Nissan introduced a mid-life cycle refresh for the X-Trail’s first generation in 2003, improving a car that was already one of the best in its segment.
The Japanese carmaker reacted slowly to the market shift from MPVs to SUVs. It started only in 2000, while Honda, Toyota, Subaru, and others competed against each other. But the X-Trail was a well-developed vehicle. Nissan didn’t cut corners in making it, and that made it a serious contender.

The car’s rugged appearance was not for nothing. Even though it didn’t sport some fake plastic shields, the refreshed X-Trail showed some muscles under its squared bodywork. At the front, the grille resembled the one installed on the Patrol. Its steep windshield and vertical side windows confirmed its off-road heritage. Its high-mounted headlights and taillights protected them against bushes and small bumps. It wasn’t the car-like SUV, such as the Subaru Forester or the Honda CR-V.

Inside, Nissan installed a wide and flat dashboard with the instrument cluster placed in the middle, like in the P12 Primera. Even though it was the best technical solution, the customers complained about that, and that’s why Nissan changed it from the second generation. Its roomy interior was suitable for up to five adults and a large trunk.

Under the hood, Nissan upgraded the engine range, preparing it for the Euro 4 emission standards. Despite entering in a partnership with Renault, it didn’t take any engines from the French carmaker.