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 authentic 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 persistently 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 Beneath 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 newest X-Path is on the bigger aspect of the mid-size SUV section and continues to supply 5 or seven seats, similar to the car you see right here. It’s nonetheless one in every of few rivals 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 check is the highest-spec seven-seat possibility within the native line-up.

Is that this three-row crossover a high decide for households who want an occasional sixth and seventh seat?

How a lot does the Nissan X-Path ST-L 4WD price?

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 automobile on check 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 can 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: $37,250
• Nissan X-Path ST 4WD 7 seat: $40,290
• Nissan X-Path ST-L 2WD 5 seat: $43,690
• Nissan X-Path ST-L 4WD 7 seat: $46,790
• Nissan X-Path ST-L e-Energy with e-4orce 5 seat: $49,990
• Nissan X-Path Ti 4WD 5 seat: $50,490
• Nissan X-Path Ti-L 4WD 5 seat: $53,490
• Nissan X-Path Ti e-Energy with e-4orce 5 seat: $54,690
• Nissan 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 received’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 stunning 12.3-inch show provided 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 somewhat fundamental 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 somewhat price range.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wired on this specification, regardless of increased 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 below the centre console – in addition to large door bins and a deep bin below 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 method 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 concerning 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 to your telephone below 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 robust level, and can little doubt 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 well-liked driving place, and I’m 6’1. The doorways additionally open good and huge, helpful for folks.

Directional rear air vents function, however not a 3rd zone of local weather just like the Ti. The rear bench slides and reclines, with the center seat folding right 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 somewhat tight, and you’ll want to slide the second row ahead a bit to accommodate anybody with legs again there, to the purpose the place the often wonderful second row turns into a bit pinchy.

The rearmost seats are greatest 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 when you’re anyplace close to the dimensions of a median grownup you’ll be in a knees-up place along with your legs pressed up in opposition to the seat in entrance of you.

Should you want common use of seven seats, we’d counsel taking a look at one thing bigger like a Kia Sorento or Mazda CX-8.

On the subject of boot area, 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 below the baggage space ground.

What’s below the bonnet?

Petrol-powered Nissan X-Trails function 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 in contrast to 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 right 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 way 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.

Should you’re mild with it, the X-Path will get off from a standstill in a reasonably measured method, however push it too onerous 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 way of digital ratios to imitate a standard 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 satisfactory moderately than pulse-racing.

The shortage of turbocharging means peak torque doesn’t are available till 3600rpm, the place most boosted options hit peak shove below 2000rpm. Should you don’t need to have the X-Path revving onerous, it’s greatest to drive in a relaxed method.

Pushed this manner, it’s fairly easy and agreeable, if somewhat uninspiring in the way it performs. Loaded up with youngsters and stuff, it might 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 participating to drive as one thing like a Mazda CX-5 or Volkswagen Tiguan. This can be a automobile designed to be snug in all situations, so the correct controls and lightweight 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 must be one of many extra succesful soft-roaders off the overwhelmed monitor, as demonstrated by its predecessor and the newest Outlander in our Medium SUV Mega Take a look at.

With 205mm of floor clearance the X-Path rides increased than most rivals this aspect of a Subaru Forester, and with its elective AWD system must be greater than able to navigating gravel trails, snow fields and the like, however when you’re in search of one thing extra rugged it’s possible you’ll want to take 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 car is detected, however it’s in any other case fairly intuitive and pure in its inputs.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are additionally helpful for navigating gaps and merging lanes, and the 360-degree cameras with Transferring Object Detection provide you with a encompass view of the car 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 seats
• Auto LED head-and tail-lights
• Steering wheel paddle shifters
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Auto-folding, heated mirrors
• Roof rails
• Reversing digital camera
• Rear parking sensors
• 8.0-inch touchscreen
• DAB+ radio
• 6 audio system
• 4 x USB factors (1 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C entrance, rear)
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• 7.0-inch TFT cluster show
• Material seats
• House-saver spare wheel
• AWD and seven seats elective

Nissan X-Path ST-L provides

• 5 seats
• Privateness glass
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Entrance parking sensors
• Encompass-view digital camera
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Artificial leather-accented seats
• Heated entrance seats
• Energy driver’s seat
• Fog lights
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Auto-dimming rear mirror
• Sliding rear seats, 40:20:40 folding
• ‘Divide-N-Conceal’ cargo space system
• ProPILOT with Lane hold help
• AWD and seven seats elective

Nissan X-Path Ti provides

• AWD and 5 seats
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Energy tailgate
• Adaptive Matrix LED headlights
• Digital rear-view mirror
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Tri-zone local weather management
• Actual leather-accented seats
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Wi-fi telephone charger
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 10.8-inch projecting head-up show
• 10-way energy entrance passenger seat incl. energy lumbar
• Ambient lighting (console solely)
• Two-tone black painted roof elective

Nissan X-Path Ti-L provides

• Palms-free energy tailgate
• Reverse-tilt energy mirrors with reminiscence
• Distant engine begin
• Heated steering wheel
• Quilted Nappa leather-based upholstery
• Driver’s reminiscence seat presets
• Heated second row outboard seats
• Rear door sunshades
• Ambient inside lighting (doorways)
• Facet mirrors with tilt-to-reverse
• Bose 10-speaker sound system
• Two-tone black painted roof elective

Colors

Normal

Premium: $700

• Ivory Pearl
• Sensible Silver
• Ceramic Gray
• Gun Metallic
• Diamond Black
• Champagne Silver
• Caspian Blue

Two-tone: $1200

• Ivory Pearl with Black roof
• Ceramic Gray with Black roof
• Champagne Silver with Black roof
• Caspian Blue with Black roof
• Sundown 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 – based mostly 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 susceptible highway consumer, and a very good 97 per cent for security help.

Normal options on all grades:

• 7 airbags incl. front-centre airbag
• 3 x high tether factors, 2 x ISOFIX factors
• Adaptive cruise management
• Automated high-beam
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian, Bicycle owner detection
  • Junction help
  • Reverse AEB with Pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot help
• Lane departure warning
• Lane hold help
• Reversing digital camera and sensors
• Visitors signal recognition
• Path sway management in ESP

How a lot does the Nissan X-Path ST-L 4WD price 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’ll be able to prepay for a servicing bundle as a substitute of paying as you go, out there for three-, four- or 5 years. The X-Path AWD prices for $1228, $1756 and $2124 respectively, which makes it probably the most inexpensive 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 satisfactory in combined 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 individual 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 sort of spectacular in its higher grades, however the low- and mid-spec choices are a bit uninspiring.

The place the ST-L specification must 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 surprise what the product planners have been considering. Certainly the ST-L ought to have satellite tv for pc navigation and wi-fi smartphone mirroring, whereas the seven-seat level of distinction is restricted to such particular grades and drivetrain mixtures… why?

AWD for this sort of automobile is fairly redundant nowadays until you encounter slippery circumstances or soft-road usually, and for the $3000 value premium and added gasoline use this X-Path appears like it might 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 provided three rows, and but it doesn’t in Australia. It’s out there from the manufacturing unit, and is obtainable in Europe and Japan – what provides?

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.

Should you just like the X-Path and don’t want the seven seats, I’d counsel taking a look at one of many increased 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 shifting ahead to make it extra recommendable in opposition to an ever-increasing quantity of competitors.

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MORE: Every part Nissan X-Path