I’ve pushed a handful of third-generation Nissan X-Path fashions over time and never as soon as have I walked away from a drive feeling significantly impressed. So, once I was approaching a week-long evaluation of the all-new, fourth-generation mannequin, I used to be anticipating to be let down. I wasn’t. The truth is, I used to be blown away by how a lot the SUV has improved and now contemplate it among the best choices in its section.

Few would deny that the third-gen X-Path, often known as the T32, was produced for just a bit too lengthy. Certainly, it was bought in Australia for nearly a decade and over the previous couple of years, nonetheless remained within the native vary regardless of this new mannequin launching in North America in 2021. When it was new, the T32 was first rate however it rapidly began to point out its age and has felt downright outdated since 2019.

So, you possibly can think about my shock once I found that the brand new X-Path is leaps and bounds above its predecessor. Each single facet of the brand new SUV is vastly superior to the outdated mannequin and it might assist the model high the mid-size SUV gross sales chart in Australia.

Fast Information
› Mannequin:	2023 Nissan X-Path Ti
› Beginning Worth:	AU$40,445 ($27,112) / Mannequin Examined AU$57,361 ($38,451)
› Dimensions:	4,680mm (184.3 in.) L x 1,840mm (72.4 in.) W x 1,725mm (67.9 iin.) H
› Engine:	2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder
› Output:	181 HP / 135 kW & 180 lb-ft / 244 Nm
› Transmission:	Continiously Variable Transmission (CVT)
› Gasoline Financial system	7.8 l/100km mixed* (30.2 mpg)
› On Sale:	Now

New and improved

Nissan Australia has launched all-new generations of the Qashqai, X-Path, and Pathfinder in fast succession, serving to to modernize its household of fashions and permitting it to higher rival the Korean manufacturers which have stolen its thunder in recent times.

There are a minimum of eight totally different variations of the 2023 X-Path accessible Down Underneath. The vary kicks off from AU$40,445 ($27,112) with the ST in five-seat guise and the ST in seven-seat guise (AU$43,575 / $29,210). Then there’s the ST-L additionally provided in five- and seven-seat kinds, priced at AU$47,077 ($31,557) and AU$50,326 ($33,675) respectively. Then there’s the five-seat Ti that we examined ranging from AU$54,211 ($36,340) and the seven-seat Ti-L kicking off at AU$57,361 ($38,451). All of those variants characteristic the identical powertrain. These after one thing with a bit extra punch can go for the1.5-liter petrol e-Energy hybrid bought in Ti and Ti-L trim ranges.

The usual engine takes the type of a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol that produces 135 kW (181 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 244 Nm (180 lb-ft) of torque at 3,600 rpm. These figures signify will increase of 9 kW (12 hp) and 19 Nm (14 lb-ft) over the outdated mannequin. In addition they imply the X-Path outguns the entry-level 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder of the Kia Sportage with its 115 kW (154 hp) and 192 Nm (141 lb-ft) and matches nicely in opposition to the Sportage’s 1.6-liter turbo petrol with its 132 kW (177 hp) and 265 Nm (195 lb-ft).

Paired to the X-Path’s engine is identical CVT because the outdated mannequin. So far as constantly variable transmissions go, the one discovered within the new X-Path is sweet however we would like a extra conventional automated, even when that meant really feeling the SUV shift by means of the gears. Nissan sells the brand new mannequin in front- and four-wheel drive configurations.

That is no strange Nissan inside

The Nissan X-Path Ti that we examined could not have been the top-of-the-range variant, however it was considerably extra luxurious and plush than the outdated mannequin and that is nowhere extra seen than within the cabin.

Step inside the brand new X-Path Ti and you’re welcomed by an ample variety of shows. For starters, there’s a high-definition 10.8-inch digital instrument cluster immediately in entrance of the driving force whereas sitting atop the dashboard is a 12.3-inch infotainment show. From afar, this display appears to be like glorious however after trying a bit nearer, we observed that it was all a bit blurry and out of focus. Nonetheless, it’s considerably higher than the outdated show and likewise rocks Nissan’s newest infotainment software program, additionally an enormous enchancment. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, and 6 audio system are additionally current.

The Ti additionally rocks a characteristic that we didn’t anticipate finding after we picked up the keys: a digital rear-view mirror. Whereas one might argue that digital rear-view mirrors aren’t extra helpful than regular mirrors, we did discover it a welcome addition on the brand new X-Path as rear visibility isn’t nice when utilizing the mirror operate. A ten.8-inch Head-Up Show can be commonplace, as is tri-zone automated temperature management, energy tailgate, automated rain sensing entrance wipers, and automated headlights.

Learn: New 2023 Nissan X-Path Revealed For Europe With Electrified Powertrains

There’s a lot extra to love in regards to the cabin of the brand new Nissan. There’s a wi-fi smartphone charger and wonderful fake wooden trim adorning the middle console that’s a lot nicer than the piano black you’ll discover on some rivals. The leather-based is sweet, and so are the stitching and the three-spoke steering wheel.

Our tester’s cabin was upholstered primarily in black leather-based however there was some good brown leather-based on the dashboard and on the high of the door panels. All main touchpoints have been good and smooth and gave us a sense of high quality, not one thing we are able to say about all current Nissan fashions. The carmaker has even cleverly managed to engineer a middle console with a floating design, that means there’s now an additional storage cubby to make the most of. Each entrance and rear occupants even have quick access to USB-C and USB-A charging ports.

Just like the previous-generation mannequin, the rear seats of this new one can fold flat and even when they’re raised, there’s a respectable 585-liters of cupboard space. Twin baggage boards additionally can help you configure the boot in certainly one of 16 other ways.

The X-Path has greater than a pleasant cabin

So, the inside of the brand new X-Path is a lot better than the outdated mannequin however what about security? Properly, all Australian fashions come commonplace with Automonous emergency braking, Blind-spot help, lane departure warning, lane hold help, site visitors signal recognition, automated high-beam, and adaptive cruise management. ST-L fashions and above, together with the Ti, even have Nissan’s ProPILOT system with radar cruise management and an energetic lane-centering operate. We discovered this technique to work very nicely and have been impressed with the benefit of use.

Driving the 2023 Nissan X-Path Ti additionally looks like a way more premium expertise than the outdated mannequin. Certain, the engine and CVT are the identical, however each are extra refined and quieter. It could be good to have a bit extra torque off the road however the grunt on supply is greater than sufficient for the overwhelming majority of driving eventualities.

Learn: New 2023 Nissan X-Path Arrives In Australia

The general consolation of the X-Path additionally impressed us. Australia is understood for its big selection of highway surfaces – some good, some unhealthy – however the SUV by no means felt out of kinds and at all times remained composed. It even handles surprisingly nicely for the kind of car it’s and very similar to its predecessors, by no means feels beneath pressure over variable terrain.

Certainly, the X-Path’s all-wheel drive system might be configured between Eco, Customary, and Sport modes, alongside 5 traction modes that even cater for driving on ice and snow. There may be additionally a Hill Descent Management operate that comes commonplace. We didn’t have the prospect to see what the SUV is like for towing however Nissan says it may pull 2,000 kg, up 500 kg from its predecessor.

The two.5-liter four-cylinder in all fairness environment friendly. Nissan Australia says Ti and Ti-L fashions return 7.8 l/100 km (30.1 mpg) over the mixed cycle and whereas we achieved a mean of 8.7 l/100 km (27.04 mpg), we have now little doubt that quoted determine is achievable with a bit extra freeway driving and fewer city use.

A star of its section

We have been apprehensive in regards to the new Nissan X-Path. It’s no secret that for the final 5 years or so, Nissan hasn’t been in its greatest kind and continued to construct some fashions that it ought to have retired way back. The newest X-Path, in addition to the brand new Qashqai and Pathfinder, signify a brand new frontier for the Japanese automotive producer and a commendable return to kind.

The brand new X-Path is so vastly superior to the outdated mannequin that I might urge anybody tempted to purchase one of many remaining third-generation fashions on native dealership heaps to rethink and spend a bit extra money on what is among the best possible mid-size SUVs available on the market.