Nissan X-Trail 2022: Meet the electric SUV

Caricatured a little, one could almost say that the new Nissan X-Trail is an electric model, which consumes gasoline. But that's not exactly the truth, even though its wheels are powered only by electric motors.

Its e-Power technology, taken from the latest Qashqai, incorporates a three-cylinder gasoline engine, which obviously generates unleaded consumption, but only assumes the role of a generator: it is only used to charge the small 2.1 kWh battery. capacity.

The latter then redistributes the electricity to the two engines (one per axle), with a distribution that varies according to acceleration needs and the level of grip.

This device also makes it possible to dispense with a gearbox.

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This fourth generation of the X-Trail, called the T33 for friends, can therefore evolve into electric 100% mode over a few small kilometers (2 or 3 at most), but it does not change anything in the use or habits of drivers educated in thermal cars.

In short, it is a “normal” hybrid model, distinguished by the originality of its operation.

If it only has five seats on board when it has front-wheel drive, Nissan's latest SUV necessarily benefits from a 4×4 transmission (called e-4orce) when it has 7 seats; a surprising choice on the part of Nissan.

The Japanese novelty, produced in Japan, enjoys very good habitability, a rear seat that slides by more than 22 cm and whose 40/20/40 split folders adjust in inclination.

The 85° opening of the rear doors benefits accessibility, while the 485-litre cubic trunk has capacity. Nothing to say about that, until you unfold (very easily) the booster seats, retractable into the trunk floor.

There, the loading volume is reduced to a trickle, but above all, those sixth and seventh places can only be used for troubleshooting, not everyday use.

See too: BMW iX 2021: Meet the flagship of the electric line

They are a little difficult to access and are tight, both in terms of legs and head height. We'll install teenagers there, but not a grandparent.

At this point, we find in the 7-seat family SUV segment, from which Nissan had disappeared eighteen months ago, more welcoming competitors.