Nissan X-Trail e-Power: More affordable hybrid SUV joins range

You can now get into a Nissan X-Trail e-Power hybrid SUV for $5000 less.

Nissan Australia has announced it will be adding a mid-tier Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-Power with e-4orce to the local range during the second half of 2023, with pricing to start from $49,490 before on-road costs.

The new ST-L specification will serve as the third electrified X-Trail variant in Australia, following the launch of the high-spec Ti and Ti-L grades earlier this year.

While it effectively mirrors the specification of the petrol-powered ST-L 4WD, like other e-Power models in Australia remains a five-seat-only proposition. The e-Power drivetrain represents a $3200 premium over the X-Trail ST-L 2.5 4WD with its standard seven seats.

Beyond the confines of the Nissan showroom, the new X-Trail ST-L e-Power is priced between the Toyota RAV4 GXL AWD Hybrid ($47,100) and the RAV4 XSE AWD Hybrid ($50,200). The related Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ES ($56,490) offers similar underpinnings but with extended EV driving range courtesy of its plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

Nissan X-Trail e-Power: More affordable hybrid SUV joins range

X-Trail ST-L e-Power with e-4orce highlights:

e-Pedal Step
Active noise cancellation
Black V-motion grille
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System
18-inch alloy wheels
Automatic LED headlights
LED rear lights
Fog lights
High Beam Assist
Privacy glass
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Leather-accented steering wheel
8-way power driver seat
40:20:40 split rear seats
Sliding rear seats
Heated front seats
Synthetic leather trim
Luggage boards
Dual-zone climate control
Around View Monitor incl. Moving Object Detection
Tyre pressure monitor
Auto-fold, power-adjust heated mirrors
2 x front, 2 x rear USB ports
8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wired)
DAB+ radio
6-speaker audio
Front, rear parking sensors
Rear Seat Alert
ProPILOT incl. Lane Keep Assist

Like other members of the range, the Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-Power is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged series hybrid system where the petrol engine never directly drives either axle; it’s attached to a generator which can power the e-motor through an inverter, and charges a 1.8kWh battery pack.

There are two electric motors – 150kW front, 100kW rear – to deliver what Nissan says is a “constant EV-like drive experience” and facilitates electrified all-wheel drive. Nissan quotes a system output of 157kW, while torque is rated at 330Nm on the front axle and 195Nm at the rear. The company doesn’t quote a combined torque figure.

Meanwhile, the turbo petrol engine which features Nissan’s variable-compression combustion technology makes 105kW and 250Nm on its own.

Fuel use is quoted at 6.1L per 100km on the combined ADR cycle – 1.3L/100km more than a Toyota RAV4 AWD Hybrid in official figures.

The petrol X-Trail, by comparison, is powered by a 135kW/244Nm 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine hooked up to a CVT automatic. Both front- and all-wheel drive are offered. Combined fuel efficiency is rated at 7.8L/100km for the petrol AWD drivetrain.