Third time is the charm, so the saying goes. So, does it apply to the Nissan X-Trail Mk3, a car preceded by two generations that were undeniably practical, but which were also a bit on the worthy side with not much to get excited about?
Fortunately, this latest version offers a bit more pizzazz to go along with the utilitarian side of things, which can make it an appealing prospect if you’re looking for one of the best used cars for towing a caravan.
What’s an X-Trail Mk3 like inside?
Even if you’re the size of the average superhero, you’ll be able to get comfortable in the front of the X-Trail.
There’s a vast amount of headroom and legroom, and the seats adjust (electrically) in all sorts of ways, allowing you to find the perfect driving (or passenger) position.
But the best tow cars provide a comfortable experience for everyone, and here, if you find yourself relegated to the middle row of seats, you’ll be pleased to find that there’s no hardship back there either. That’s because, as up front, there’s plenty of headroom and legroom, and even three adults will be able to sit comfortably side by side.
Whether in five- or seven-seat configuration, there’s plenty of room for a family and all the kit.
There are five and seven-seat versions of the X-Trail available, depending on the powertrain. When fitted, the two rearmost seats are really only suitable for children.
However, when all the seats are folded down, there are 1396 litres of boot space, or 575 litres when the rear seats are occupied by passengers, which should easily be enough stowage space for a holiday.
Every X-Trail comes with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, which is controlled through a responsive touch screen. Better still, the climate controls are separate buttons.
Move up to Tekna trim and a head-up display and Bose audio system are both standard. Take a look at our favourite towing gadgets too, to further enhance your experience on the road.
How does a Nissan X-Trail Mk3 drive?
The e-Force model is an excellent tow car (take a look at our review of the 2023 Nissan X-Trail e-4orce Tekna to see what we made of it at the time). It has a hybrid powertrain that’s a little different from the norm. The three-cylinder engine only ever charges the batteries, while motion is provided by one electric motor in two-wheel-drive versions, or two electric motors in the four-wheel-drive models.
Performance is punchy and smooth, and the engine is quiet and remains fully in the background when it’s running.
As a towing machine, the X-Trail is strong and stable, and never gets flustered by side winds. However, economy could be an issue – we could only manage 21.4mpg when we tested the car.
The X-Trail is an unassuming companion when driven solo, too. There are few thrills on offer in terms of sportiness or performance, but not many buyers of such a car would want that anyway.
The X-Trail handles neatly enough, and the electric motor power delivery is utterly smooth, helped by the fact there’s no gearbox or automatic transmission. However, there can be a little too much body roll in corners.
What will a used Nissan X-Trail Mk3 tow?
When it comes to matching a car to a caravan, a Mk3 X-Trail has:
- Kerb weight: 1880kg
- Towing limit: 1800kg
- Nose weight limit: 100kg
- 85% match: 1598kg
Running costs
- Insurance group: 29
- Annual VEDN £620*
- Average economy: 43.5mpg
- Interim/full service: £260/£360
*Applies to vehicles with a list price of more than £40,000 for the first five years of the car’s life. If the car cost less than £40k, annual VED is £195.
Servicing prices supplied by Nissan GB
Trouble spots
A total of 2246 cars were recalled because their adaptive headlights were out of calibration, and wouldn’t engage low beam. Similarly, 187 cars were recalled because the Intelligent Speed Assistance system was out of kilter. A full list of recalls can be found at: www.check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk
What to pay for a used Nissan X-Trail Mk3
- High: Price: £39,500; Model: 1.5 h e-Power Tekna+; Year: 2025; Miles: 5000
- Sweet spot: Price: £28,900; Model: 1.5 h e-Power N-Connecta; Year: 2025; Miles: 4500
- Low: Price: £19,995; Year: 2023; Model: 1.5 h e-Power Acenta Premium; Year: 2023; Miles: 43,500
The verdict on a used Nissan X-Trail
It can be confirmed: the new Nissan X-Trail is comfortably a case of third time’s a charm.
The car is large and roomy, and is filled with the sort of kit that makes travelling with passengers drama free.
It’s also a smooth and capable towing machine that makes light work of a medium-sized caravan. Just watch out for that fuel economy.
Own a lightweight tourer instead? Then see what I had to say about buying a used VW T-Cross recently, too.
Alternatives to consider
Used Peugeot 5008 (2017-2024)
The Peugeot 5008 was an MPV until 2017, when Peugeot turned it into a seven-seat SUV, and sales boomed. It’s roomy, well-equipped and good to drive. But it isn’t the best towing machine. It’s quite light, with an 85% match of 1330kg. Its max noseweight is only 72kg, too. Still, while it is restricted to slightly lighter caravans, it manages to tow those pretty confidently.
Used Skoda Kodiaq (2017-2024)
Skoda’s first SUV is the sort of car that blends into your life and quickly becomes the do-it-all family transport that everyone relies on. Whether you go for the five-seater with a huge boot, or the seven-seater, it has plenty of space. And the vast range of engines and gearboxes means there’s one out there that will suit your needs. Shame the 80kg noseweight is a bit low.
Hyundai Santa Fe (2018-2024)
The big Hyundai is a towing machine par excellence, with enough weight and stability to make towing even a large tourer easy. It’s available with hybrid or diesel power, both of which are reasonably quiet. It also has seating for seven, or for five with a big boot. It’s been around for longer than the X-Trail, too, which means you should be able to find one for less money.
Take a look at our review of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid Ultimate 4WD Auto to see why we gave it four stars at the time.
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