Nissan X-Trail e-Power Hybrid Review: Re-Writing EV History.

[@CarSauce]

What do you guys think of this new drivetrain? Clearly, I think it is pretty damn cool!

[@tonyhowell5283]

Test drove a 2wd and couldn't stop smiling so I ordered an e4orce there and then - picking it up 26th June UK techna spec 5 seater with Sunroof - cant wait - interior quality felt better than my VW and equal to my BMW

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

I think it's kind of cool, but I'd take the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

[@Karl-Benny]

Not that efficient needs bigger battery like the outlander so you can drive Ev only for 80 km

[@murraysaunder9210]

I’ve had the Ti-L for 7 months and consistently get 5.9l per 100km. Loving it.

[@willswomble7274]

We just got a Tekna eforce plus sunroof on 01 Mar 2024. Previously we had BMW X1's (a M1 & M2) for a total of 10 years and a BMW 3 CC before then. We are simply amazed by the interior quality, quietness, comfort, exterior cams and thoughtful practicality. It is also a size up providing superb space, without being too big for Devon, UK. It is especially useful in the boot for my German e-bike and taking big stuff to the recycling. My partner who was used to fast Jaguar's and BMW's is still bowled over by it after a first long journey. Get rid of any badge prejudice, just have a test drive if the cost, size and shape suits you. Consumption isn't bad for the size and performance either.

[@downunderrus]

I took this car for a test drive, and I have to say, it's truly remarkable in terms of comfort and stability. The TI-L model's luxurious features are beyond belief. Having tried several well-known hybrids, this one stands out for its comfortable, quiet, and nearly perfect driving experience. I'm more than willing to choose this car, even if it offers slightly less fuel economy. The combination of comfort and aesthetics, both inside and outside, is simply astounding.

[@vrs76r]

Ive had my Ti-L Epower for 2 weeks now and have seen fuel economy in the 4’s on at least 3 drives with a best of 4.1 for a 15 minute drive with very little stopping and 4.7l/100 on a 33km drive in peak hour that took 1 hour 20 minutes of stop/start crawling traffic. I think that Nissan’s 6.1 is going to be real world and not some fanciful number that most drivers wont achieve.

[@BalaKuganesan]

I had my Ti-L for few months now and done 4000k so far. Fuel economy sitting at 5.7 L/100km over that period. I have a Corolla ZR hybrid Hatch that has done 20k and its fuel economy is sitting at 4.7 L/100kms. Totally different cars and no comparisons. I am not complaining about my X-Trail though. Must admit both cars are primarily Sydney urban driving except odd trips on motorway doing 110kms/h.

[@vrs76r]

@@BalaKuganesan I would take the X-trail for its smooth drive, sound proofing and interior comfort over the Toyota. Ive now done 1250km and 60% Sydney urban driving and its 5.9l/10km overall. I do reguler drives which involve hills ( Coogee, Clovelly, Bronte area) so am very happy to see the number around 6L as my previous car Mazda 3 2.5, l would see high 9's for same type of driving. Yesteday did a 9km drive which included taffic lights on almost all flat terrain and was astrounded to see 2.7l/100 for that drive. I still think its a computer error. Also did 500 round trip north of Sydney and that returned 5.8l/100 overall with boot loaded and 3 adult passengers so im going to call it now., Nissans 6.1 is real world, not some perfect world scenario.

[@andrewmui5309]

Thank God I have ditched the rav 4 order and put down the deposit for the Ti epower. This car is so good and so entertaining to own. Unlike the rav 4, which is one great machine to its best but not interesting. This x trail is full of surprises and that Noise cancelling feature is phenomenal. Thanks for the review!

[@ezy.from.now.on.]

I would never buy one because I'm more of a Toyota Prius guy which is what I'm saving for, but when I found out about Nissans new e-power, I was soooo excited. An electric car running on petrol. Is the literal best of both worlds.

[@CarSauce]

And considering Prius is gone for Australia ☹️

[@ezy.from.now.on.]

@@CarSauce I know. I was heart broken when I found out. But I'm just gonna be getting a 3 year old Prius Prime PHV(I know it's not called Prime here, it's just easier to remember)

[@johnmartin7158]

@@CarSauceNZ following as well. The Prius is a very poor seller here.

[@JacobHall1601]

I’m a salesman for Rex Gorell Nissan and can say with confidence the e-power variants have been game changers for the X-Trail and Qashqai in regards to refinement and performance, super well done system

[@BDogs10]

..hey , I thought you were due for a like👍 😂

[@ben7020]

Good one Nissan, start kickin butt again !!

[@CarSauce]

GO ON NISSAN!!

[@BoopSnoot]

What you're describing is a series vs parallel hybrid. Series hybrids are less expensive and simpler in design, where the engine just functions as an onboard generator. More complex designs like a Prius can function in both parallel and series mode, as needed. This is more complicated to setup, but offers greater efficiency because its more efficient to drive the wheels directly with the petrol engine than to use the petrol engine to produce electricity to then convert back into rotational energy... 2nd law of thermodynamics, "you can't even break even", meaning there are efficiency losses going from rotational energy to electrical back to rotational. But perhaps it will be lower maintenance and as you say since there isn't a lot of switching going on, it can make for a more transparent EV like experience.

[@johnmartin7158]

Do you have a university degree in engineering.

[@mihaiachim244]

For 1l more I prefer the car without gearbox, clutch, driveshaft, etc...

[@stizzygrayson5541]

Probably my next car. The TI is the pick. Smaller wheels and can get light grey interior. Only real loss is the Bose sound system.

[@CarSauce]

Agreed!

[@boblim1549]

I have the Ti & the subwoofer gives plenty of bass

[@darts-multiverse]

Best car of my life up to now !!!

[@lovskji]

Just swapped out my RAV4 order and put down a deposit for the Ti e-Power! 🚗✨ This car is an absolute blast to own, test driven it and fell in love instantly. I've owned Nissan Leaf and BMW X1, this offers X3 space & interior quality + ONLY the perks of the EV Leaf (such as instant torque, bdrive, regenerative brakes) . Unlike the RAV4, which is a solid performer but a bit on the predictable side, the X-Trail is full of delightful surprises, that is what won our budget... And that noise-cancelling feature? Tried it myself... pure magic! 🎶 It’s like driving in a bubble of tranquility. So excited for this new adventure!! Thanks for the review!! I agree on every single thing you said! 🚀

[@f-zeroracer9767]

because the engine is not connected to anything, this engine will have less load and run at the same rpm all of the time which translates to a longer lifetime and less maintenance. in my opinion.

[@outsidethebox262]

I agree with the statement, this is the best implementation of hybrid. Its the best of both worlds, the efficiency and performance of electric motor, the range of petrol engine. If there is something its missing is the phev version to use it as daily ev.

[@stephenberry1205]

Totally agree. Awesome driving experience... Quiet, responsive, really fabulous electric 4WD power train. Very well finished. I suggested the E Force to my brother who had bought his wife a RAV4 non hybrid. Within 2 kms of driving it he was sold. Bought a Ti as best value. Economy in more normal driving than your boy racer stuff is consistently around 6 litres/100km. I am also very taken with this combo of the EV like driving experience complete with one pedal driving, that never has to plugged in or range anxiety. Only negative is lack of a spare tyre... Two friends have Tesla Model 3s. I much prefer this vehicle... very capable.

[@Rockbottomsurf]

Seems like a reasonable alternative to EV technology.

[@CarSauce]

Exactly!

[@AI-qd4vb]

its not, its a midway compromise until the ev technology fully matures. Its a reaslnable alternative to the nowadays hybrids which are quite awful to drive or the forced inducted gas cars which are laggy and always coupled with stupid automatic trans.

[@ibrahimsued4906]

It's not only about the EV driving experience, but rather about the EV technology fully developing on board

[@lukeclifton4392]

I would also question buying Nissan after it’s heavy connection with Renault, I know Renault have less power in the relationship now… but I’d still want to wait awhile until they’ve exhausted the shared parts bins and engineering from Renault😬

[@Goornootz]

Not sure where you got the pricing from but Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid is currently $61,961 Drive away. So same price with one major difference. The Xtrail is available whilst the current RAV4 edge is no longer available for sale in Aus.

[@snoopy13946]

I bought one but haven’t picked it up yet. Test drive was great. Very hard to get a Ti L. I had to beg to get one.

[@CarSauce]

Hopefully supplies continue to improve 🥲

[@mpinci]

Yes, us also. We ordered one back in January and still patiently waiting. Read somewhere that is was to do with the 20in tyre size but uncertain. Love this review that just keeps me hanging in.

[@Quokka_VR]

Awesome review of a great car 😊

[@CarSauce]

Thank you!

[@tails300]

Why would the engine need to be turbo charged when isn’t connected to the wheels? I’m sure a NA engine could fill the need if it’s only used as a generator 🙄🤷🏽‍♂️.

[@tonykuiper9127]

I agree anyone in the hybrid industry should be scared. BEV's are eating their lunch. Nissan hasn't written anything other than the spin on how to make a basically petrol powered (not driven) vehicle appear clean when it's dirtier than a plug in hybrid. Frankly I'm surprised that the ACCC hasn't jumped on this e-power campaign. I mean the vehicle has a 2kw approx battery! There's literally no driving scenario other than rolling downhill, where you would actually be on electric power for more than a minute or so. Nissans own fuel figures are 6.1L/100. Any plug in hybrid could likely beat that and many many straight forward 4cyl turbos will beat that. The CHR Koba hybrid does 4.1 pretty consistently. I guess when the car makers like Nissan spend up on car journalists we're only ever going to hear what they want. That is a very slow walk to the inevitable. Nissan, Mazda, Toyota dropped the ball. They were leaders and now they are dead last. Tesla now outsells Camry. Who'd have though that would have happened. Camry was the absolute king. But it got stuck in the grip of the fossil fuel influence on the company.

[@lukeclifton4392]

I’ve been lucky enough to have driven a Chevy Volt in Australia 10yrs ago (an amusing, astonishing, somewhat underwhelming experience but loveable all the rest)… the pioneer of this style power train. Although the Volt wasn’t a spritely vehicle, it’s beauty was bringing the EV world into the ICE lifestyle without the range anxiety… and no one should forget that!! I’m curious though, is the X-Trail ePower faster than a Hybrid Rav4 and is it actually more efficient?

[@CarSauce]

Great question! It’s got worse fuel economy by around 30% - but it’s still 7.2L/100km as tested (I.e, good!)

[@debendragurung3033]

This is a series hybrid unlike parallel hybrids which RAV4 uses. It's the worst when it comes to efficiency. Its worse than EVs, and guess what its worse than ICEs. Here's the efficiency parameters - EVs> Parallel Hybrids > ICEs> series Hybrids. Series hybrids have been there before in many cars, but all have failed. So will this one. This KZbinr don't know jackshit about hybrids, and just hyping it up.

[@gatisdzervens3618]

I have Xtrail. My number is around 6,0l/100, būt here is many city driving. And if you drive fast on higways consume More, Best fuel economy is on small |roads from 50 to 80 km/h. Sometimes you reach 4,5l/100

[@gatisdzervens3618]

Būt iņ General this car is not about fuel economy, būt about plesure.

[@johnmartin7158]

@@gatisdzervens3618. Sounds right. But the Rav4 has fantastic economy thru out the range of roads.

[@markscott2215]

Nice review. I’m glad you called out the firm suspension. A lot of reviewers have praised the ride comfort. I’ve driven all variants, not even the base model on 17 inch wheels with thick side walls is comfortable. If you hop out of the xtrail into a sportage, it’s like day and night. Pity, it’s a good thing apart from ride comfort. unfortunately that’s a deal breaker for me.

[@VMVarga-yf6eg]

Chevy volt had a petrol engine that was not used to directly power wheels

[@CarSauce]

Forgot about that one! Good point

[@VMVarga-yf6eg]

@@CarSauce no worries love your enthusiasm for the concept. I actually think it is a much more pragmatic approach to electrification (especially for people that Park on the road) at this time but with that fuel economy you have to wonder if there was a more efficient "generator" they could have bolted into the car

[@hi9580]

@@CarSaucenone of the "series hybrids" have engine connected to wheels. By definition they can not

[@teddym2808]

I can't do without a killer sound system so would have to go TI-L. I hate the cupholders so much that I hope someone makes an insert for them like they do with model Y. Fun fact, American model gets proper adaptive cup holders. Go figure. The things they will save money on. American model also gets proper rear armrest, not seat opening. Amazing!

[@Hazza188]

I have the TI-L with Bose. I wouldn't say it is a killer sound system. It's rather average / just good enough. Apart from that the car is awesome

[@teddym2808]

@@Hazza188 Well then I definitely couldn't stand the TI's.

[@CellPhonzRockEnterprises]

It’s a shame Nissan doesn’t offer the e-Power hybrid powertrain in the US, but in the States, it’s called the Rogue, not X-Trail. It’s also got the same 3-cylinder turbo engine but hooked to a CVT gearbox.

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

Yous sure it's the same engine? I think in the US and Canada you get the 2.5 Liter Naturally Aspirated engine with the CVT.

[@CellPhonzRockEnterprises]

@@nikolayrayanov2895 they used to, but starting with the 2022 model year, they came with a 1.5L turbo 3-cylinder engine. My guess is that they are the exact same engine and they are still driven by a CVT.

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

@@CellPhonzRockEnterprises oh, man, that's so bad... At least the petrol version of the Mitsubishi Outlander is still with the 2.5 petrol. I would, of course, recommend getting the PHEV.

[@CellPhonzRockEnterprises]

@@nikolayrayanov2895 I would definitely prefer the Outlander PHEV over a Rogue.

[@lahmyaj]

Nice review mate 👍🏻

[@NordicMeatShield]

Nice review 😎mine arrives in December ..hopefully 🙄

[@Amsterlager]

Wait why wouldn’t you just drop the extra 12 grand and get a Model Y? You’d easily make that up in fuel cost and servicing savings. In a vacuum it might be a cool car to drive, but in a world of Hydrids, Plug in Hybrids and BEVs, it’s just a bit of a dumb idea.

[@tysahall]

We have a petrol ti-l and get similar kms ! Great car however got a prado Kakadu on order though so will be selling soon if some wants to buy it 😁 in South Australia

[@peterdadswell7998]

Nissan E-power, only 5 year warranty, "Really" and whats with the 10k service interval. The motor doesnt have to work that hard and you dont need to service the electric motors. I would seriously consider this vehicle with a 10 year waranty and 20k service interval but not as it is.😢

[@prosserd]

when you going to review ix1? it's available at BMW dealers now as a demo

[@akpcqkd]

What if charging battery is more slower than consuming battery?? As you know, battery efficiency will drop a lot after couple years. Can I still drive the vehicle? Planning to buy Ti-L epower but a bit worry about this question.

[@SergioCastillo87]

In any case because the battery is tiny it won't be as expensive as replacing the full battery of any other EV. And even perhaps new versions will be way more capable. There's no more gear train at all and that's enough for me

[@1MrBryn]

I like the tech, but it should be available in a much smaller car like the Juke or something.

[@johns2262]

I'm guessing it will be, as it has also made it into the Qashqai already.

[@Sarvesh2910]

Nissan kick ePower replaces the Juke

[@josephpereira1390]

Wonder if they will make a warrior versiob 😅

[@robdenaro4215]

No thanks. My wife has the TI. We have done about 16,000km. It's a good car. The engine in the TI-L chews too much petrol, and premium fuel which is more expensive than our car which takes standard fuel. Plus the battery in the TI-L is too small ,making the engine run virtually all the time chewing petrol. Not to mention it like all lithium batteries can go into thermal runaway at any time. How much longer is insurance going to be available?

[@grittsy]

Bottom line it totally glugs fuel. My second runabout is a 1997 Toyota Corolla running as new. I reckon I would beat that fuel consumption. I know it's not a flash, larger snap me back in the seat with major torque but hey much of that is overrated because most folk don't drive like that. And that high-pitched engine noise!!! That would give me the grips. I don't think it will compete with full EV's esp when the market settles down , infrastructure expands & a proper secondhand market is established.

[@lucaandreamifsudbuhagiar9375]

The X-Trail is great in general, and this is a good review. Although I feel you may have missed the mark on one aspect. Why don't you ask 'why'? With the crazy advancement of EV technology, why do this? And why now? A decade ago, I would understand, but this new car has years on the market now with something which is pretty much a stopgap which will soon no longer be necessary. Also, minor point, just for clarification - the engine acts as a generator, not an inverter. An inverter is then used, following the engine, to convert DC from the batteries to AC for the motor. And there's another issue - all the energy conversions back and forth... No wonder conventional parallel hybrids are more efficient!

[@alexhan4768]

No everyone has a wall box at home

[@alanbland1976]

I assume it's to get the drive experience of an EV without the massive battery weight or battery capacity limitation. It's still cheaper than an EV with a similar interior quality. I don't think I'd get it, but it has a niche.

[@ibrahimsued4906]

It's not only about the EV driving experience, but rather about the EV technology fully developing on board

[@grittsy]

You are totally right. The changes in a decade are going to be phenomenal. With this fuel use its really going to be expensive to run and still pollutes city areas.

[@anee1927]

What would you recommend ? Outlander PHEV or Xtrail Epower ?

[@neehalkhan2926]

Is someone going to answer this question? Bcoz i have the same doubts and questions 😅

[@tbausch1]

The Outlander in similar spec is about $10K dearer and in Victoria it is subject to nearly .03C per kilometre tax. I choose the XTrail TI-L epower. Hard choices.

[@johnmartin7158]

Perhaps for driving experience the Nissan. What criteria are you looking at. If it’s for pure suburban, then the Outlander would be cheaper to run.

[@grahambyrne9726]

Good review, but how come you only got 7.1 litres/100 kms? Nissan claims 6.1 and my Ti ePower averages 5.7 or 5.8 with ease. I challenge anyone to test drive one and not be impressed.

[@CROCS_PH]

500,000 units already sold in Japan

[@justinpark926]

You mean this new x-trail?

[@CROCS_PH]

@@justinpark926 The lower variant, Nissan Kicks Epower

[@danogamez5250]

Cancelled my rav 4 after driving one of these soo smoth and quick fun to drive better interior scince getting it my.fuel has been around 5s under what they say

[@Ilay82w]

The electric motors make a high pitch sound while driving, which I did not hear in any other electric / hybrid car and can be very annoying

[@stephenberry8658]

Never heard this comment from any road tester or owner. My brother's E Force is amazingly silent and responsive. It has lots of insulation, double glazing and noise cancelling tech. Silent

[@leswall3061]

Nothing new really,BMWi3 had an engine to help charge batteries called BMWi3 extender

[@cracknoir8397]

If I had the money I would buy 1 for sure !!!!!!!!!!!!! At least you don't have to plug the bastard into a charger

[@elliex20]

Nice car but the fuel consumption is unfortunately just like a combustion engine car.

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

I'd take the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, but this is good as well.

[@gerrywhelan7426]

Wait until all the tech goes wrong & you pay for the inevitable repairs!

[@alanbland1976]

Electric motors are much cheaper to repair than an ICE, and it has no transmission to fail. The engine that it's running is under much less load than a regular ICE. The battery is small enough that replacement would be relatively cheap, asnd degredation wouldn't have much of an effect because the generator by design does most of the heavy lifting. I wouldn't expect there to be any s

[@tonybennett638]

Nissan couldn't get the CVT they build to last imagine how the new tech will work and last in a couple of years.

[@BoopSnoot]

dollarydoos

[@murphyebass7837]

Essentially a Renault no?

[@CarSauce]

🚨 SAVE $$$ ON FINANCE! 🚨 Use my link for a $150 fuel card for every settled loan! dva.is/NKsbKz

[@PByBCEX]

Come on, haven't you heard about Honda CR-V??

[@johnmartin7158]

That’s a nice car as well.

[@cabron1984]

you need to use mpg instead of liters per kilometers