The Nissan->ke62 X-Trail has been a part of the Japanese automaker’s lineup for many years and has always provided that perfect balance between a compact and full-size SUV->ke145. In the UK, there are only three trim levels available, the Acenta (base), Limited Edition Platinum and Tekna. Or at least that was true until now…

Nissan has just announced that it is adding a third trim level to the X-Trail lineup that will sit between the Acenta and Tekna, giving the X-Trail the ability to better compete in the SUV realm. The oddly name n-tec+ trim level gives X-Trail->ke2317 buyers a happy medium between the two models, by offering up some additional high-end features not found on the base model.

So what does this trim level bring to the table that you already cannot get in the existing lineup?

Click past the jump to read our full review on the 2013 Nissa X-Trail n-tec+ to find out.

2013 Nissan X-Trail n-tec+

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Nissan X-Trail n-tec+
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 141 @ 3750
  • Torque: 360 @ 2000
  • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

From a distance, the 2013 X-Trail n-tec+ looks very similar to the base model X-Trail Acenta, but upon further inspection, you’ll find that it boast small accents that set it apart. The most obvious of these accents are the four 18-inch alloy wheels at the corners, which are a full inch larger than the standard 17-inch wheels on the Acenta.

Wrapped around the fog lamps on the front fascia of the n-tec+ model are chrome surrounds to add a little extra style to the front end – this option is available on the Acenta trim level for an extra £151, on the Tekna level they come standard.

You will also get a set of side bars with steps to help those that are slightly vertically challenged – like myself – to hop into the X-Trail with ease. These are typically only a dealer-fit accessory for an extra £659.

So right off the bat, you are getting an extra £810 in optional equipment on the outside, not including the 18-inch rims, which are not even an option on the Acenta model.

Exterior Specifications:

Overall Length

4,635 mm

Overall Width

1,790 mm

Overall Height

1,700 mm (1,785 mm with optional Extreme roof rails)

Wheelbase

2,630 mm


Extra Goodies:

18-inch Alloy Wheels

Chrome fog lamp surrounds

Side bars with steps


Interior

Though Nissan didn’t get too much into the interior of this new trim level, there are a few extra goodies on top of the base Acenta model. A huge addition to the n-tec+ is the Nissan Connect system, which includes a 5-inch touchscreen satellite navi system. The Nissan Connect system is not available on the Acenta and Limited Edition Platinum models, but is a standard feature on the Tekna model.

Additionally, you get Bluetooth connectivity, so you can operate your phone hands free and even stream music to the X-Trail’s n-tec’s standard CD-player audio system. Both the Bluetooth compatible audio system and CD player are standard features on the X-Trail Acenta.

Also added into the package is Nissan’s Around View Monitor 360-degree parking system, which gives you views of the front, rear, and passenger side of the X-Trail as you park it. This feature, again, was once only available with the more expensive Tekna trim level. You will also notice sitting above your head is a panoramic electric sunroof – once standard only in the Tekna and Limited Edition Platinum trim levels.

On top of all of that you get: climate control, cruise, automatic windshield wipers, automatic headlights and tinted rear glass – all of which are standard features on the Acenta trim level.

Extra Goodies:

Nissan Connect System

Nissan Around View Monitor 360

Panoramic sunroof


Drivetrain

Under the hood, we don’t see any changes, as the X-Trail n-tec+ is powered by the standard 2.0-liter dCi turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 173 PS (171 horsepower) at 3,750 rpm and 360 Nm (265 pound-feet) of torque at 2,000 rpm.

Connected to the diesel engine is a 6-speed manual transmission, just like in the Acenta model. Nissan tosses in its All-Mode 4x4-I system to get the X-Trail n-tec+ a little extra traction and also gives it Uphill Start Support and Downhill Drive Support.

All of this gets the X-Trail n-tec+ a maximum tow rating of 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs), making it possible to tow a medium-sized trailer with this compact SUV. It will accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 10 seconds, which is a little slow for an SUV of its size. The X-Trail n-tec+ more than makes up for its cruddy acceleration by netting you 7.8 l/100 km (36.2 mpg) in the city, 5.5 l/100 km (51.4 mpg) on the highway, and 6.4 l/100 km (44.1 mpg) combined. It also emits just 168 grams of CO2 per km, making it not only fuel efficient, but Eco-friendly.

Drivetrain and Performance Specs:

Engine Type

2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel

Transmission Type

6-speed manual

EngineOoutput (horsepower)

173 PS (141 horsepower) at 3,750 rpm

Engine Output (torque)

360 Nm (265 pound-feet) at 2,000 rpm

Maximum Towing Capacity

2,200 kg

Fuel Consumption (city / highway / combined)

7.8 l/100 km (36.2 mpg) / 5.5 l/100 km (51.4 mpg) / 6.4 l/100 km (44.1 mpg)

CO2 Emissions

168 g/km


Pricing and Availability

Per Nissan’s press release, the 2013 X-Trail n-tec+ is available at dealers now. It carries with it a £27,790 ($35,886 at the current rates) price tag, but for a limited time (length of time unknown) Nissan is offering this upgrade from the Acenta free of charge, so you can get the n-tec+ for the same £25,790 ($33,303 at the current rates) that you can get the base model X-Trail for.

With its U.S. lineup chock-full with SUVs – Juke->ke3600, Murano->ke552, Xterra->ke1160, Pathfinder->ke548 and Armada->ke551 – Nissan shows no plans to ever release any X-Trail models in the U.S., though a 44 mpg SUV with a 4,850-pound towing capacity would be nice…

Competition

Though it is about 66 mm shorter in length, 301 mm wider, and 55 mm shorter in height relative to the X-Trail, the upcoming 2013 Honda CR-V->ke1595 is still a direct competitor for the X-Trail. The closest competitor to the n-tec+ model would be the CR-V ES 2.2 i-DTEC model. This model features a 2.2-liter i-DTEC engine that boasts 150 PS (148 horsepower) and 350 Nm (258 pound-feet) of torque, so it gives up a full 20 PS and 10 Nm in power to the X-Trail. This also helps to understand why it tows 200 kg (440 lbs) less than the X-Trail n-tec+.

In 0-to-100 km/h (62 mph) time, the CR-V comes out slightly ahead, hitting the number in just 9.6 seconds – 0.4 seconds faster than the X-Trail. In fuel economy, the CR-V comes in at 8 l/100 km (35.3 mpg) in the city, 5.6 l/100 km (50.4 mpg) on the highway, and 6.5 l/100 km (43.5 mpg) combined). Again, the Z-Trail comes out on top by 0.9 mpg in the city, 1.4 mpg on the highway, and 0.6 mpg in combined driving.

The CR-V does come out on top in two things. First and foremost, the CR-V is simply more stylish than the X-Trail. The X-Trail looks almost like a forced attempt to make an old SUV look new, whereas the CR-V actually looks like it belongs in this era. The other place that the CR-V ES 2.2 i-DTEC comes out on top it in case price, as it runs £26,275 (£1,515 less than the base MSRP for the X-Trail), but for a limited time, you can snag up the X-Trail for £485 less than the CR-V.

The CR-V boasts the same 18-inch wheels as the X-Trail n-tec+, as well as cruise control and climate control. The CR-V ES, however, includes leather interior but it lacks the standard navigation and an equivalent to the Toyota Connect system, though its images do show a touchscreen of sorts, so you have some trading off to do.

Comparatives Specs:

Spec

Honda CR-V ES 2.2 i-DTEC

X-Trail n-tec+

Advantage

Engine Output

150 PS and 350 Nm

173 PS and 360 Nm

X-Trail n-tec

Fuel Economy (city / highway / combined)

8 l/100 km (35.3 mpg) / 5.6 l/100 km (50.4 mpg) / 6.5 l/100 km (43.5 mpg)

7.8 l/100 km (36.2 mpg) / 5.5 l/100 km (51.4 mpg) / 6.4 l/100 km (44.1 mpg)

X-Trail n-tec+

Emissions

153 grams of CO2 per km

168 grams of CO2 per km

CR-V

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h)

9.6 seconds

10 seconds

CR-V

Towing

2,000 kg

2,200 kg

X-Trail n-tec+


Conclusion

Hand’s down, the X-Trail n-tec+ is the better deal for the money. It comes standard with too many options, like 4x4-I, navigation, Toyota Connect, Bluetooth, fog lamps, a more powerful diesel engine, and higher towing capacities to set it apart. Plus, it’s current discounted price makes it a slam dunk. Even at its full-retail price it is still a good deal, but the discounted price is outstanding.

The CR-V, on the other hand, does offer a more car-like drive and feel, plus it is a better looking car. So, if you are simply looking for an SUV the looks and drives like a car, the CR-V may be your best bet. However, if you plan to do more than just drive Johnny to football practice, plus you want a little extra technology in your SUV, the X-Trail is the way to go.