The Nissan X-Path is likely one of the hottest SUV nameplates on the earth – and up till just lately it was the world’s hottest SUV.
So it wants little introduction, particularly given it’s been a staple in Australia for the reason that unique hit the scene approach again in 2000.
Quick ahead greater than twenty years and the Nissan X-Path stays fashionable in Australia, if not fairly as fashionable because it as soon as was. It’s constantly overwhelmed on the gross sales charts the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester, in addition to the Mitsubishi Outlander – to not point out the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.
This newest fourth-generation mannequin was fashionably late to the get together, solely arriving Down Underneath late final yr after being on sale in North America because the Rogue for nearly 18 months. Australia sources its X-Path from Japan, which was likewise properly behind the US.
Like its fashionable predecessor, the most recent X-Path is on the bigger aspect of the mid-size SUV section and continues to supply 5 or seven seats, similar to the automobile you see right here. It’s nonetheless certainly one of few opponents within the class to supply a 3rd row, alongside the associated Mitsubishi Outlander, in addition to the Honda CR-V which is about to get replaced by an all-new mannequin.
Whereas the trick e-Energy collection hybrid drivetrain is the headline act of the new-gen vary, the petrol-powered 2023 Nissan X-Path ST-L 4WD on take a look at is the highest-spec seven-seat choice within the native line-up.
Is that this three-row crossover a prime decide for households who want an occasional sixth and seventh seat?
How a lot does the Nissan X-Path ST-L 4WD value?
The X-Path ST-L 2.5 4WD is priced from $46,790 plus on-road prices, $3100 dearer than the 2WD model with solely 5 seats and $3200 lower than the e-Energy e-4orce (4WD) hybrid model which likewise is five-seat solely.
Primarily based on a Melbourne postcode, the automotive on take a look at wears a base drive-away sticker of simply over $51,000 with commonplace paint.
Value-wise the ST-L is aligned with mid- to excessive grades of most rivals, with the equal Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire AWD seven-seater priced from $45,740 earlier than on-roads, whereas the upcoming Honda CR-V VTi L7 might be priced from $53,000 drive-away when it goes on sale on September 1.
You might additionally cross-shop with SUVs from the massive section, together with the Hyundai Santa Fe (from $46,050), Kia Sorento (from $50,790 D/A), Skoda Kodiaq (from $54,990 D/A) and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace (from $44,890).
2023 Nissan X-Path pricing:
Nissan X-Path ST 2WD 5 seat: $37,250Nissan X-Path ST 4WD 7 seat: $40,290Nissan X-Path ST-L 2WD 5 seat: $43,690Nissan X-Path ST-L 4WD 7 seat: $46,790Nissan X-Path ST-L e-Energy with e-4orce 5 seat: $49,990Nissan X-Path Ti 4WD 5 seat: $50,490Nissan X-Path Ti-L 4WD 5 seat: $53,490Nissan X-Path Ti e-Energy with e-4orce 5 seat: $54,690Nissan X-Path Ti-L e-Energy with e-4orce 5 seat: $57,690
Costs exclude on-road prices
What’s the Nissan X-Path ST-L 4WD like on the within?
The most recent X-Path’s cabin is a world away from its predecessor, with a way more trendy and upmarket design.
In ST-L specification the leatherette upholstery blends properly with the stitched leatherette accents on the dashboard and door inserts, and there’s distinction with the brown surfaces on the higher finish of the sprint and doorways which is straight out of Mazda’s playbook – they gained’t be to everybody’s tastes, although.
The mid-spec variant will get analogue devices flanking a 7.0-inch supervision show, whereas the floating tablet-style 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is lacking satellite tv for pc navigation in comparison with the beautiful 12.3-inch show supplied within the Ti and Ti-L variations.
It’s a disgrace that at $50,000 on the highway the mid-spec X-Path misses out on digital devices and navigation, particularly when the associated Qashqai will get the higher-spec infotainment unit in ST-L guise.
Each shows are pretty good to make use of and take a look at, if slightly primary in comparison with the digitised cabins of the competitors. A fast take a look at the 12.3-inch infotainment system in a Kia Sportage SX, for instance, makes the X-Path appear slightly price range.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wired on this specification, regardless of greater grades providing wi-fi performance. The Mitsubishi Outlander’s 8.0-inch show presents each navigation and wi-fi smartphone mirroring with the identical interface, too.
Anyway, consolation and storage are good for the section, with loads of nooks and crannies to stow your belongings – together with a big shelf underneath the centre console – in addition to huge door bins and a deep bin underneath the twin-lid front-centre armrest.
The motive force’s seat has electrical adjustment within the ST-L, whereas each entrance seats are heated. Different upgrades over the bottom ST embrace automated dual-zone local weather management, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror in addition to a leather-accented steering wheel.
Nissan has maintained its bodily switchgear, even when there’s a minimalist strategy to how they’re laid out. There’s a pleasant motion to the local weather controls and a pleasant damped feeling to the opposite buttons dotted in regards to the place.
Different facilities embrace USB-A and USB-C ports in addition to a 12V socket up entrance, and there’s a rubber-lined shelf in your telephone underneath the centre stack however no wi-fi telephone charger – not that there’s wi-fi smartphone mirroring anyway.
The second row stays an X-Path sturdy level, and can little question be a drawcard for rising households.
There’s room for full-grown adults within the again, even behind taller drivers. I had loads of head, knee and toe room even behind my most popular driving place, and I’m 6’1. The doorways additionally open good and huge, useful for folks.
Directional rear air vents characteristic, however not a 3rd zone of local weather just like the Ti. The rear bench slides and reclines, with the center seat folding all the way down to reveal a centre armrest with cupholders.
ISOFIX and top-tethers will hold the kiddies and their youngster seats strapped in, whereas map pockets behind the entrance seats and bottle holders within the doorways spherical out the second-row facilities.
Entry into the third row is slightly tight, and you must slide the second row ahead a bit to accommodate anybody with legs again there, to the purpose the place the often glorious second row turns into a bit pinchy.
The rearmost seats are finest described as emergency solely, and are solely kid-sized.
You get adjustable headrests and storage pockets with bottle holders within the armrests, however once more for those who’re wherever close to the scale of a median grownup you’ll be in a knees-up place together with your legs pressed up in opposition to the seat in entrance of you.
For those who want common use of seven seats, we’d recommend taking a look at one thing bigger like a Kia Sorento or Mazda CX-8.
As regards to boot house, Nissan solely quotes a 465-litre capability for seven-seat fashions with the primary and second rows in place, measured to the roof.
Nissan doesn’t quote a determine with the third row in place nor with the second row folded. An area saver spare wheel is positioned underneath the bags space flooring.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Petrol-powered Nissan X-Trails characteristic a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine.
Outputs are rated at 135kW (6000rpm) and 244Nm (3600rpm), with a CVT automated (and paddles) fitted as commonplace in Australia. Entrance-wheel drive is commonplace on most X-Path grades, however our tester had elective on-demand all-wheel drive.
Gas consumption is rated at 7.8 litres per 100km for the 4WD variant, up 0.4L on the bottom 2WD model. CO2 emissions are a quoted 183g/km of CO2, up 9g/km on the 2WD.
All variations of the X-Path 2.5 can run on cheaper 91 RON common unleaded, whereas the gasoline tank measures 55 litres. The X-Path is homologated to Euro 5 emissions requirements and in addition lacks idle stop-start know-how not like the associated Qashqai’s 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol.
The petrol-powered X-Path line-up is rated to tow as much as 2000kg with trailer brakes, whereas roof load is rated at 100kg.
How does the Nissan X-Path ST-L 4WD drive?
The petrol and CVT mixture has been an X-Path staple for some time, so this petrol mannequin doesn’t actually revolutionise the expertise from behind the wheel.
That’s to not say it’s not an enchancment, as a result of it’s, however that’s kind of all the way down to the trip, dealing with and refinement versus drivetrain efficiency.
The place the Qashqai at instances felt a bit agency, significantly on the rear, the X-Path’s family-focused pitch comes by means of in the way in which it handles metropolis roads and undulating highways, providing a cosseting trip whereas sustaining good physique management.
As soon as rolling it’s a cushty and quiet place to spend time, with the CVT dropping revs considerably to maintain the petrol engine buzzing away quietly within the background. Street and wind noise are pretty properly suppressed.
For those who’re light with it, the X-Path will get off from a standstill in a fairly measured method, however push it too exhausting and also you’ll get the petrol engine shouting because the CVT flares revs to maintain it within the energy band. In saying that, Nissan’s newest XTronic CVT will ‘step’ by means of digital ratios to imitate a traditional auto, which helps refinement.
If the X-Path’s outputs don’t look spectacular on paper it’s as a result of they aren’t. Just like the Mitsubishi Outlander and different naturally-aspirated petrol engines within the section, efficiency is sufficient reasonably than pulse-racing.
The shortage of turbocharging means peak torque doesn’t are available till 3600rpm, the place most boosted alternate options hit peak shove underneath 2000rpm. For those who don’t need to have the X-Path revving exhausting, it’s finest to drive in a relaxed method.
Pushed this manner, it’s fairly clean and agreeable, if slightly uninspiring in the way it performs. Loaded up with children and stuff, it could additionally must work more durable than a turbo petrol or diesel rival, not to mention the e-Energy hybrid with its twin electrical motors.
Dealing with-wise the X-Path’s softly-sprung chassis and comfort-focused controls imply this isn’t as partaking to drive as one thing like a Mazda CX-5 or Volkswagen Tiguan. This can be a automotive designed to be snug in all situations, so the correct controls and light-weight assisted really feel are greater than sufficient for the goal purchaser.
The AWD system as a number of drive and terrain modes, and the X-Path ought to be one of many extra succesful soft-roaders off the overwhelmed monitor, as demonstrated by its predecessor and the most recent Outlander in our Medium SUV Mega Check.
With 205mm of floor clearance the X-Path rides greater than most rivals this aspect of a Subaru Forester, and with its elective AWD system ought to be greater than able to navigating gravel trails, snow fields and the like, however for those who’re searching for one thing extra rugged you could want to have a look at a ladder-frame 4×4 SUV.
Nissan’s vary of driver help options are at play within the ST-L, together with a freeway assistant combining adaptive cruise management and lane centring. It has an annoying behavior of beeping when activated or a number one automobile is detected, nevertheless it’s in any other case fairly intuitive and pure in its inputs.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are additionally useful for navigating gaps and merging lanes, and the 360-degree cameras with Transferring Object Detection offer you a encompass view of the automobile when parking, although the decision of the cameras nonetheless isn’t a standout in comparison with rivals.
What do you get?
Nissan X-Path ST
5 seatsAuto LED head-and tail-lightsSteering wheel paddle shifters17-inch alloy wheelsAuto-folding, heated mirrorsRoof railsReversing cameraRear parking sensors8.0-inch touchscreenDAB+ radio6 speakers4 x USB factors (1 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C entrance, rear)Apple CarPlay, Android Auto7.0-inch TFT cluster displayFabric seatsSpace-saver spare wheelAWD and seven seats elective
Nissan X-Path ST-L provides
5 seatsPrivacy glass18-inch alloy wheelsFront parking sensorsSurround-view cameraDual-zone local weather controlSynthetic leather-accented seatsHeated entrance seatsPower driver’s seatFog lightsLeather-wrapped steering wheelAuto-dimming rear mirrorSliding rear seats, 40:20:40 folding‘Divide-N-Cover’ cargo space systemProPILOT with Lane hold assistAWD and seven seats elective
Nissan X-Path Ti provides
AWD and 5 seats19-inch alloy wheelsPanoramic sunroofPower tailgateAdaptive Matrix LED headlightsDigital rear-view mirrorRain-sensing wipersTri-zone local weather controlReal leather-accented seats12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment systemSatellite navigationWireless telephone chargerWireless Apple CarPlay12.3-inch digital instrument cluster10.8-inch projecting head-up display10-way energy entrance passenger seat incl. energy lumbarAmbient lighting (console solely)Two-tone black painted roof elective
Nissan X-Path Ti-L provides
Fingers-free energy tailgateReverse-tilt energy mirrors with memoryRemote engine startHeated steering wheelQuilted Nappa leather-based upholsteryDriver’s reminiscence seat presetsHeated second row outboard seatsRear door sunshadesAmbient inside lighting (doorways)Facet mirrors with tilt-to-reverseBose 10-speaker sound systemTwo-tone black painted roof elective
Colors
Normal
Premium: $700
Ivory PearlBrilliant SilverCeramic GreyGun MetallicDiamond BlackChampagne SilverCaspian Blue
Two-tone: $1200
Ivory Pearl with Black roofCeramic Gray with Black roofChampagne Silver with Black roofCaspian Blue with Black roofSunset Orange with Black roof
Is the Nissan X-Path ST-L 4WD protected?
The brand new X-Path scores a five-star ANCAP security ranking – primarily based on crash testing of the associated Nissan Qashqai in 2021 – this now consists of e-Energy variations as properly.
The X-Path scored 91 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 90 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 74 per cent for weak highway person, and a very good 97 per cent for security help.
Normal options on all grades:
7 airbags incl. front-centre airbag3 x prime tether factors, 2 x ISOFIX pointsAdaptive cruise controlAutomatic high-beamAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Pedestrian, Bike owner detectionJunction assistReverse AEB with Pedestrian detectionBlind-spot assistLane departure warningLane hold assistReversing digital camera and sensorsTraffic signal recognitionTrail sway management in ESP
ST-L and above add:
360-degree cameras incl. Transferring Object DetectionProPILOT (lane centring)
Ti and above add:
Adaptive LED headlightsDigital rear-view mirror
How a lot does the Nissan X-Path ST-L 4WD value to run?
The X-Path is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
Nissan additionally throws in 5 years of roadside help with buy. Scheduled upkeep for all X-Path fashions, in the meantime, is a disappointingly brief 12 months or 10,000 kilometres – whichever comes first.
You may prepay for a servicing bundle as an alternative of paying as you go, obtainable for three-, four- or 5 years. The X-Path AWD prices for $1228, $1756 and $2124 respectively, which makes it probably the most reasonably priced powertrain variant to keep up.
It’s a disgrace Nissan doesn’t prolong the servicing intervals to fifteen,000km to match the majority of its rivals, together with the associated Nissan Qashqai in addition to the X-Path’s different platform mate – the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Actual-world gasoline financial system was sufficient in blended driving, with the X-Path returning an indicated 8.9L/100km over a mixture of peak-hour commuting and freeway stints, although often with only one particular person on board. The e-Energy can drop that nearer to 6L/100km, and different electrified rivals can do much less once more – although few supply seven seats.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Nissan X-Path ST-L 4WD
The brand new X-Path is kind of spectacular in its higher grades, however the low- and mid-spec choices are a bit uninspiring.
The place the ST-L specification ought to be a candy spot, it feels extra like a center youngster in 4WD trim. The ST grades are sharper worth, whereas the Ti and Ti-L add some premium prospers.
I sometimes scratch my head studying the X-Path’s spec sheet, and marvel what the product planners have been considering. Absolutely the ST-L ought to have satellite tv for pc navigation and wi-fi smartphone mirroring, whereas the seven-seat level of distinction is proscribed to such particular grades and drivetrain mixtures… why?
AWD for this type of automotive is fairly redundant nowadays except you encounter slippery situations or soft-road typically, and for the $3000 value premium and added gasoline use this X-Path appears like it could be higher as a 2WD and seven-seat proposition for $2000-$3000 much less.
Likewise, the ST-L e-Energy for $3000 extra can be an ideal hybrid unicorn in our market if it supplied three rows, and but it doesn’t in Australia. It’s obtainable from the manufacturing unit, and is obtainable in Europe and Japan – what offers?
I’d nonetheless take the X-Path over the Outlander at this value level, for its nicer inside and extra refined on-road manners, however the subsequent Honda CR-V VTi L7 looms as a brand new benchmark with its turbocharged powertrain and better stage of specification in comparison with this mid-spec X-Path.
For those who just like the X-Path and don’t want the seven seats, I’d recommend taking a look at one of many greater Ti or Ti-L grades for his or her premium atmosphere, whereas the e-Energy hybrids up efficiency in addition to effectivity.
Hopefully Nissan adjusts the specification of the ST-L transferring ahead to make it extra recommendable in opposition to an ever-increasing quantity of competitors.
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MORE: Every little thing Nissan X-Path