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2019 New Nissan X-Trail – Should you pick more seats or better fuel economy?

Eric · Dec 30, 2019 03:18 PM

2019 New Nissan X-Trail – Should you pick more seats or better fuel economy? 01

(2019 Nissan X-Trail Price and Specs | Gallery)

The Nissan X-Trail has established itself to be a decent option for families that require a 7-seater SUV.

2019 Nissan X-Trail front view

Ageing, but still looks fresh

However, with the introduction of the updated X-Trail earlier this year, things have changed a bit, as Nissan Malaysia introduced a new hybrid variant.

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2019 Nissan X-Trail Hybrid emblem

A nondescript emblem

The new hybrid variant (RM 159,888) is a RM 6,000 premium over the 2.5L 4WD variant (RM 153,888), but which one should you pick?

2019 New Nissan X-Trail – Should you pick more seats or better fuel economy? 02

7-seater practicality or fuel efficiency?

When it comes to choosing which variant of the X-Trail to buy, ask yourself what is the primary purpose of getting the X-Trail.

2019 Nissan X-Trail boot space

You can have more seats or a bigger boot, but not both

If you really need the practicality aspect of the third-row seats, then the regular X-Trail variants are the ones to go for, as the hybrid variant is strictly a 5-seater model.

2019 Nissan X-Trail Mid Third row seats

Far from comfy - Adrian is 175 cm tall

With that said, the third-row in the X-Trail should be used for really short trips or kids, due to its tight legroom and small seats. 

If you are looking for a 7-seater SUV, we reckon you to skip the X-Trail and try the Mitsubishi Outlander instead, as the Outlander offers better comfort levels than the Nissan. 

2019 Nissan X-Trail front view

Contrary to popular belief, the cars are not stationary

Although you still need to crouch your knees in the third row of the Outlander, its seats are decently-sized and offers sufficient legroom, making it a more pleasant place to be in than the X-Trail.

However, if you want a fuel-efficient SUV, then the X-Trail Hybrid should be your go-to. The X-Trail Hybrid returns an impressive 16.1 km/litre (6.2-litre/100 km) under the NEDC R1010 test cycle.

2019 Nissan X-Trail Hybrid engine

Yep, it's a hybrid

Non-hybrid variants of the X-Trail return between 12.2 km/litre (8.1-litre/100 km) to 13.4 km/litre (7.4-litre/100 km).

2019 Nissan X-Trail energy flow image

Energy Flow display is a hybrid-only feature

Unlike the Nissan Serena’s micro-hybrid system, the X-Trail Hybrid is a full hybrid, meaning that it can be driven away from stationary using the electric motor or petrol engine, or even a combination of both.

2019 Nissan X-Trail ADAS demo

Try not crashing

The icing on the cake is the fact that Nissan Malaysia specced the X-Trail Hybrid similarly as the range-topping 2.5L, so kit count is generous - it gets Intelligent Forward Collision Warning with Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

2019 Nissan X-Trail front view

Great looks, more safety, improved comfort - perfect

With all said, we reckon that the X-Trail Hybrid is a better buy than the regular petrol variants as the offers the practicality aspects of owning an SUV without the high fuel consumption penalty.

A win-win situation.

Eric

Editor

Started from the IT industry but somehow managed to find his way into the automotive industry. If he’s not gaming, he’s constantly tinkering with his daily/weekend car.

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2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.0 2WD

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