REVIEW: 2019 Nissan X-Trail facelift tested in Malaysia

REVIEW: 2019 Nissan X-Trail facelift tested in Malaysia

Considering its late entry into the game, the ground covered by the sport utility vehicle has been astounding – at the dawn of its arrival, few would have thought the body-type would end up being the runaway success it has been, but it has, with the segment now accounting for more than a third of vehicle sales globally.

The swell of offerings in the category and the rapid pace at which things progress these dayss means that it has become increasing difficult for a product to see through a regular lifecycle without being badgered by something newer, flashier and – as is usually the case – far better specified.

Nothing of course can be done about the set timeframe for a product in the ongoing arms race, but speed to market is of the essence once it’s out. It’s something Honda found out with the fourth-gen CR-V, the RM’s late arrival here costing it dearly. With a facelift, there’s arguably a little more leeway, especially if the original didn’t really dally in getting here.

However, introducing a refresh in two years after its reveal sounds like dicing it close. Such is the case with the facelifted Nissan X-Trail, which arrives here a little over four years after the SUV’s local debut. The initial T32 did very well, but does the refresh have enough to make the same headway as before, given the rapidly evolving landscape and increasing competition? We find out.

REVIEW: 2019 Nissan X-Trail facelift tested in Malaysia

When it arrived on the scene in 2013, the styling of the third-generation X-Trail was a world away from its predecessors. The first, the T30, was a box on wheels – it looked like one, and it drove like one as well. The second-gen T31, despite attempts to soften the edges in the packaging, still looked and felt like a box, albeit a plushier one.

The current car has certainly not been that, and the refresh looks to have just about enough to keep it going until the next one comes along, even if the changes aren’t obvious upon first glance. The rework is subtle, almost a blink-and-you’ll-miss it affair, as highlighted in the side-by-side comparison we did of both old and new recently.

Thankfully, the changes are quite refined. At the front, a new bumper and a larger V-Motion radiator grille make their way on, along with new headlights, which are – with the exception of the base model in the range – dual-projector LED units. The boomerang LED DRLs on the latter have also been redesigned, as have the foglamps, which are now rectangular units.

The rework for the rear follows a similar formulaic scope – there’s a new bumper with a revised diffuser and a new LED combination tail lamp design, which ditches the chrome outlines and adds in a smoke finish. A new shark fin antenna is the final give-away that it’s the rump of the new one you’re looking at.

No change in the wheel size, which stays at 17-inches, or the five double-spoke layout, but the spoke design now has a more pronounced V-shape styling, and the 2.5L 4WD and 2.0L Hybrid, the subjects of our review, get a dark titanium finish for differentiation.

Inside, the refresh adds on a flat-bottom leather steering wheel, piano black air vent surrounds, a new gear knob design and leatherette trim on the dashboard and knee pad area on the centre console. The leather trim isn’t found on the two 2.0L variants, but can be added on for RM500. The higher-range models also get gloss faux carbon fibre door panel decorative trim.

Elsewhere, an electro-mechanical parking brake – with auto hold assist – makes its way on, and although access to the switch, which is set a bit tightly in the right corner of the gear console, doesn’t feel all that natural in terms of tactility, it’s still a sight better than the mechanical foot brake it replaces.

The instrument cluster, meanwhile, adds on a new five-inch Advanced Drive Assist digital display, which presents info on turn-by-turn navigation, cruise control settings, fuel consumption stats, and in the case of the hybrid, relevant associated data. Despite the smallish surface area, legibility aspects are good.

The infotainment system is now a fully-integrated affair, finally making the transition from the aftermarket route to a dedicated unit. Aside from voice recognition and navigation, the seven-inch Nissan Connect infotainment system also comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, bringing the X-Trail into the present.

We’ve detailed both formats in a video, and from an operational viewpoint a quick sampling of Android Auto (which remains unsupported here) during the drive revealed easy connectivity and a glitch-free performance. As for the audio system, sonic quality is serviceable.

The interior updates add refinement, as does the inclusion of additional sound insulation. Quite a bit of suppression material has gone into the facelift, specifically on the floor, dashboard, rear body panels and wheel housing sections of the car. The effort at improving NVH levels results in noticeable gains – it’s more silent than before, and way quieter than something like the Honda CR-V, especially from a tyre noise perspective.

As they were previously, the front seats remain a standout where comfort is concerned – the Nissan Zero Gravity units continue their great work, being supportive and plush without being mushy. Moving on to the next row, having three to a car meant that there was sufficient time to sample the second-row, and there was a perceptible difference in that between the two variants.

As observed by quite a number on the drive, the rear units on the hybrid felt more comfortable, both from a seat and seatback perspective. This could be likely due to their composition, brought about by the seat layout configuration – the non-hybrids are seven-seaters, while the hybrid is a five-seater, the omission of the rear most units necessary because of the hybrid battery pack’s placement in the boot.

A word about the rear most row in the regular X-Trail. The space provided by the +2 units remains as pinched as before, and is really workable only for short hauls or for tiny people. Nonetheless, the absence of any real competition within the segment gives the Nissan a definite edge when it comes to absolute passenger load.

On the whole, the X-Trail’s cabin presentation remains conventional but very workable, but competitors such as the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan have upped the bar, and it’s clear to see that both have far better composed interiors, build- and material-wise. It’s not just the Nissan that’s feeling it – the Honda CR-V is too, and that’s a far newer car.

The facelift also bumps up the safety kit. As standard, the X-Trail come with six airbags (the baseline 2.0L 2WD has four), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), ABS with EBD, brake assist, Hill Start Assist (HSA) and two Isofix child seat anchors with top tether.

REVIEW: 2019 Nissan X-Trail facelift tested in Malaysia

All models feature Nissan Intelligent Mobility, which groups Around View Monitor with Intelligent Moving Object Detection, Intelligent Ride Control, Intelligent Engine Brake and Intelligent Trace Control under its umbrella.

From the 2.0L Mid on, you’ll find Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and the 2.5L 4WD and 2.0L Hybrid bundle in Intelligent Cruise Control, High Beam Assist and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning with Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (AEB), items we’ve also taken a closer look at in our video about them.

The engines are familiar entities, as are their outputs – the two 2.0 litre 2WD variants are powered by the MR20DD, which offers 144 PS at 6,000 rpm and 200 Nm at 4,400 rpm, while the 2.5L 4WD’s QR25DE continues on with 171 PS at 6,000 rpm and 233 Nm at 4,400 rpm. Both engines are paired with an Xtronic CVT.

The same mill is found on the 2.0L Hybrid, which – although reoptimised for the hybrid application through some mechanical revisions – has the same output. It works with an electric motor offering 41 PS and 160 Nm, which is juiced by the aforementioned lithium-ion battery, a 0.9 kWh unit, located under the boot floor.

The partnering ‘box is also a CVT, but comes with an Intelligent Dual Clutch Control one-motor, two-clutch parallel hybrid system. The “dual clutch” here refers to a clutch between the engine and the electric motor, and a clutch between the electric motor and the CVT. As such, engine and motor energy can be channeled mechanically to the transmission without a torque converter.

Nissan hasn’t offered a combined output for the hybrid setup, but suffice to say that what’s on easily makes it the fastest X-Trail variant of the lot, as shown in our drag test involving all three powertrains. Away from straight up sprints, the hybrid also felt pacier and eager – especially into the midband – during the course of the drive, which saw both the 2.5L 4WD and 2.0L Hybrid being evaluated over a long-ish run from KL to Belum Rainforest Resort in Gerik, Perak.

The 2.5 litre’s behaviour and characteristics remain the known quantity – it needs some prodding before it delivers the goods, but is an eager worker, and though it continues to have a zingy quality to it when pushed, the added sound insulation tempers much of that aspect in the facelift. The hybrid powertrain felt the more cohesive of the duo, both in delivery and response.

Less so was the brake feel of the hybrid, which demands specific mention. It’s not so much to do with the ability to haul up when demanded, which it does, but more from the response from the pedal itself, or rather the lack of it. Aside from being spongy, there’s also a lot of travel, with a fair amount of effort in input needed to get feedback, which feels unnerving, though it gets easier to manage with extended use. Still, it’s hardly the most reassuring thing, the whole sensation.

The route gave plenty of opportunity for the X-Trail to stretch its legs, and the twistier sections revealed that little has changed dynamically in its character from the pre-facelift. The X-Trail wasn’t the leading edge in handling when it came out, and it still isn’t.

While most of the coursework was on straight, level terrain, the last sections of the drive into Belum was accomplished at speed on twisty roads, and the X-Trail, while competent, never felt totally at ease. The underlying softness, fair amount of roll as well as the lack of chassis feel and steering communication means that best progress at speed is in a straight line, and it’s here, cruising on the highway, that the X-Trail feels right at home.

Switch to a more relaxed approach and you’ll find that the high compliance of the primary ride and improved NVH levels make this quite the performer for long distance jaunts – the CR-V may be peppier and faster, and the CX-5 a far more involving drive, but chances are you’ll get there fresher in this one. In this regard, its closest competitor is the Proton X70.

REVIEW: 2019 Nissan X-Trail facelift tested in Malaysia

Predictability dictates that the 2.0L variants will do the best in terms of numbers, because of their pricing (RM133,888 for the 2.0L 2WD, RM145,888 for the 2.0L 2WD Mid), but there’s a lot of appeal in the 2.5L 4WD if you’re eyeing the Mid. From a dynamic engagement perspective, the 2.0L Hybrid (RM159,888) is the pick of the bunch, but buyers will no doubt weigh in the omission of the extra seats and potential long-term cost of the hybrid battery replacement.

The T32 X-Trail has made gains with its facelift, refining a competent, clean package further, and its overall approach remains neutral, essentially a safe and tried route, if rather mundane. That lack of apparent colour may bother some buyers, especially given how the competition has gathered pace, glitz and involvement. There’s the CR-V, CX-5, X70, and if you look a bit more left-field, the Tiguan, all strong propositions.

Still, as with many things, excitement doesn’t generally make for livability, and vice versa, and the X-Trail is a very livable offering – it’s the sort that will get the job done tirelessly without fuss (or fanfare), and the ability to seat seven, which its competitors cannot, gives it an added dimension. Will it be enough for it to gain traction as it did before? Time will tell how that pans out.




GALLERY: 2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.0L Hybrid

GALLERY: 2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.5L 4WD

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Anthony Lim

Anthony Lim believes that nothing is better than a good smoke and a car with character, with good handling aspects being top of the prize heap. Having spent more than a decade and a half with an English tabloid daily never being able to grasp the meaning of brevity or being succinct, he wags his tail furiously at the idea of waffling - in greater detail - about cars and all their intrinsic peculiarities here.

 

Comments

  • Truckers on Jul 21, 2019 at 8:41 pm

    Nothing special. Overpriced, underspecced, very late into the game, with underwhelming design that cannot attract, the same old tired powertrain, outdated interior that looks like it came from the 90s, the only thing going for it is the size but that too makes it too troublesome to maneuver in the city roads & shopping mall parkings.

    Many of its competitors have left it behind.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 13
  • Popia basah on Jul 21, 2019 at 9:16 pm

    This japanese SUV Xtrail is a game changer. After receiving a facelift, this game changer is becoming even better. Better to buy this game changing SUV than a China X70 because you will feel more confident driving a game changing proven japanese SUV. Moreover, Nissan SC is more friendly than Proton game over SC

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 25
    • Anything that you call game changer, is always the opposite. Just like you, thinking yourself to be funny but in fact you are annoying.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • stinky Popia on Jul 29, 2019 at 1:32 pm

      I doubt Nissan car is very reliable in Malaysia. It cost me a fortune to change the gearbox for my ALMERA. Nissan sc is ready to charge premium price for so so service.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • 4G63T DSM on Jul 21, 2019 at 9:34 pm

    We have an early T30 and an early T32. The T30 is indeed a box on wheels, but a box that plays that role remarkably well. It was remarkably cheap and good value when launched and beyond the minor niggles such somewhat poor NVH, handling, and undersized tyres, it’s main bug bear was the weak gearbox and attrocious thirst.

    The T32 addressed most of these refinement problems with far better NVH and ride, but falls well short at launch by perplexingly forgoing the full complement of airbags, equipping it with a miniscule screen for the stereo and reverse/360 display and pretty cheap feeling hard plastics throughout the cabin). Reliability took a miss on this one as well, with the gearbox failing within 3 years and 60k, fortunately replaced under warranty. Fuel economy numbers were at least pretty good (I get about 8.++ L per 100KM), and coming from the T30, is night and day.

    To be honest, I wouldn’t miss the +2 3rd row. Even children would find it uncomfortable back there, ditching them would yield better 2nd row comfort and cargo capacity while dropping some weight. The facelift does address the lack of safety gear but the competition has moved on since. Nissan should have very well considered the 1.6T engine option.

    The hybrid is an interesting option given its priced and equipped well against top tier models of the CRV and CX5, but given the rather heart stopping depreciation coming from the usual hybrid offerings (if not bad enough already being a Nissan), it looks to me that while the refresh ticks a lot of boxes, TCMs product planners left a big gaping hole in the current X-trail range. They should have offered a 2.0 FWD premium with full safety gear, for people who appreciates the full safety gear but don’t need the complexity/weight/consumption of the bigger engine and AWD.

    Nissan should have retired the QR25 and put in the 1.6T and put a proper gearbox on it. I wonder if Nissan is sick of owner complaints for failing CVTs on their X trails yet though.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 0
    • Whatmore adaptive cruising only functions in the narrow band of 80~100kmph(!) and AEB only works up til 60kmph. Even when on paper where the safety features ticks the boxes, as you said, there is some weird gaps in between.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Gabriel on Jul 21, 2019 at 10:15 pm

    Definitely the best 7Seater SUV in Malaysia currently. Rivals incl mitsu outlander, peugeot 5008 & Kia sorento. The 2019 Nissan X-Trail FL.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 4
    • PlaySafeDriveSafe on Jul 24, 2019 at 2:37 pm

      Mitsubishi Outlander got more space at the 3rd row. No red aircon vent is not a problem because the aircon is quite cold (actually it has a rear aircon blower under the driver & front passenger’s seats). Apple CarPlay (& Android Auto, side-loaded) is supported.

      What’s lacking is the active safety features like autonomous emergency brakes, RTC etc.

      I wonder why PT omitted Mitsubishi Outlander from the rival’s list.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Daddykasi on Jul 22, 2019 at 5:59 am

    Buy x70 better

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 6
  • Ben Yap on Jul 22, 2019 at 9:47 am

    Nissan should just plonk in a 1.5 turbo engine and scrap off the 2.0 and 2.5 litre engine.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
    • Nissan does offer turbo engines in other markets. But you know Tan Chong lah. ‘Traditional’ car company with outdated marketing.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • Mr. Loba Loba on Jul 22, 2019 at 10:03 am

    Hahaha… still being facelifted. This will win the most facelifted car award in Malaysia.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 6
    • FYI… this is only the first facelift la… pls think before u open ur pie hole

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • PlaySafeDriveSafe on Jul 24, 2019 at 2:42 pm

    Anthony, why Mitsubishi Outlander is not in the contenders’ list? It’s the only other proper 7-seater crossover/SUV in the Malaysian Market at the moment.

    You did the comparison review video last time, right?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Nissan Cvt on Sep 05, 2019 at 8:59 am

    Anyone has issue with xtrail cvt gearbox in previous model? Any lasted than 3 years or 60k km? You sure one lucky owner if the cvt gearbox last longer than that.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Jason kwk on Mar 25, 2021 at 11:19 pm

    Super ugly SUV with that junk CVT. Better buy X70. Cheap, goOd quality, spacious, luxury feel, better safety features and lovely DCT gearbox with a Proton Handling Tuning

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
 

Add a comment

required

required