Nissan X-Trail: news and photos of 2010 facelift

The most inconspicuous facelift award could be a hotly contested category if it existed. Vying for contention, for a second successive generation, would be this: the Nissan X-Trail.

Over its 10-year cycle on the roads of Britain, the X-Trail has been subjected a minor nip-tuck facelift and even a complete makeover in 2007. Nissan assured us they had replaced every panel on the mid-sized off-roader, but we'll forgive you if you didn't notice the change.

The newly facelifted 2010 Nissan X-Trail has received refreshed exterior and interior details, as well as a host of minor mechanical and aerodynamic alterations. The front end is most heavily altered: with a completely redesigned grille, headlights and bumpers, the nose is noticeably different.

Meanwhile, the rear of the car has also scrubbed-up, with LED daytime running lights out the back. The bit in the middle hasn’t been forgotten either, with the X-Trail gaining larger diameter wheels and bigger wheelarches to accommodate those rims. 

Not only has the X-Trail had a thorough Botox session outside, its innards have also recieved a refresh. Nissan has changed the plastics used on the dash and switchgear to give a more pleasing texture, as well as softer fabrics for the cloth seats. Higher up the range, pricier models gain leather with revised stitching for a more luxurious feel, while all models have fresh dial graphics.

The X-Trail also does its bit for the environment. The diesel variants are EU5 compliant, and the gear ratios and underbody aerodynamics have been tweaked to provide better returns across the range.

In essence, yes, but the X-Trail has the added luxury of being able to take five passengers and luggage. Thanks to the added 10mm in overall length, the rear seat space has also been increased without intruding on the front.

The new X-Trail hits UK showrooms in October 2010 with customer deliveries beginning the same month.

By John O'Brien