Front three-quarter view
The Nissan X-Trail is a sensible, comfortable SUV at an everyday price. You get the higher seating position and extra space of an SUV, for trips across Nairobi and weekends away, without paying for a big luxury 4x4.
An SUV that makes sense
Many visitors want the confidence of sitting up high in Nairobi traffic, and a boot big enough for the airport run, but don't need a Land Cruiser. The X-Trail fills that gap. It is easy to drive, comfortable over speed bumps and rough patches of road, and roomy enough for a family's weekend bags.
Versions of the X-Trail differ, with five or seven seats and two- or four-wheel drive. Tell us how many people are travelling and we will confirm the details of the X-Trail available for your dates.
Who hires the X-Trail?
- Diaspora visitors who want one practical car for a few weeks at home.
- Couples and small families on a budget who still want SUV comfort.
- Business travellers on longer assignments who drive themselves.
- Anyone heading out of town for the weekend to Naivasha, Nakuru or Nanyuki.
City and weekends away
In town, the X-Trail is easy to park and comfortable in stop-start traffic on Mombasa Road or Waiyaki Way. At the weekend it is happy on the main highways out of Nairobi. The drive to Naivasha is about 90 to 100 kilometres (55 to 60 miles), usually 2 to 2.5 hours, and our road trips from Nairobi guide covers the routes and current roadworks.
Airport pickups
Share your flight number and we track your flight, so the car is waiting for you in the arrivals area at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The X-Trail's boot suits the luggage of most couples and small families; tell us how many suitcases you are bringing and we will make sure it fits.
Self-drive or with a chauffeur
Drive it yourself, or add one of our vetted chauffeurs. The X-Trail is a simple, familiar car to drive, with a high seat that makes Nairobi's roundabouts and speed bumps easier to see coming. You need to be 25 or over, with a licence held for at least 2 years, to drive our cars, and extra drivers are welcome once we add them to the rental agreement.
Why hire from us
You get a car that is a 2019 model or newer, handed over in person with a video walkthrough, and a team that answers on WhatsApp across time zones. If you want to compare, the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Harrier are more premium SUVs, and the Toyota Axio is one of the most affordable cars in our fleet.
See how to book.
What the Nissan X-Trail costs for a real trip
All in, self-drive: the daily rate, delivery and collection in Nairobi (JKIA included), the cleaning and service fee, and VAT at 16%. Fuel is extra, and you return the car with the same fuel level.
| Hire | Total, VAT included |
|---|---|
| 3 days | KES 29,580 ≈ $228 USD / £172 GBP / €203 EUR |
| 7 days | KES 64,380 ≈ $496 USD / £375 GBP / €443 EUR |
| 14 days | KES 125,280 ≈ $965 USD / £730 GBP / €861 EUR |
The refundable security deposit is on top, and is refunded immediately after the return handover inspection.
With every Urban Escape car
A 2019 model or newer, serviced and cleaned before each hire, with comprehensive insurance, unlimited mileage, GPS tracking, 24/7 help and a replacement car if the car has a manufacturer (mechanical) issue. Add a vetted chauffeur for KES 4,000 a day in Nairobi or KES 5,000 outside. Cars stay in Kenya and on paved roads; only our Land Cruiser Safari goes on game drives. Pay a refundable reservation deposit within 2 hours of booking (we send a card payment link, or M-Pesa details by WhatsApp, phone or email), then the balance when you see the car, by M-Pesa, bank transfer, credit card or cash. Free cancellation until the car is handed over.
Why clients choose the X-Trail
- SUV comfort at an everyday price
- High seating position
- Room for a family's weekend bags
- Easy to drive in the city
Ideal for
- Longer stays on a budget
- Couples and small families
- Weekends away from Nairobi
- Airport pickups
Nissan X-Trail hire: questions
How many seats does the Nissan X-Trail have?
Versions differ, with five or seven seats. Tell us how many are travelling and we will confirm the X-Trail available for your dates.
Is the X-Trail good for trips out of Nairobi?
Yes, on paved roads. It is comfortable on the main highways to Naivasha, Nakuru and Nanyuki. It stays in Kenya and on paved roads, and it can't be taken on safari game drives: the only car in our fleet allowed on game drives is our Land Cruiser Safari.
Can I book the Nissan X-Trail from abroad?
Yes. Most of our clients book from the USA, UK, Europe and the UAE, and your car is confirmed before you fly. Pay a refundable reservation deposit within 2 hours of booking (we send a card payment link, or M-Pesa details by WhatsApp, phone or email), then the balance when you see the car, by M-Pesa, bank transfer, credit card or cash. Free cancellation until the car is handed over.
Can you deliver the Nissan X-Trail to JKIA?
Yes. Share your flight details and we track your flight. The evening before you land we send your driver's name and number, and the driver greets you in arrivals with a sign bearing your name and the car. We also deliver to hotels and homes in Westlands, Kilimani, Karen and across Nairobi. Delivery and collection cost KES 1,000 each way.
Deposit: when your money comes back
You see the exact security deposit for your car in your quote before you book, and again on your booking page. It is fully refundable and due with your remaining balance by handover. It is not an extra charge: it is returned when the car is returned. Your security deposit is refunded immediately after the return handover inspection. It comes back the same way you paid it: by M-Pesa to the number it came from, to the bank account you paid from, back to your card, or in cash. We check the car together and film it, just as we did at handover, and you get a written return receipt. If nothing is owed, you get it all back.
Only these can be taken off:
- fuel below the level you received, at the pump price
- traffic and speed camera fines, parking and tolls, at cost
- a late return, after the 1-hour grace period
- new damage shown on the handover and return videos, up to your Excess Fee for Damage
Anything taken off is on a written list, with the video or a receipt to show it, and there are no admin or processing fees.
Booking with a chauffeur? With one of our chauffeurs driving there is no security deposit and no Excess Fee for Damage. Read our fair damage promise, the rental terms in plain words, every car's price and deposit, and how JKIA airport handover works.