2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.0 2WD Hybrid Review

The competition in Malaysia's C-Segment SUV market has always been fierce. Family users have increasingly clear demands for space, configuration, and fuel economy — meeting the practicality of daily commuting without compromising on safety and comfort features. The 2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.0 2WD Hybrid, as a popular choice in this segment, focuses on key selling points such as fuel consumption advantages brought by the hybrid system, superior safety features, and balanced space performance. In this test drive, we aimed to verify whether these selling points truly match users' needs.

From the exterior, this X-Trail maintains Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille design, with chrome strips connected to the LED headlights, giving it a high level of recognition. The side of the car features straight lines without overly complex designs. With a length of 4690mm and a wheelbase of 2705mm, it’s at the mainstream level in its class. The 17-inch wheels paired with 225/65 R17 tires provide a balance between comfort and off-road capability. At the rear, the LED taillights feature a wraparound design, offering clear visibility when lit, and the silver skid plate under the rear bumper adds a touch of SUV ruggedness. The overall design leans towards being steady, aligning with the aesthetic preferences of family users.

Inside the vehicle, the interior style is focused on practicality. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, which feel good to the touch. A 7-inch touchscreen is placed at the top of the dashboard, working fairly smoothly and supporting basic multimedia and Bluetooth functions. The instrument cluster uses Electroluminescent Analogue type, displaying information clearly and allowing real-time monitoring of the hybrid system's operation. In terms of configuration, the front row is equipped with an 8-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and a 4-way electrically adjustable front passenger seat. The range of adjustments is sufficient to accommodate users with different physiques. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding feature, which can expand the trunk space when folded down. In terms of spatial performance, the front row offers a headroom of around one fist and two fingers, while the rear provides approximately two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom. Even passengers up to 180cm tall won’t feel cramped. The trunk has a standard capacity of 550L, which is sufficient for accommodating several suitcases or baby strollers for daily use. Rear air-conditioning vents and a 220V power outlet also cater to the needs of rear passengers.

Regarding power, this model is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine paired with a hybrid system, providing a maximum horsepower of 144PS and matched with a CVT gearbox. In actual driving, the electric motor’s assistance is noticeable during start-up, providing quick power response without a sluggish feel. Acceleration at low and medium speeds is smooth, and the CVT gearbox ensures gear changes with almost no jolts. In economy mode, throttle response slows slightly, but fuel economy improves; in sport mode, engine revs remain in a higher range, making acceleration more direct and suitable for overtaking scenarios. During daily commutes, the hybrid system automatically switches to pure electric mode at low speeds or idle, reducing fuel consumption. The official combined fuel consumption is 7.5L/100km, while the actual test drive revealed approximately 8.2L/100km in urban conditions and around 6.8L/100km in highway conditions, which meets expectations.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has moderate steering force, and its precision ranks at a mid-level among SUVs, with no noticeable play. The suspension uses a front McPherson strut and rear multilink independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, it filters out most fine vibrations, and the vehicle body does not exhibit significant bouncing. When cornering, body roll is kept within an acceptable range, ensuring passengers won’t feel uncomfortable. The brake pedal feels linear, the braking distance is moderate, and it gives confidence during daily driving.

Safety features are one of the highlights of this car. It comes standard with 6 airbags, ABS anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, as well as active safety systems such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The 360-degree parking camera and automatic parking assist functions are very friendly for novice drivers. Noise control while driving is also excellent. At highway speeds of 120km/h, wind noise and tire noise are within an acceptable range and do not interfere with in-car conversations. The seats offer great support, ensuring that the lower back does not feel fatigued during long drives.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.0 2WD Hybrid lies in its balance—fuel economy brought by the hybrid system, comprehensive safety features, spacious interior, and comfortable driving experience, all of which meet the precise needs of family users. Compared to competitors in the same class such as the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, it offers more comprehensive safety features and is more competitively priced (official price RM 157,451). This car is suitable for families who value fuel efficiency, safety features, and practical space. Whether it’s for daily commuting or weekend family trips, it can meet your needs well. If you’re looking for a C-Segment SUV with no obvious weaknesses, this X-Trail Hybrid deserves to be on your consideration list.