The 2018 Nissan X-Trail (2.0L 4WD) is a sophisticated evolution of the family SUV, moving away from the rugged, heavy-duty nature of your Prado and toward a tech-focused, highly efficient "urban explorer.

​The standout mechanical feature is the Intelligent 4x4-i system. Unlike the full-time system in your Prado, this uses a rotary dial that allows you to switch between 2WD (to save fuel on dry tarmac), Auto (which sends power to the rear wheels only when it detects a slip), and Lock (for tricky mud or sand). When paired with the Eco Mode, the car intelligently adjusts the engine and transmission to maximize your 14 km/L fuel economy, making it significantly cheaper to run than the 2.7L Prado.

​Nissan engineers worked with NASA-inspired research to develop Zero Gravity Seats, designed to provide continuous support from the pelvis to the chest. This makes the X-Trail exceptionally comfortable for long drives. This is a major convenience upgrade. The "Auto-Hold" function allows you to take your foot off the brake at traffic lights, and the car stays still until you press the gas a feature that makes city traffic much less tiring. The second row can slide forward or backward and recline, allowing you to prioritize either massive legroom or more luggage space in the boot.

​The X-Trail excels at everyday practicality. The cargo area features the Divide-N-Hide system, a set of adjustable floor boards that allow you to create hidden compartments or shelves for groceries. Since you value a power boot, you'll love that many 2018 X-Trails allow you to open the trunk by simply waving your foot under the rear bumper when your hands are full. The rear doors open to nearly 80 degrees, making it much easier to load car seats or bulky items compared to most other SUVs in this class.

​The 2018 facelift brought in "Nissan Intelligent Mobility," which enhances the safety features you’re used to: Instead of just sensors, you have a 360-degree camera that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the car on the screen, making parking in tight spaces effortless. The car uses radar (often hidden behind the front Nissan badge) for Intelligent Emergency Braking. It also features Intelligent Trace Control, which subtly applies brakes to individual wheels to help you steer smoothly through corners.

​Because it uses a unibody construction, the X-Trail feels much lighter on its feet. The Xtronic CVT transmission provides a seamless, "stepless" acceleration that eliminates the jerkiness of gear shifts. This results in a ride that is quieter and more car-like, absorbing bumps with a plushness that is specifically tuned for family comfort.

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