Can an X-Trail tow a horse float?
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Can an X-trail tow a horse float? We will discuss the strong and weak points of a Nissan X-Trail.
Can an X-Trail tow a horse float?
According to Nissan, the X-Trail can tow a horse float, caravan or trailer, as long as you don’t exceed the maximum towing capacity of 2000 kg. Please check with the owner’s manual how much your X-Trail can tow before deciding to transport a horse.
Nissan X-Trail Towing Capacity
| Year | Towing Capacity From | Towing Capacity To | |
| 2021 | 1500kg | 1650kg | |
| 2020 | 1500kg | 1650kg | |
| 2019 | 1500kg | 1500kg | |
| 2018 | 1500kg | 1500kg | |
| 2017 | 1500kg | 2000kg | |
| 2016 | 1500kg | 2000kg | |
| 2015 | 1500kg | 2000kg | |
| 2014 | 1300kg | 2000kg | |
| 2013 | 1300kg | 2000kg | |
| 2012 | 1300kg | 2000kg | |
| 2011 | 1300kg | 2000kg | |
| 2010 | 1350kg | 2000kg | |
| 2009 | 1350kg | 2000kg | |
| 2008 | 1350kg | 2000kg | |
| 2007 | 2000kg | 2000kg | |
| 2006 | 2000kg | 2000kg | |
| 2005 | 2000kg | 2000kg | |
| 2004 | 2000kg | 2000kg | |
| 2003 | 2000kg | 2000kg | |
| 2002 | 2000kg | 2000kg | |
| 2001 | 2000kg | 2000kg |
Nissan X-Trail: A review
The third-generation Nissan X-Trail has pretty much detached itself from the tough car image of previous generations and taken over the decent crossover from the new Nissan Qashqai.
All in all, it has transformed from a “tractor” into a more suitable model for urban landscapes and for families who go out to the green grass once a year – and then in landscaped spaces.
The exterior design can be summarized quite clearly and comprehensively with the same attributes used to describe the look displayed by Qashqai. That’s why I won’t insist too much on this aspect, but I want to specify that the new X-Trail looks good and displays a modern image, as any new model should actually do.
When I say it looks good, I’m not referring to the back, which the Japanese designers could insist on a little more so that the shape of the taillights somehow connects with that protective shield that passes centrally over the rear spoiler and the whole image to align with the dynamic design displayed on the front.
Once inside the cabin, you will notice that everything is very… Qashqai, in terms of design but also the quality of materials. At least in the Tekna equipment version with which the model we tested was equipped, the interior becomes extremely welcoming and betrays its family orientations, towards comfort.
Let’s be honest, the X-Trail has never been the bad guy in Nissan’s yard, but it has shown serious off-road valences through previous generations. The transformation that the new generation is undergoing does not make the X-Trail a weaker model, on the contrary, the C-Class SUV comes with pluses, only that they are concentrated in another compartment.
Let’s take them one at a time. The front seats cover your back with the thought only of the comfortable position it offers you even on the long road, the side support is good and you have all the controls onboard, at hand, whether you are behind the wheel or in the right seat.
The materials inspire quality and are soft to the touch, while the soundproofing does not disappoint even at highway speeds. The steering position is high, as many would expect, plus it offers good visibility especially to the ends of the SUV.
If you move in the back seat, get ready for a complete relaxing infusion. The new Nissan X-Trail is only 8 mm longer than the model it replaces, but the increased wheelbase by 76 mm gives it the advantage in the fight for interior space.
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The consequences? Rear passengers receive a bonus of 100 mm transformed into legroom, but the quality of some materials (more precisely that of the hard plastic on the inside of the doors) decreases compared to what those positioned in the rear seats receive.
The rear seat is divided into two singles (folding and sliding) and can accommodate three adults without too much trouble. But for optimal comfort, especially on the long road, I recommend that only two passengers occupy the back seat, of course, only if this is possible.
The seven-seater version involves two additional seats (which can only serve two children) offered by the third row of seats that, if needed, can be “hidden” in the trunk floor with a useful volume of 550 litres for a plus luggage space.
The trunk also has a double floor, whose lower space allows loading with up to 10 kg of luggage with the separation shelf raised to the maximum of up to 75 kg with the shelf lowered.
Nissan X-Trail Engine and performance
The 1.6-litre dCi diesel engine (actually the only engine the X-Trail has at the moment) coupled with a six-speed manual transmission. The engine delivers 130 hp and a maximum torque of 320 Nm that can be operated from 1,750 rpm.
The gearbox – and implicitly the driver – enjoys a precise wheelhouse. The transmission complements well the engine whose resources are efficiently managed. The X-Trail moves well and shows that it has a blast equipped with this engine-transmission combination at both low and high speeds, where resources jump to your aid in cases where rapid overtaking is required.
Theoretically, the Nissan X-Trail should consume 5.3 litres of fuel for every 100 km, but the reality tells us otherwise. In 4 × 2 mode, the combined consumption was somewhere at 6.2 l / 100 km, while the Auto mode of the all-wheel-drive system increased the value of consumption to 7.3 l / 100 km.
Nissan X-Trail: Strong points
It’s very comfortable. Seriously. It’s really very comfortable. The best test was the Tour of Romania in 24 hours, in which I was in the car for 22 hours – some behind the wheel, others in the right seat or in the back seat.
It’s very spacious. You will not have any problems with space – neither in front nor in the back. At the same time, you can opt for a variant with seven seats in 2-3-2 format.
The controls are ergonomically ordered and have not one, not two, but three 12 V sockets – one in the front, one in the armrest between the front seats and one in the trunk.
The materials used inside are far from those of previous generations, and that is a good thing. The dashboard is soft, and the other plastics look as good as possible for a car that costs $27,000 and up.
Nissan X-Trail: Weak points
It is no longer a “good car for everyone”. Sure, it’s more comfortable and kid-friendly, but it’s gotten a little softer and has become an SUV that you’re afraid to get into the woods because you might scratch it and it’ll look bad.
The ground clearance is lower than in previous generations. You have an intelligent all-wheel-drive system in vain if you run out of the front spoiler on a steep climb.
At high speeds, the sound of the engine enters the passenger compartment quite a bit. Otherwise, the sound insulation is good.
The 1.6-litre diesel with 130 hp and 320 Nm – It’s good and consumes little, but maybe there are customers who would like a little more power…?
The bottom line
The conclusion I can draw is the following: the new X-Trail becomes oriented towards family customers, not necessarily passionate about off-road, but focused on comfort and practicality.
Although it relinquishes some of its off-roader attributes, the X-Trail simply focuses on another area for which it has been prepared with advantages such as comfort, good road holding and spaciousness.
However, this area is currently well covered by the new Nissan Qashqai, so it will be interesting to see how the two models will behave in terms of sales in the following years.
Please let us know if you have any comments or questions on the content.
FAQ on Can an X-trail tow a horse float?
Can a Nissan Qashqai 1.5 tow a caravan?
Yes, a Nissan Qashqai 1.5 can tow a braked caravan with a maximum weight of 1360 kgs (luggage and passengers included). The unbraked towing capacity is just 692 kg, so you’d better go for a smaller camper.
Is Nissan X-Trail good for towing?
The Nissan X-Trail is exceptionally good for towing. Besides, it is a very spacious car and focuses on comfort and good road holding, even when towing.
What car can tow a horse float?
The following cars can tow a horse float without any issues: Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, or a Subaru Forester.
What car can tow 3500kg?
The following cars can tow up to 3500 kg: Land Rover Discovery (3,500kg braked towing weight), Volvo XC90 (2,700kg) and Mitsubishi L200 (3,500kg).
References
- Nissan X-Trail Towing Capacity | CarsGuide
- Nissan X-Trail review | Auto Express
- 2021 Nissan X-Trail Review | Top Gear
