If it can be a little bit more

Anyone who buys an SUV primarily because of the space available is best in the crossover middle class. Models like the Nissan X-Trail offer endless luggage space and can even accommodate six passengers if necessary.

If the first X-Trail generations were still robust off-roaders, the edition three built since 2014 is a modern crossover in the style of the compact Qashqai. The largest Nissan in Europe is not only extremely strong in terms of appearance, but also technically the successful model among soft roaders. It is based on the same platform, but stretches 30 centimeters further and is 4,69 meters long. Around 10 centimeters of the increase is due to the extended wheelbase, which is particularly reflected in a very spacious rear compartment. Thanks to the sliding bench, the three of them are still relatively airy. However, very tall people could bump their heads against the comparatively low roof. If two additional passengers are to be on board, two (optional) folding seats can be folded out of the trunk floor. There, however, it is only reasonably comfortable even with short legs over short distances.

If you do not need the additional seating, you can use a very large trunk instead. In the basic configuration there are 405 liters available, with the rear seat folded down it is 1.996 liters. The luggage compartment is not only spacious, but also practical. Even tall people stand upright under the open tailgate, a loading hatch simplifies loading of long items, the variable loading floor makes it easier to stow small items and also ensures a flush closure to the bumper. Also positive: there is no annoying step when the rear backrest is folded down. The only concession that you have to accept when loading is the high edge of the trunk, over which the luggage has to be balanced. With an SUV, however, this can hardly be avoided due to its design.

The X-Trail can shine behind the driver's compartment. And the seats at the front left and right can also convince. Even if the cockpit no longer represents the latest state of the art in terms of design and infotainment and the selection of materials appears to be partly very cost-effective, the large Nissan is no compromise in terms of ergonomics and usability. The raised seats have to be climbed, which can be perceived as a bit difficult due to the high sills. Once inside, however, this is no longer a problem. Rather, that the protruding body of the Nissan is not exactly clear. A disadvantage that is not compensated for by the somewhat aged and coarse-grained rear-view camera.

The large X-Trail with its sweeping turning circle of around 12 meters is not a particularly handy car anyway. For that a convenient one. The chassis reliably absorbs the hardness of the road without being too soft or non-binding. Body movements are always limited. The steering is smooth and precise, the brakes are easy to dose. All in all, a set-up that you would like for a mid-size SUV that is suitable for everyday use. The effectively insulated 1,7-liter diesel fits in well, does its job calmly and, despite the nominally not exactly generous 110 kW / 150 PS and the additional weight due to the all-wheel drive, it is sovereign. If you don't demand too many temperament bursts from the four-cylinder, you can also drive well with the optional CVT transmission. The unpopular rubber band effect is limited, so the gain in comfort outweighs the lack of a coupling. At just under 7 liters, consumption is also acceptable.

At least 36.610 euros are due for the tested variant. The equipment ("Acenta") is already neat, but there are no modern assistance systems that are not available for an additional charge. If you want blind spot detectors and Co., you have to choose the equipment variant "N-Connecta" (from 39.860 euros) and invest at least another 1.000 euros. The same, less customer-friendly price list structure can also be found in the weaker engine and smaller equipment variants, so that the base price of the series of 29.450 euros ("Visia") is more of an enticing offer.

The bottom line is that the X-Trail convinces as a spacious alternative to the classic compact SUV, even if the two additional seats can only be used in an emergency. The Nissan can also score in terms of driving comfort, operation and price level.