Nissan X-Trail: From First Drive to Future Icon
Natasha Dury
The Nissan X-Trail will always feel like a milestone for me. Back in 2019, just weeks after I got my license, Nissan invited my mum and me to Fujairah with a group of motoring journalists to test drive the X-Trail.
I remember the shock when I saw my name added as a co-driver to my mum’s car. It was my first official test drive as a motoring writer. Nervous but excited, I slid behind the wheel of the X-Trail, not knowing that this SUV would end up shaping the way I think about cars and driving.
Even today, the X-Trail continues to impress with its confident stance and bold design. Its sculpted body, floating roofline, signature V-Motion grille, and sleek LED headlights give it an edge that feels modern yet timeless.
Back then, I felt proud just to be in it, even though my mum had a few doubts and heart attacks during the difficult parts of the test drive! Now, I appreciate how its style balances adventure-ready vibes with city chic, perfect for everything from weekend road trips to pulling up at your favorite café.
Inside, the cabin has always been about comfort and space, but it has evolved to feel even more premium and versatile. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and flexible seating options make long drives more enjoyable.
When I first drove it, I loved how high I sat on the road, giving me confidence as a new driver. Today, the panoramic sunroof, intuitive controls, and family-friendly touches, like configurable storage and a power tailgate that make it a natural fit for Gen Z lifestyles where practicality meets style.
Technology is where the X-Trail really shines. The 12.3-inch digital driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the 10.8-inch head-up display make it feel like a car built for our generation—where playlists, navigation, and socials matter as much as smooth handling.
The 360-degree Around View Monitor makes parking and city driving stress-free, while ProPILOT Assist brings semi-autonomous driving tech into the mix. Add to that the premium sound system, and every drive becomes a vibe. With Nissan’s e-POWER hybrid technology, sustainability is now part of the X-Trail’s DNA, something Gen Z genuinely values.
Performance-wise, the X-Trail gave me confidence from the very start. It’s smooth yet powerful, with intelligent 4×4 drive modes that handle both city streets and mountain routes with ease. On that first Fujairah trip, I was surprised by how capable it felt for a rookie like me. Now, with the latest model, it is even more refined, balancing fuel efficiency, grip, and power, making every drive feel effortless.
Looking back, the Nissan X-Trail was the SUV that marked my first step into automotive journalism. Today, it is still the kind of car that inspires confidence, freedom, and fun, making it the perfect match for a generation that wants practicality with personality. For me, it is not just a vehicle. It’s where my motoring story began.
