In case this is of interest to anyone, I made a point of double-checking MT X-Trail's towing capacity with the dealer's own spec sheet before I bought my 5spd X-Trail. It's the same as the automatic: 1000lbs without brakes, 2000lbs with.
I know some cars don't let you tow at all with the manual transmission version of the car, so I checked before ordering the hitch for mine.
So far, all I've towed has been a double snowmobile trailer loaded with light furniture - maybe 650lbs. You feel the weight on the highway, but overall it's not bad. I'm impressed by the fact that the rear suspension doesn't squat too badly with a load. My wife's old '98 Cherokee had been really bad by comparison with the same trailer.
The X-Trail seems to have a pretty big radiator for its size of vehicle, plus fade-resistant rear vented discs, so it'll probably do pretty nicely if kept below its rated capacities.
On the downside, reverse gear on the 5spd is fairly tall, so I need to slip the clutch to back up the trailer at a reasonable maneuvering speed. My driveway is narrow with a steep grade, so if I don't get it right the first time, I'll be smelling burnt clutch when I'm done. I'm not looking to trying this with a heavy load on the trailer.
Moral of my story? 5spd seems good for occasional towing if you don't have to back a heavy trailer up hills. Otherwise, get the slushbox.
Food for thought: how many sub-2000lb GVWR trailers come with brakes?
