The mid-size SUV segment is teeming with compelling options, so why did we choose the Nissan X-Trail as the best in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards?
Simple: it’s an extremely capable all-rounder with all of the latest safety and tech features, and offers not only benchmark refinement and ride/handling but a wide range of configurations. You can get it with front- or all-wheel drive, five- or seven-seat configurations, petrol or hybrid power, and in multiple model grades.
In short, there’s something for everyone.
“The Nissan X-Trail stands out from the plethora of mid-size SUVs on the market with top-class refinement, safety and multimedia, plus great packaging, competitive pricing, a very long warranty and a unique range-extender hybrid powertrain that none of its many rivals can match,” explained managing editor Marton Pettendy.
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Here’s what other members of the CarExpert team had to say about our pick for Best Affordable Mid-Size SUV:
“The latest Nissan X-Trail is a world away from its predecessor, and the new e-Power hybrid is my personal pick of the bunch,” said marketplace editor James Wong.
“Punchy yet refined performance from its electric motors, and improved fuel-efficiency bolster the X-Trail’s strong suits which include a premium and practical cabin.
“In what is the most competitive new vehicle segment in Australia, the X-Trail e-Power stands out as a front-runner, and an easy recommendation to buyers.”
“The X-Trail is kind of at “ol’ faithful” status – it’s been around a long time, it does the job well and you know what to expect with it,” said video producer Sean Lander.
“With this latest iteration, Nissan injected a lot of “premium” into its trusty SUV, with even the lower-spec models getting nice exterior styling and a much-needed interior upgrade.
“Then there’s the introduction of e-Power, Nissan’s answer to Toyota’s ever popular hybrids. e-Power is closer to an EV than a traditional hybrid, but it’s a technology with a lot of promise – the smooth driveability of an EV with the range and ease of use of an internal combustion car.
“I spent six months behind the wheel of a Ti-L e-Power and I thoroughly enjoyed it (full story and video coming to CarExpert soon). Whilst there is some room for improvement with the system that will come with time and development, it’s a good middle ground between what you’re used to, and where cars are going.
“There may be vehicles in the segment with nicer interiors or more powerful drivetrains or more fuel-efficient engines, but the X-Trail does the best good job combining all three and, in doing so, deserves the award bestowed upon it.”
“In a segment full of unproven challengers, the X-Trail is a trustworthy mainstay that remains highly relevant thanks to recent upgrades,” said deputy marketplace editor Josh Nevett.
“The cabin is user-friendly and well-appointed, there’s plenty of room for a growing family, and the e-Power hybrid system combines the quiet refinement of electric mobility with the flexibility of internal combustion power.
“Unlike many rivals, the X-Trail is a proper all-rounder that doesn’t force buyers to compromise, and that counts for a lot when you’re shopping for a vehicle that’ll likely be exposed to the daily commute, school run, and weekend road trips.”
“The X-Trail formula is hard to argue against. It’s one of the Japanese brand’s best-known nameplates, and is still high on buyers’ wish lists despite a flood of new competition and stubborn stalwarts,” said marketplace journalist Max Davies.
“It may not be as modern as some of the others, but that means you get simpler tech that’s easier to live with. There’s a certain rugged dependability to the X-Trail too, a characteristic Nissan played into with the reintroduction of the rugged-looking N-Trek in recent years.
“The SUV received some minor updates heading into 2025, namely a larger touchscreen infotainment system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These elevated the cabin, which was already a nice place to spend time thanks to strong build quality and top-notch materials.
“Better yet, there’s Nissan’s clever e-Power powertrain available at the top of the range, which is a thoroughly competent system bringing fuel economy and driveability benefits. If that’s too much to spend, there’s plenty of value to be found across the range, which has a whopping 10 variants to choose from.
“There’s a lot to like about the X-Trail, and it’s undoubtedly capable of standing the test of time well into the later years of ownership.”