Nissan X-Trail T31 (2007-2013): full technical specifications and secrets of the model

Nissan X-Trail T31 - the second generation of the popular crossover, which was produced from 2007 to 2013. This model has become a real bestseller thanks to its successful combination of off-road capabilities, comfort and reliability. Unlike the first generation (T30), T31 received a more modern design, improved sound insulation and an expanded range of engines, including diesel options for the European market.

The car was built on a platform Nissan C, common with models Qashqai And Rogue, which made it possible to optimize production costs without loss of quality. In Russia X-Trail T31 offered with gasoline engines QR25DE (2.5 l) and MR20DE (2.0 l), as well as diesel M9R (2.0 l) for export versions. A special feature of this generation is the availability of all-wheel drive. All-Mode 4x4-i electronically controlled, which automatically distributed torque between the axles.

In this article we will look at all technical specifications Nissan X-Trail T31, including dimensions, fuel consumption, dynamics, as well as typical problems and operating nuances. If you are planning to buy a used crossover of this generation, you will find answers to key questions here.

Engines and transmission: what engines were installed on the X-Trail T31

Engine range Nissan X-Trail T31 depended on the sales market. In Russia, only gasoline versions were officially supplied, while diesel versions were available in Europe and Asia. Let's consider all the options in more detail.

Gasoline engines:

• 🔥 QR25DE (2.5 l, 169 hp) - the most popular engine for the Russian market. Unit with an aluminum block and variable valve timing system CVTC was distinguished by reliability, but sensitivity to oil quality. Resource with proper maintenance - 300,000+ km.
• ⚡ MR20DE (2.0 l, 141 hp) - an economical option for basic configurations. The motor is prone to overheating under heavy loads and has a shorter service life (about 250,000 km).

Diesel engines (for the European market):

• ⛽ M9R (2.0 l, 150 or 173 hp) - turbodiesel with system Common Rail. It features high torque (320–360 Nm) and low fuel consumption (5.5–6.5 l/100 km). The main disadvantage is expensive maintenance and sensitivity to the quality of diesel fuel.
• 🛢️ YD22DDTi (2.2 l, 150 hp) - outdated diesel, which was installed on early versions T31 (2007–2009). Known for problems with the turbine and particulate filter.

All engines were combined with 6-speed manual transmission or stepless variator Jatco JF011E. The latter is often criticized for its reliability, but with timely oil changes (every 60,000 km) it lasts a long time. All-wheel drive versions were equipped with a system All-Mode 4x4-i with three modes: 2WD, AUTO And LOCK.

Dimensions, ground clearance and capacity: what you need to know before buying

Nissan X-Trail T31 belongs to the class of compact crossovers, but thanks to well-thought-out ergonomics, the inside is more spacious than many competitors. Body length - 4630 mm, which is 100 mm more than its predecessor (T30). The wheelbase has increased to 2630 mm, which has a positive effect on the comfort of rear passengers.

Key dimensions:

Parameter	Meaning
Length	4630 mm
Width	1783 mm
Height	1685–1730 mm (depending on configuration)
Ground clearance (ground clearance)	210 mm (with all-wheel drive)
Trunk volume	550–1773 l (with seats folded)

Clearance in 210 mm - one of the highest in the class, which makes X-Trail T31 attractive for use on bad roads. However, it is worth considering that the actual clearance under the engine protection is about 180 mm, therefore, when driving off-road, the risk of damaging the crankcase remains.

Trunk capacity is 550 liters in standard mode and up to 1,773 liters with the rear seats folded down. For comparison: Toyota RAV4 of the same generation the trunk is smaller (400–1500 l). The seats fold in a 60:40 ratio, and the trunk floor is two-level, which is convenient for transporting small cargo.

⚠️ Attention: In versions with a panoramic roof, the cabin height is reduced by 3–4 cm, which may be uncomfortable for tall passengers in the back row.

Fuel consumption: real numbers vs factory data

Official fuel consumption data from the manufacturer often differs from real figures. Let's take a look at what to expect from Nissan X-Trail T31 in the urban cycle, on the highway and in mixed mode.

Factory data (l/100 km):

• 🚗 QR25DE (2.5, manual transmission, 4WD): 10.5 (city) / 6.5 (highway) / 8.0 (mixed)
• 🚘 MR20DE (2.0, CVT, 2WD): 9.2 / 6.0 / 7.2
• ⛽ M9R (2.0 diesel, manual transmission, 4WD): 6.8 / 5.0 / 5.7

Actual consumption (according to owner reviews):

• 🔥 QR25DE: 12–14 l in the city (up to 15 l in winter), 7–8 l on the highway. The CVT increases consumption by 0.5–1 liters compared to a manual transmission.
• ⚡ MR20DE: 10–11 l in the city, 6.5–7.5 l on the highway. With active driving, consumption increases to 12–13 liters.
• 🛢️ M9R: 7–8 l in the city, 5.5–6.0 l on the highway. Diesel is sensitive to fuel quality - when refueling with poor diesel fuel, consumption can increase by 10–15%.

Several factors affect fuel consumption:

• 🔋 Condition of spark plugs (it is recommended to change every 30,000 km).
• 🛞 Tire pressure (lower pressure increases consumption by 5–10%).
• 🏔️ All-wheel drive mode: in position LOCK consumption increases by 1–1.5 l/100 km.

Suspension and handling: chassis pros and cons

Suspension Nissan X-Trail T31 designed for use on bad roads, but is not a full-fledged “off-road” vehicle. The front has an independent suspension type MacPherson, at the rear there is a semi-independent beam with trailing arms. This layout provides a good balance between comfort and handling.

Benefits of the suspension:

• 🛣️ Softness on uneven surfaces: the crossover absorbs potholes and bumps well without transmitting shocks to the cabin.
• 🔧 Ease of repair: most elements (shock absorbers, struts, bushings) are available and inexpensive.
• 🏔️ Sufficient ground clearance for light off-road use (provided good tires are installed).

Disadvantages:

• 🌀 At high speeds (over 120 km/h), the rolliness is noticeable - the crossover “floats” in turns.
• 🛑 Rear shock absorbers wear out faster than the front ones (resource ~60,000 km).
• ❄️ Winter on ice X-Trail T31 prone to drift due to high center of gravity.

To improve handling, many owners install rear anti-roll bar (not available in basic versions) and stiffer shock absorbers (for example, Kayaba or Monroe). It is also recommended to check the status silent blocks And ball joints every 40,000–50,000 km - their wear leads to knocking and play.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing shock absorbers with X-Trail T31 be sure to check the condition support bearings — their wear can lead to destruction of the struts and loss of control.

Typical problems and weaknesses: what to look for when purchasing

Despite the reliability Nissan X-Trail T31 has a number of “diseases” that you should know about before buying a used car. Most problems are related to electronics, CVT and corrosion.

Main weaknesses:

• 🔌 Electronics: ABS sensors, dashboard lights and climate control units often fail. Problems with CAN bus may lead to spontaneous alarm activation.
• 🔄 CVT JF011E: With a mileage of over 100,000 km, jerking, slipping and overheating are possible. The solution is to change the oil (original NS-2 or NS-3) and cleaning the cooling radiator.
• 🔥 Engine QR25DE: With a mileage of 150,000+ km, oil loss may appear (up to 1 liter per 1000 km) due to wear of the oil scraper rings. Oil leaks through the valve cover are also common.
• 🛡️ Body: Weak points are the sills, wheel arches and underbody. Corrosion appears after a mileage of 100,000+ km, if not treated with anti-corrosion agent.

Check the service history (especially changing the oil in the variator)|Inspect the body for rust in the arches and on the sills|Test the variator for smooth shifting|Check the operation of the electronics (windows, mirrors, climate control)|Assess the condition of the suspension (knocking, play)-->

When inspecting a used one X-Trail T31 be sure to check:

• 🔋 Battery condition - a weak battery can cause electronics to malfunction.
• 🛢️ Level and color of oil in the variator (should be light, without a burnt smell).
• 🔊 Air conditioner operation - a common problem is freon leakage through the tubes.

What to do if the variator starts to twitch?

If the variator JF011E started to work jerkily, check the oil level (should be between the marks HOT MIN/MAX on the dipstick). If the oil is black or smells like burning, a complete replacement with flushing of the radiator is required. If the problem remains, the belt or cones may wear out - in this case, repair or replacement of the variator will be required (cost from 150,000 rubles).

Comparison with competitors: who is better - X-Trail, RAV4 or CR-V

Nissan X-Trail T31 competed with such models as Toyota RAV4 (XA30), Honda CR-V (RD5-RD7) and Mitsubishi Outlander (XL). Each of them has its pros and cons. Let's look at the key differences.

Nissan X-Trail T31 vs Toyota RAV4 XA30:

• ✅ Pros of X-Trail: Greater ground clearance (210 mm vs 197 mm), more spacious interior, cheaper to maintain.
• ❌ Cons of X-Trail: Less reliable variator (with RAV4 - proven automatic transmission), worse sound insulation.

Nissan X-Trail T31 vs Honda CR-V RD5-RD7:

• ✅ Pros of X-Trail: More powerful engine QR25DE (169 hp vs 150 hp for CR-V), better maneuverability.
• ❌ Cons of X-Trail: Less comfortable suspension, worse interior trim.

Nissan X-Trail T31 vs Mitsubishi Outlander XL:

• ✅ Pros of X-Trail: A more reliable engine, easier to repair, higher liquidity on the secondary market.
• ❌ Cons of X-Trail: U Outlander all wheel drive is better (Super Select 4WD) and higher maximum power (up to 220 hp in top versions).

Modifications and configurations: what versions of X-Trail T31 are there

In Russia Nissan X-Trail T31 officially sold in three trim levels: Comfort, Elegance And Tekna. There were also special versions, e.g. X-Trail 4x4-i with improved maneuverability and X-Trail Hybrid (Japanese market only).

The basic Comfort package included:

• 🔑 Central locking with remote control
• 🎵 Audio system with CD and 4 speakers
• ☀️ Air conditioning (not climate control)
• 🪟 Power windows for front doors

The top Tekna package added:

• 🌡️Dual zone climate control
• 📱 Rear view camera with parking sensors
• 🪑 Leather interior with heated front seats
• 🔦 Xenon headlights with washers
• 🌌 Panoramic roof (optional)

For the European market, diesel versions with an engine were offered M9R and all-wheel drive, as well as a hybrid modification with the system Nissan Hybrid System (power 190 hp). Sold in Japan X-Trail 20GT with turbo engine MR20DDT (220 hp), but these versions were not officially supplied to Russia.

How does the X-Trail T31 for Russia differ from the European version?

Russian versions X-Trail T31 had reinforced suspension, higher ground clearance (210 mm vs 200 mm in Europe) and adapted optics for cold climates. European models were equipped with diesel engines and a system Start/Stop, as well as better sound insulation. In the interior of European versions, different finishing materials were used (soft plastic instead of hard).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan X-Trail T31

❓ Which engine is the most reliable for the X-Trail T31?

Gasoline is considered the most reliable QR25DE (2.5 l). With timely oil changes (every 7,000–10,000 km), it easily lasts 300,000+ km. Diesel M9R more powerful and more economical, but sensitive to fuel quality and expensive to maintain. Motor MR20DE (2.0 l) less resourceful and prone to overheating.

❓ Is it possible to tow a trailer on the X-Trail T31?

Yes, but with restrictions. Maximum towed trailer weight:

• Without brakes: 750 kg
• With brakes: 1500 kg (for versions with 2.5 l engine)
• For 2.0 l engine: 1200 kg

When towing heavy trailers, it is recommended to disable the modes Eco Mode And OD (Overdrive)to avoid overheating of the variator.

❓ How often do you need to change the oil in the X-Trail T31 variator?

The official regulation is every 90,000 km, but in practice it is better to reduce the interval to 60,000 km, especially when used in the city or off-road. Use only original oil Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 or NS-3. Changing the oil in a variator will cost 8,000–12,000 rubles (with filters).

❓ Which tires are better for the X-Trail T31: 16 or 17 inches?

Depends on operating conditions:

• 🏙️ 16 inches: Softer, cheaper, better off-road. Size 215/65 R16.
• 🛣️ 17 inches: Better handling on asphalt, but tougher and more expensive. Size 225/55 R17.

For winter, studded tires are recommended (for example, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9), since X-Trail T31 prone to drift on ice.

❓ Is it worth buying an X-Trail T31 with a mileage of 200,000 km?

The purchase is possible, but requires careful verification:

• 🔧 CVT: if the oil has not been changed every 60,000 km, there is a high risk of early repairs (from 100,000 rubles).
• 🔥 Engine: check compression and presence of oil appetite (the norm is up to 300 ml per 1000 km).
• 🛡️ Body: inspect for rust in arches, sills and under door seals.

With proper care X-Trail T31 may last even after 300,000 km, but be prepared to invest in suspension and electronics repairs.