NordicTrack X24 Treadmill Review
The NordicTrack X24 treadmill is a premium cross-training treadmill, and after months of hands-on testing I recommend it mainly for hikers, trail runners, and anyone who wants steep-incline cardio rather than a flat-speed running machine. While I am primarily a strength training guy, cardiovascular health and longevity have become major priorities for me as an active dad in my 30s. I also do several hiking trips out west every year, which requires specific training. Priced at $2,999, this cross-training treadmill is famous for its massive 40-degree incline and immersive 24-inch touchscreen powered by iFit. After spending months testing it, I can confidently say it is one of the best tools available for hikers, trail runners, and anyone looking to get a brutal cardio workout without the high impact of flat running.
Quick Takeaway
The NordicTrack X24 is a premium, feature-rich treadmill designed for cross-training. Its standout feature is the incredible incline range, going from a -6% decline all the way up to a 40% incline. To power that kind of elevation, it features a robust motor (around 4.0 to 4.5 CHP) that did not bog down during my long sessions. The 24-inch touchscreen is bright, responsive, and fully integrated with iFit, which automatically adjusts your speed and incline to match the terrain of virtual hikes and runs around the world. The main drawbacks are the ongoing cost of the iFit subscription and the massive footprint—especially the ceiling height required when the treadmill is fully inclined.
Quick Specs
Price: ~$2,999
Incline Range: -6% decline to 40% incline
Speed Range: 0 to 12 MPH
Screen: 24-inch tilting touchscreen
Software: iFit enabled (subscription required for full features)
Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
Footprint: 70" L x 38" W x 74" H (when flat)
Warranty: Limited lifetime on frame and motor
Where to Buy
You can check the current price directly through NordicTrack below.
The 40% Incline Experience
The reason you buy the X24 over a standard treadmill is the incline. Going up to 40% (~22 degrees) is no joke—it simulates steep mountain hiking and forces you to engage your glutes, hamstrings, and calves in a way that flat running simply cannot. When I set the unit up in my home gym and raised it to the maximum angle, walking without holding the handles was extremely difficult; at that steepness I found myself leaning on the handrails for balance on short intervals. I also used the treadmill for long, 30-minute zone 2 hikes to simulate endurance hiking, and the motor never bogged down during those sessions.
Because it has to push a user (up to 400 pounds) up that steep of an angle, NordicTrack equipped the X24 with a large motor. During my testing the motor handled sustained inclines and longer sessions without feeling like it was struggling. The -6% decline is a useful feature for simulating downhill hiking and eccentric quad work, which is helpful for mountain training.
iFit and the 24-Inch Touchscreen
The hardware is impressive, but the software is what keeps you engaged. The 24-inch touchscreen is bright, loud, and responsive. It is powered by iFit, which offers over 10,000 workouts. I used the virtual hiking programs during my zone 2 hikes—selecting routes that mimic real-world trails—and the treadmill adjusted incline and speed to match the terrain shown on screen.
You can also connect a Bluetooth heart rate monitor (like a Polar strap or WHOOP), and the treadmill will adjust the workout intensity based on your heart rate zones. That integration made the long hikes feel purposeful rather than repetitive.
However, this technology comes at a cost. While you get a free trial with purchase, iFit costs $39 per month (or around $396 per year) after that. If you do not pay for the subscription, the treadmill loses many of its best features, though you can still use it in manual mode or access basic apps.
Space and Ceiling Height Considerations
Before you buy the X24, you need to measure your space carefully. The footprint is large (70 inches long by 38 inches wide), but the real issue is ceiling height. I am 6'2", and when the treadmill is fully inclined to 40 degrees, my head is nearly 8 feet off the ground. If you have standard 8-foot ceilings or are putting this in a basement, you will likely hit your head. You need at least 9-foot ceilings to use this treadmill comfortably at its maximum incline.
Comparisons / Alternatives
NordicTrack Commercial 2450: If you do not care about the 40-degree incline but still want the 24-inch screen and iFit integration, the Commercial 2450 is about $500 cheaper. It is geared more toward traditional runners, offering a higher top speed (14 MPH) but a standard incline range.
Horizon 7.0 AT: If you are on a strict budget and do not want a smart treadmill with a monthly subscription, the Horizon 7.0 AT is my top pick around $1,000. It lacks the massive screen and extreme incline but is a reliable, heavy-duty option for basic running.
Tradeoffs
Requires high ceilings. You need at least 9-foot ceilings to use the 40-degree incline safely if you are average height or taller.
Ongoing subscription cost. To get the most out of the treadmill, you have to pay $39/month for iFit.
Weak built-in fan. The auto-adjusting fan is a nice idea, but the airflow felt relatively weak during my long sessions and could be improved.
Not a slat belt. While the cushioned deck is comfortable, it does not offer the distinct low-impact feel of a slat belt treadmill (like a TrueForm or AssaultRunner), though those lack the smart features of the X24.
Who Should Buy
Buy the NordicTrack X24 if you are a hiker, mountaineer, or someone who prefers steep incline walking over flat running for cardio. The combination of the 40-degree incline and the immersive iFit virtual hikes makes it an excellent cross-training tool. It is also a strong choice for anyone who gets easily bored on traditional treadmills and needs interactive programming to stay motivated.
Who Should Skip
Skip the X24 if you have low ceilings, as you will not be able to use its standout feature. You should also skip it if you are a pure runner who only cares about flat speed work, or if you refuse to pay a monthly subscription fee for fitness equipment. In those cases, a standard treadmill or a manual slat belt treadmill would be a better fit.
Common Questions
Do I need the iFit subscription to use the treadmill?
No — the treadmill works in manual mode without iFit, but many of the auto-adjusting, guided workouts and the best virtual-hike experiences require an iFit subscription after the trial ends.
How much ceiling height do I actually need to use the 40-degree incline?
Plan for at least 9-foot ceilings to use the treadmill comfortably at full incline. In my testing (I'm 6'2"), my head was nearly 8 feet off the ground at 40 degrees, so average or taller users may need more clearance.
Is this a good treadmill for serious runners?
If your primary goal is flat-speed training or interval sprinting, there are better options. The X24 is optimized for steep-incline walking and hiking simulation rather than top-speed running.
Final Verdict
The NordicTrack X24 executes its intended purpose well: it's an indoor hiking and incline-training machine with responsive hardware and an engaging software ecosystem. In my hands-on testing—setting it up in my home gym, pushing it to a 40-degree incline, and doing long 30-minute zone 2 hikes—the motor handled sustained use without bogging down and the iFit programs made the hikes feel purposeful. The tradeoffs are real: high ongoing subscription costs, significant space and ceiling requirements, and a weak built-in fan. If your training map includes steep climbs and you have the space and budget, the X24 is an excellent incline trainer. If not, look at standard treadmills or budget options that better match flat-speed or low-footprint needs.
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