climb up the steep hill. In the dry the X-trail easily climbed the hill. Testing it further on wet grass, the X-trail continues this success albeit with some difficulty. If we’re honest, even a Land Rover Freelander would find wet grass a challenging terrain.

While the X-trail seems to have made that leap into the realm of crossover SUVs, it’s heartening to know that some of its heritage remains and it’ll still take a hill climb in its stride. But rather than just for the man of the house, the new X-trail is now well suited for the whole family.

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline