The Nissan X-Trail had some questions to answer coming into this year’s test. In particular, could the 1.6-litre diesel familiar from the smaller Qashqai have enough poke to pull a bigger car and caravan?

The answer is yes, just about. A 30-60mph time of 16.8 seconds is a little on the steady side, but the engine didn’t feel out of its depth.

Despite being the 2WD version of the X-Trail (you can order four-wheel drive for another £1700), the Nissan also made short work of the hill start. The electronic parking brake held car and caravan still, then released smoothly. Even with the engine’s relatively modest muscle, the X-Trail pulled to the top of the 1-in-6 hill without fuss and with no hot smell from the clutch.

Stability-wise, the Nissan X-Trail is good rather than great. At high speeds and in crosswinds, the Nissan was more likely to need steering corrections than the class-winning Mazda CX-5, for example. However, despite the X-Trail’s relatively soft suspension, the car clung on securely in the emergency lane-change test.

In regular driving, that soft suspension makes for a comfortable ride although it allows a lot of body roll if you corner enthusiastically.

Inside, the X-Trail is a practical choice, with plenty of room and the option of third row of seats for an extra £800. With these folded away there’s plenty of boot space. Our practicality judges were also pleased with the easy-to-access towing electrics and the neat tow ball installation.

2019
Category Winners
2019 Up to 1400kg

Škoda Octavia

Hatch 1.5 TSI 150PS SE L DSG

2019 1400-1549kg

Seat Ateca

2.0 TSI 190PS FR DSG

2019 1550-1699kg

Volkswagen Arteon

2.0 TDI 150PS Elegance DSG

2019 1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2019 1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 SDV6 HSE

2019 Best Budget 4x4

Dacia Duster

1.5 dCi Ambiance 4x4

2019 Best Plug-In Hybrid

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

P400e HSE Dynamic

2019 Best Ultralight Tow Car

Seat Arona

1.0 TSI 115 FR

2019 Fuel Economy Award

Ford Focus Estate

1.5 EcoBlue 120PS Titanium X

Previous Winners
2018
1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2017
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 Td6 HSE*

2016
1400-1549kg

Skoda Superb Hatch

2.0 TDI 150PS SE Business

2015
1400-1549kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI BMT 150PS SE Business DSG

2014
1400-1549kg

Nissan Qashqai

1.6 dCi (130PS) Stop/Start System Acenta Premium

2013
Up to 1424kg

Skoda Octavia

2.0 TDI CR 150PS Elegance

2012
1725–1899kg

Jaguar XF

2.2D Premium Luxury

2011
1425-1574kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Sport

2010
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery 4

3.0 TDV6 XS

2009
1900kg+

Volvo XC60

D5 SE Geartronic

2008
1575-1724kg

Ford Mondeo Estate

2.0 TDCi Titanium auto

2007
1575-1724kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI Sport 4Motion

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