SOMETIMES, five seats simply aren't enough. Maybe you've got a growing family and three rear seats just won't do, or maybe your children have suddenly become unimaginably popular; having the space for seven just makes allowances for any situation.
The Nissan X-Trail is a car that offers that level of versatility. New for 2023, the fourth-generation model comes with the provision for seven people - or five and a big boot - but beyond that, Nissan has thrown all of its powertrain know-how at the line-up, which includes a clever new hybrid system. This promises to make this seven-seater not too thirsty on the school run.
The Kia Sorento follows a similar formula: seven seats, plenty of cabin space and a mix of petrol and electric power. In other words, it's the SUV that the Nissan needs to beat. The Auto Express Real-World Road Test will find the winner.
WHAT IS A REAL-WORLD ROAD TEST?
THE Auto Express Real-World Road Test subjects the latest cars to our rigorous assessment processes, which are focused on buyers' needs.
We consider the merits of each car, not only the way that it drives, but also every aspect important to owners, from the space inside to the usability of infotainment systems.
Equally importantly, we give you a clearer indication than ever of how much you can expect to pay if you place an order today, thanks to our in-depth number crunching.
Nissan X-Trail
MODEL TESTED: Nissan X-Trail e-Power e-4orce Tekna
PRICE: £45,485
POWERTRAIN: 1.5-litre 3cyl hybrid, 210bhp
OVER its four generations, the X-Trail has transformed from a rugged 4x4 into a slick, contemporary SUV that boasts some of the most intriguing technology in its class. In high-spec Tekna trim, this range-topping hybrid and the addition of a third row of seats lifts the price to £45,485.
This story is from the March 29, 2023 edition of Auto Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 29, 2023 edition of Auto Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Panorama highlights faults plaguing smart motorways
THE UK's smart motorway network is plagued with technological faults that are not fixed for days at a time, leaving drivers at risk, according to the latest edition of the BBC's Panorama programme.
Final tests for Range Rover EV
Land Rover reveals images of electric Range Rover
BYD will spread its wings by selling new Seagull in Europe
BYD will bring its value Seagull supermini to Europe and the UK, Auto Express can reveal, after the Chinese brand's executive VP, Stella Li, confirmed the plan in Beijing.
Mega MG model blitz
THE MG3 hatchback kicks off a big year for MG, with at least four other new models arriving in the next 12 months.
BUYER'S GUIDE: Toyota RAV4 Mk5
FROM £17,000 Spacious five-seat SUV also offers loads of standard kit and unburstable reliability
Tesla fires up 460bhp Model 3 Performance
TESLA has just revealed its new Ragship Model 3 Performance - a quicker, more powerful version of the brand's all-electric executive saloon car - and has put it straight on sale in the UK, with prices from £59,990.
ASPIRING LEADERS
The new Volkswagen Tiguan takes on the Hyundai Tucson for compact family-SUV honours
HIGH ROLLERS
As Rolls-Royce hits 120 years old, meet the car makers that have tried to take it on - not always successfully
Jeep Wrangler
FIRST DRIVE Revised SUV icon gets enhanced interior tech
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53
FIRST DRIVE Performance version of sleek new coupé is put through its paces