Car Review Nissan X-Trail 2018

Review

I have a 2018 Nissan X-Trail, 2.5 gasoline, all-wheel drive, CVT. Bought it used in 2021 with 37,000 miles, now it’s at 73,000. Honestly, the car’s just okay, I expected more. It looks solid from the outside, but inside, it’s full of small issues that annoy me every day.

The main problem is the CVT. Everything they say about it is true. After 56,000 miles, it started whining, then I noticed jerking during acceleration, especially uphill. At 65,000 miles, I went to the shop—they said it’s the “beginning of the end,” it was overheating, metal shavings in the oil. Replacement or repair is crazy expensive, I was shocked by the prices.

The engine pulls okay but feels sluggish, especially with this CVT. To overtake, you have to floor it, the engine screams, but there’s barely any acceleration. Plus, it’s started eating oil, about 17 oz per 1,000 miles, even with careful driving.

The suspension is noisy, especially in the rear. At 50,000 miles, I replaced shocks and bushings, and a year later, it’s rattling again. The interior plastic is cheap, everything creaks, especially in winter. It feels like driving a toolbox.

Sound insulation is weak, after 62 mph, you hear everything—engine, wind, tires. On the highway, the drone is exhausting. The climate control is glitchy, either too cold or too hot, switching on its own.

On the plus side, there’s plenty of space, the trunk is huge, seats are comfy, no back pain. But that’s about it.

Overall, I’m disappointed. The car’s not a total lemon, but the small issues pile up and get on your nerves. And that darn CVT is a complete headache. If you’re buying, get a warranty and brace yourself. I’m definitely done with Nissan after this.