2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD Review

2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD is a C-segment SUV suitable for family users, featuring 7-seat flexible space, full-time 4WD, and rich safety configurations to meet the needs of multi-scenario travel.

RM 146,731

2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD

Segment

C-Segment

Body Type

SUV

Capacity(L)

2.5

Engine Power(PS)

171

Transmission

CVT

Driven Wheels

All Wheel Drive

View Nissan X-Trail > View Full Specs >

Review

User Review

Specs

Malaysia's C-Segment SUV market has always been a stronghold for family users, with space practicality, safety features, and fuel efficiency being the core considerations for most consumers. The 2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD stands out as a popular choice in this segment, boasting a 7-seater layout, all-wheel drive, and a wealth of active safety features. This time, we conducted a real-world test drive to see whether it can meet the needs of local multi-scenario use.

From the exterior, the X-Trail retains Nissan's signature solid design language, with a highly recognizable V-Motion chrome front grille paired with LED headlights. The side profile features straight lines, with a length of 4,690mm and a wheelbase of 2,705mm providing the basis for the 7-seater layout. The 17-inch alloy wheels are average in size for this segment, but the high tire profile is more suitable for handling unpaved roads locally. The rear design is kept simple, with LED taillights echoing the front design, and a silver skid plate under the rear bumper adding a touch of ruggedness. The overall styling aligns well with family users' aesthetic expectations for an SUV.

Inside the cabin, the interior primarily features dark tones, with soft-touch materials covering the dashboard for a decent tactile feel. A 7-inch touchscreen is placed centrally on the dashboard, featuring a simple interface, supporting Bluetooth and USB connections, with moderate operational fluidity. The instrument cluster adopts a traditional self-luminous analog design, displaying information clearly but lacking the technological feel of a fully digital display. In terms of configuration, the front row includes an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat (with lumbar support) and a 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat, allowing for comfortable postures during long drives. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning comes with rear vents, and the second row offers a 220V power outlet for rear passengers to charge electronic devices. As for space performance, the second-row seats are adjustable for sliding and reclining; a 175cm-tall passenger can have two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom. The third row of seats is more suitable for children or short-distance use, as adults may feel cramped for longer journeys. The trunk has a standard capacity of 550 liters, expanding significantly when the third row is folded, meeting the storage needs of family trips.

In terms of power, the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum power of 171PS at 6,000rpm and a peak torque of 233N·m at 4,000rpm, paired with a CVT transmission. During daily driving, it offers smooth starts and linear acceleration response. The CVT transmission performs well in terms of smoothness, but pressing the accelerator deeply causes the engine speed to increase rapidly, which results in noticeable engine noise entering the cabin. In sport mode, the power output becomes more aggressive, providing more confidence during overtaking, although noise at high RPM is relatively prominent. Regarding fuel consumption, the combined tested figure is about 8.5L/100km, slightly higher than the official claim of 7.5L/100km, likely due to local traffic congestion conditions.

The handling and suspension performance are average, with the steering wheel offering light resistance, making it suitable for city driving, but road feedback is somewhat vague. The front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link independent suspension are tuned for comfort, effectively filtering most bumps on common speed bumps and rough roads. However, the body roll is noticeable when cornering at higher speeds. The all-wheel-drive system provides better grip on wet or lightly off-road conditions but is not suitable for heavy off-roading. The braking performance is stable, with a moderate pedal travel and linear braking force.

In terms of ride comfort, the seat padding is soft, providing adequate lumbar support for long rides, though the wrap-around feeling is average. As for noise control, wind and tire noise become more noticeable at high speeds, especially above 110 km/h, which can slightly affect conversations inside the car. The active safety features are comprehensive, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, etc. The 360-degree panoramic camera and automatic parking feature are friendly for beginners, enhancing the convenience of daily car use.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD lie in its flexible 7-seat configuration, extensive safety features, and full-time 4WD system, making it suitable for family users in various travel scenarios. Compared to competitors in the same segment, its configuration is in the upper-middle range, but its power output and fuel efficiency are not particularly outstanding. If you prioritize space practicality and safety features, frequently travel with family, and occasionally venture onto unpaved roads, the X-Trail 2.5 4WD is a good choice. However, if you value performance or fuel economy more, you might need to consider other options. Overall, it is a well-balanced family SUV that meets most daily driving needs.

Pros

Solid safety configuration, including 6 airbags, active braking, etc., proving effective in multiple emergencies

Practical interior, dual-zone automatic air conditioning cools quickly, rear row has independent air vents, seats are comfortable

Flexible and practical space, 7-seat layout meets the need for passenger and cargo transport, large trunk capacity

Cons

Lack of lane-keeping assist function, requires manual steering attention during traffic jams

The central control screen is relatively small and responds slowly, the user experience needs improvement

The car paint is thin and easily scratched by branches, leaving marks

Overall Rating

4.4

Excellent

From 5 Reviews

Section Rating

Performance

4.2 / 5

Interior Design

4.2 / 5

Safety

4.8 / 5

Exterior Design

4.4 / 5

Showing 5 reviews

4 Excellent

S4_B9

Owner of 2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD

As an owner of the 2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD and having driven it in Malaysia for nearly two years, the overall experience has been pretty good! For safety, I’d give it a 4-star rating since the basic features are very solid – it has 6 airbags, vehicle stability control, and active braking, all of which are included. Last time on a highway in Selangor, the active braking system intervened promptly when the car in front suddenly braked, and it really saved the day! However, compared to newer models, it lacks lane-keeping assist, which requires manually keeping an eye on the steering wheel during traffic jams in KL. That’s a slight letdown. The interior deserves a full 5-star rating! My favorite is the dual-zone automatic air conditioning. With Malaysia’s year-round hot and humid weather, it cools down the car quickly, and the rear seats have independent air vents. When taking the family to Genting Highlands, neither the elderly nor the kids complain about the heat. The seats are also very comfortable, with an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat that includes lumbar support, so even on long drives to Penang, I don’t feel back pain. The 7-seat configuration is flexible, making weekends with friends or carrying a baby stroller very convenient. The 550L trunk space easily fits groceries or camping gear. I’d give the exterior a 4-star rating; it has a classic and enduring look. The body lines aren’t overly aggressive, but at a length of 4690mm, parking in residential areas in Malaysia isn’t too difficult. The LED headlights are bright enough when driving on rural roads at night. However, the paint feels a bit thin—last time in Ipoh, a scratch from a tree branch left a mark, so you need to be extra careful with it. Overall, as a family car, it performs reliably on Malaysia’s roads. The practicality of the interior, in particular, really suits our daily needs!

5 Excellent

MX5_ND

Owner of 2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD

I drive a 2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD, and I've been using it in Malaysia for almost four years. The safety features are what I’m most satisfied with! Functions like active braking and forward collision warning have been a big help during Kuala Lumpur’s morning and evening rush hours. There was one time the car in front suddenly braked hard, and the system stopped me immediately. It gave me a scare but really saved lives. With 6 airbags and vehicle stability control, I feel particularly reassured when taking my family on road trips along the East Coast highway. A full score of 5, absolutely no complaints. As for the interior, 4 points seem fair. The materials feel decent to the touch, and the dual-zone air conditioning is very practical in Malaysia’s hot weather. The rear row also has air vents, so when there are 7 passengers, the third-row passengers won’t complain about the heat. However, the 7-inch central control screen feels a bit small now, and the response speed isn’t particularly fast. If it could be upgraded to a bigger one, that would be even better. In terms of performance, the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine paired with the CVT is very smooth for daily driving. On the Selangor rural mountain roads or muddy sections during rainy days, the 4WD mode offers good traction, and climbing hills isn’t a struggle either. However, when overtaking on the highway, the CVT’s response is slightly sluggish—you need to press the accelerator hard and wait for the revs to come up. It’s totally sufficient for city commuting, but if you’re after some excitement, it might fall short. 4 points seem just right.

4 Excellent

XC90_T8

Owner of 2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD

I drive a 2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD, and I've been using it in Malaysia for almost four years now. Overall, I'm quite satisfied with it! First, let's talk about the exterior, I'd give it 4 stars. The design is more timeless rather than flashy, but you won't feel it's outdated when driving on the road. Especially the LED headlights and body lines, they have pretty good recognition during rainy days in Kuala Lumpur. However, to be honest, the rear design looks a bit plain, it would be better if it was sportier. As for performance, I'd also give it 4 stars. The 2.5L naturally aspirated engine runs smoothly in the city, and the CVT gearbox has almost no jerking during gear shifts. Last time I took my whole family to Genting Highlands, and the power was still sufficient when climbing hills. The 4WD system also performed steadily on mountain roads. However, accelerating beyond 120km/h on the highway feels a bit sluggish, but after all, it's a family SUV, so that's understandable. What gives me the most peace of mind is the safety, so I'll have to give it 5 stars! The 6 airbags, active braking, and 360-degree panoramic camera are particularly practical considering the heavy traffic in Malaysia. Once, when I was reversing in a narrow alley in Penang, the panoramic camera helped me avoid a motorcycle that suddenly came out, which really saved a life. Moreover, the unlimited mileage 5-year warranty gives me even more confidence in its safety performance. All in all, this car performs very well under the usage scenarios in Malaysia and is a family SUV worth recommending.

4 Excellent

CRV_4WD

Owner of 2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD

As a 2019 X-Trail 2.5 4WD owner, after nearly two years of driving in Malaysia, what I am most satisfied with is its safety features! After all, there are many motorcycles on the road and unexpected situations occur frequently. The standard six airbags, active braking, and forward collision warning truly saved me — once on the LDP highway, the car in front of me suddenly braked, and the system automatically applied the brakes for me. Otherwise, I would have definitely rear-ended it. The 360-degree camera system is super practical for parking in narrow alleys in Kuala Lumpur, making it easy even for beginners. Full points for safety! As for the exterior, it is the kind that grows on you. It’s not particularly stunning but looks very decent. The body lines are smooth, and the LED headlights are striking both during the day and at night, giving it enough recognition even when parked in the neighborhood. However, the front design could be sportier, so I’d give this aspect 4 stars. In terms of performance, the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine runs very smoothly in the city, and the CVT transmission shifts without any jolts. Even when carrying the whole family of seven to Genting, it doesn't feel underpowered. The 4WD system is especially stable during rainy highway drives or on country roads, with great traction. The only issue is a slight lag during sudden accelerations, but it’s absolutely sufficient for family use, so a 4-star rating is very reasonable. Overall, as a family SUV, the X-Trail performs reliably under Malaysian road conditions!

5 Excellent

FocusRS

Owner of 2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD

As the owner of the 2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD, driving it in Malaysia for almost two years, I sincerely feel that I made the right choice with this car! First, talking about safety, I must give it full marks! Malaysia has frequent rainy days, and sometimes there’s waterlogging and skidding on highways. However, the X-Trail’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 4WD system are very reliable. There was one time on the North-South Expressway when a sudden downpour occurred, and the car in front braked suddenly. As I followed suit, the Emergency Braking System immediately kicked in, stopping the car steadily, and we avoided a rear-end collision — my kid was sitting in the backseat at the time, and this feature was truly life-saving! On regular outings with my child, the ISOFIX system locks the car seat firmly in place, and the six airbags provide me with great peace of mind. In terms of performance, there is nothing to complain about. The 2.5L naturally aspirated engine is more than sufficient for Malaysian road conditions! Whether following traffic in Kuala Lumpur city or taking the family to Genting Highlands on weekends, the power is always smooth, and the CVT transmission never feels jerky. Last time, I took my parents to Cameron Highlands. With seven passengers and luggage fully loaded, the car never felt underpowered on steep slopes, and the 4WD system on muddy mountain paths had excellent traction with no skidding at all. The fuel consumption is about 8L/100km, a bit higher than the official 7.5L, but considering Malaysia's traffic conditions, this performance is already very satisfactory. As for the exterior, I chose the pearl white color, which looks especially stunning under Malaysia’s sunlight! The LED headlights are highly recognizable during the day and provide excellent visibility at night. The car’s body lines are robust, unlike some bulky-looking SUVs. Whether parked under an apartment building or in a mall parking lot, it grabs quite a few glances — my friends always say the front design looks very striking, especially the V-motion grille, which clearly identifies it as a Nissan. All in all, this car fully meets my expectations in terms of safety, performance, and looks. It performs excellently under all types of road conditions in Malaysia. I sincerely recommend it to friends looking for a family SUV!