What are the differences between the 2014 X-Trail and the 2017 X-Trail?
2 Answers
The 2014 X-Trail and the 2017 X-Trail differ in terms of exterior, interior, and engine transmission. Interior differences: Compared to the 2014 model, the 2017 model features a plastic steering wheel without leather wrapping, adds cruise control and Bluetooth hands-free functionality, replaces the center console with a 7-inch display screen (but removes the CD player), and changes the air conditioning to semi-automatic instead of the previous automatic dual-zone climate control. The 2017 model offers both imitation leather and genuine leather seats, while the 2014 model only has genuine leather seats. Configuration differences: The 2017 X-Trail has improved cabin noise insulation, reducing road noise by 9%, wind noise by 8%, and engine noise by 6% during driving. The window glass density has significantly increased, the dashboard provides better thermal insulation, thicker carpets are installed, and the headliner has enhanced sound-dampening effects.
As a long-time owner of the X-Trail, I have personally driven both the 2014 and 2017 models, and the differences are quite noticeable. The 2017 version offers significant improvements in driving comfort, with better noise insulation and reduced bumpiness when going over speed bumps, making long-distance drives much more pleasant. The interior materials are more premium, such as the use of soft padding for seats and door panels, eliminating the strong plastic feel of the 2014 model. In terms of performance, the CVT transmission in the 2017 model is tuned more smoothly, with noticeably less jerking at low speeds. Fuel efficiency has also improved, saving about 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers on average. Safety-wise, the 2017 model added active safety features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic braking, making daily city commutes more reassuring. From a maintenance perspective, the 2017 model's electronic systems are more stable with lower failure rates. Overall, the experience is more thoughtful and is recommended for owners who value attention to detail.
