Should you buy one?

The Nissan X-Trail is by no means bad, but neither does it do anything to make it any more recommendable than quite a few existing options. Yes, it’s quiet around town, the interior is a real step up from other Nissan products and it has some off-road ability, but it’s simply not as practical as its rivals.

We’d recommend a Peugeot 5008 or Skoda Kodiaq above the X-Trail, but if the Nissan’s interior ambiance and comfort appeal, we’d recommend an e-Power N-Connecta for the best blend of value and equipment.

What we like

High speed comfort impresses as does the e-Power’s refinement at low speeds. The 12.3-inch infotainment system on N-Connecta trim and above is responsive and easy to follow while the sat-nav proved clear even on unfamiliar roads.

Rear seat space is generous when treated as a five-seater, and the boot’s certainly not small if you don’t have the optional third row of seats. Interior quality is also good, with plenty of appealing materials and controls that feel sturdy.

What we don’t like

The optional third row really is best left to small children or adults that don’t mind being contorted for very short distances. We’d also give the mild hybrid engine a miss.

While efficiency isn’t bad on paper, there are lower CO2-emitting options such as the plug-in hybrid Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe that can also run on electric power for much longer distances. Even some diesel options won’t be far off the real world economy of the X-Trail either, potentially proving even better for long distance motorway runs.