The X-Trail is positioned below the truck-based Xterra and Pathfinder. The second-generation X-Trail, launched in 2007, did not arrive to Canada and United States, where it was replaced by the Rogue. The Rogue shares the same platform as the second-generation X-Trail and is very similar to the Qashqai.
The company currently offers a hydrogen fuel cell model named the X-Trail FCV on lease to businesses.
The first-generation X-Trail uses the Nissan FF-S platform, shared with the Nissan Almera and the Nissan Primera. The X-Trail was only sold in Canada for the 2005 and 2006 model years. In the UK the first-generation car was available in S, Sport and SE+ between launch and 2004. The trim levels were then revised to SE, Sport, SVE and T-Spec. At this point all models were equipped with full electric windows, electricity adjustable door mirrors (on SVE & T-Spec they were electrically folding also), climate control, single CD player, 4 airbags and remote central locking. The trim levels were once again revised in 2006.