Nissan X-Trail's Engine and Drive Performance in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia: The Nissan X-Trail runs on a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine. What is clear, though, is that it is not the fastest SUV in the segment, nor does it aim to accomplish that.  For Saudi families moving between Riyadh, Dammam, or weekend trips to Taif, this powertrain makes sense in ways the spec sheet doesn't immediately reveal.

The Numbers

• 2.5L 4-cylinder engine
• 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm
• 244 Nm torque at 4,000 rpm
• CVT automatic transmission
• Choice of 2WD or intelligent AWD

The CVT gearbox is smooth. No jolts, no hunting for gears in city traffic. Nissan includes paddle shifters, though most drivers forget they exist after the first week. In Riyadh's stop-start traffic, the engine doesn't strain. Highway merges happen without drama. You won't pin anyone to the seat, but you won't get left behind either.

You can expect fuel economy to sit around 12-14 km/l in the city, stretching to 18 km/l on highways. For a seven-seater weighing close to 1,700 kg, such mileage numbers make a lot of difference over a year's driving and reduce your fuel bill with attractive Pricing on top of that for Nissan X-Trail 2026 Line-Up adds more value. The 2.5L engine has been around long enough that reliability concerns are minimal.

The AWD 

The intelligent all-wheel drive on 4WD variants sends power to the rear wheels when it detects slip. Wet roads after rare rain, sandy patches on highway shoulders, gravel driveways – it handles these situations without fuss. The terrain mode selector adjusts throttle and braking for different surfaces.

The ground clearance is 212 mm, certainly enough for speed bumps and rough parking lots that we encountered daily but not enough for serious dune bashing.

Daily Utility 

Drive modes include Sport and Normal. Sport sharpens throttle response and holds the CVT ratios longer. You notice the difference, but whether you use it regularly depends on your driving style.

The suspension, MacPherson struts in front and multi-link in the rear, emphasises comfort. Body roll exists in corners. The steering feels light at parking speeds and firms up on highways. It's not about feedback or engagement. It's about easy, predictable driving with perfectly balancing Elegance With Adventure-Ready Toughness.

You will find engine noise noticeable under hard acceleration, especially when climbing hills or overtaking. The naturally aspirated engine has to work harder than turbocharged competitors. That's physics.

So clearly this may not be a powertrain that makes you feel anything special when you start it. But it is a powertrain that gets you places without drama. For many Saudi families, that's exactly what matters: predictable performance, decent fuel economy, and proven reliability making it stand out among the Nissan X-Trail competitors. 

The X-Trail delivers all three without trying to be something it's not.

Also Read: Inside the New X-Trail: Comfort, Connectivity