Mbabane – Nissan has reduced prices of its X-Trail SUV in South Africa by between R40 000 and R100 000, a move aimed at boosting sales after the model recorded some of its weakest numbers in years.
The fourth-generation X-Trail, launched locally in 2023, has struggled to find buyers. Last year only 246 units were sold, and between January and September this year just 98 vehicles left dealerships. The drop is linked to its relatively high cost, the absence of a diesel engine, and stiff competition from Chinese brands offering lower-priced alternatives.
Now in its 25th year since first launching in Japan, the X-Trail has long been positioned as one of Nissan’s family SUVs, offering a seven-seat option and all-wheel drive. Worldwide sales had reached seven million units before the current model, known as the T33, arrived. In South Africa alone, 50 000 units have been sold since the first-generation T30 replaced the Terrano II in 2001.
Despite this legacy, the new X-Trail has not matched its predecessors’ popularity. To counter this, Nissan has followed up August’s price cuts on its turbocharged Magnite models with a bigger reduction for the X-Trail range. The Acenta+ flagship variant, priced at R812 000 before the discount, benefits most. It offers seven seats, all-wheel drive, two-tone paint, and Nissan’s ProPILOT driver assistance system.
On design, the X-Trail features the brand’s V-motion grille, split LED headlights, and 19-inch alloy wheels. While it avoids the minor exterior upgrades recently rolled out in Japan, the SUV maintains a striking look comparable to rivals like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro.
Inside, the Acenta+ is fitted with a 12.3-inch infotainment system with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an improved 360-degree camera. It also includes a digital instrument cluster, head-up display, wireless charging, and automatic locking doors. The interior uses soft-touch materials but has been criticised for its imitation wood trim.
Comfort features extend to heated imitation leather seats, a six-speaker audio system, and multiple drive modes, though buyers may note the absence of an electric tailgate and powered passenger seat. Boot capacity stands at 485 litres with all seven seats up, increasing to 651 litres in five-seat form, and 1 298 litres with the second row folded.
Powering the SUV is a 2.5-litre petrol engine producing 135 kW and 244 Nm, paired with a continuously variable transmission. The set-up delivers smooth everyday driving with paddle shifters available for manual control. Fuel use during recent testing averaged 7.6 L/100 km, slightly better than Nissan’s claim of 7.8.
On the road, the X-Trail has been praised for its refined ride, quiet cabin, direct steering, and the balance provided by its all-wheel drive system.
Nissan says the SUV will remain part of its line-up as the company prepares to expand its offerings in 2026, with two Renault-based SUVs built in India and the new Y63 Patrol joining the refreshed Magnite.
For Eswatini buyers who source cars through South Africa, the revised pricing could make the X-Trail more competitive. Yet with alternatives like the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Executive AWD available at R731 900, the X-Trail may continue to struggle to recapture its former position in the market.
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