NordicTrack Commercial X32i Review: Is This the Best Incline Trainer?

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While most treadmills for home gyms have an incline range of anywhere from 10 to 15 percent, some treadmills are designed specifically for incline training. These incline trainers double and even triple the incline range that standard treadmills offer, making them great cardio machines to invest in if you’re a fan of steep climbs or want a more realistic experience of uphill walking in your home gym. One of the top incline trainers available today is the NordicTrack Commercial X32i, which offers a 40 percent incline and -6 percent decline for downhill walks.

This commercial-grade incline treadmill can be an effective tool for weight loss, since studies show incline walking can speed up your metabolism and therefore increase your calorie burn. It can also be used for strength training, boosting your stamina, rehabilitation from injury or illness and for general cardio workouts. 

If you’re considering buying an incline trainer for your home gym, the NordicTrack X32i offers one of the steepest inclines on the market at an equally steep price. Our in-depth NordicTrack X32i review will dive into every feature this high-end incline trainer offers, its pros and cons and whether or not it’s ultimately worth the high price tag.

Key Features:

• Costs $4,499
• 40 percent incline to -6 percent decline
• 32-inch tilting smart HD touchscreen
• Oversized 22-inch x 65-inch running deck
• Powerful 4.25 horsepower (HP) motor

What Is the NordicTrack Commercial X32i?

The NordicTrack Commercial X32i is a commercial-grade treadmill and incline trainer from NordicTrack, a popular fitness brand that sells cardio machines, strength equipment and accessories for home gym use. This high-end NordicTrack treadmill offers one of the steepest incline ranges available on the market today capable of reaching a 40 percent incline and -6 percent decline. It’s also the higher-end model of two incline trainers offered by NordicTrack, which include the lower-priced (and less powerful) NordicTrack X22i.

The X32i features a 32-inch tilting smart HD touchscreen, a roomy 22-inch x 65-inch commercial-grade tread belt, a top speed of 12 miles per hour and a powerful 4.25 HP motor that, like many of its features, is also commercial grade. Like other NordicTrack cardio machines, the X32i is also compatible with iFIT, a subscription-only fitness platform that offers thousands of live and on-demand classes led by personal trainers. An individual iFIT membership costs $15 per month, while an iFIT family membership for up to five total users costs $39 per month.

There are other valuable functions that an iFIT subscription nets with this incline trainer that we’ll outline soon. First, however, we’re going to dive into the NordicTrack Commercial X32i’s build, design, console, controls and more to get to the bottom of whether or not the features it promises are as good as they sound.

Construction and Design

The NordicTrack X32i incline treadmill is made with a reinforced steel frame that weighs a whopping 462 pounds, so you can rest assured that it won’t slide around when exercising at high speeds. It has a spacious footprint of 76.5 inches long, 40 inches wide and 73 inches tall; for comparison, many standard treadmills only have a width of only 32-35 inches. The reason this machine is so much larger is because it has an oversized running surface of 22 inches x 65 inches (compared to 20 inches x 60 inches on most standard treadmills), so you’ll have a significantly larger amount of space to walk, run or climb uphill. If you have a small space or are looking for a foldable treadmill, this machine isn’t it. The X32i will take up a significant amount of floor space, and doesn’t include any space-saving capabilities.

Despite its heavy-duty design and durable build, the NordicTrack Commercial X32i has a lower weight capacity of 300 pounds. This might be a drawback for some users, since you can find many treadmills at half the price with a high maximum user weight limit of 375-400 pounds. That being said, you probably won’t get the steep incline range that this machine is known for. The X32i also has a commercial-grade tread belt that differs from a regular tread belt because it’s designed for consistent, heavy use. Many treadmills that you’ll find in traditional gyms have commercial belts that essentially help prevent footprints, wear-and-tear and improve lifespan.

The NordicTrack X32i also has a commercial-grade 4.25 HP DurX motor that’s designed to work longer and stronger. The reason this matters is because powerful motors with a higher continuous horsepower better support intense exercises—and this machine offers some of the most aggressive workouts in its category. A stronger motor like the one built into the rear of this incline trainer not only prevents the machine from overheating at higher speeds, but it also gives it the capacity to support a 40 percent incline range. This treadmill also has a Smart-Response Drive System that allows it to self-cool while simultaneously reducing vibration and noise. Lastly, it has a sled push feature with sled grips that essentially lets you “push” against the treadmill like you’re pushing a sled when you drop the speed to a very low number like one mile per hour.

Console and Controls

Outside of its 40 percent incline range, the NordicTrack X32i’s winning feature is arguably its 32-inch smart HD touchscreen, which can tilt up or down for treadmill or floor-based workouts. This touchscreen is easily as big as some smaller TVs and includes premium 30 watt sound for a cinematic home workout experience. It’s also optimized with improved graphics for a clearer display. Many customers praise the screen for being highly responsive, which allows for faster programming and workout changes, but it can get wobbly during high-speed sprints or runs.

Still, if you don’t plan on committing to an iFIT membership, you may not get much use out of the screen except for tracking metrics and it being an attractive feature to show off in your home gym. The screen is designed to work specifically with iFIT workouts, so you can’t use it to watch content on third-party apps like Netflix or YouTube. Unfortunately, there’s no media rack or tablet holder either since the 32-inch screen takes up most of the console, so if you’re like me and you like watching TV shows while you exercise, this machine may leave you feeling disappointed.

If a media tray isn’t important to you, then the console will likely offer a sleek and streamlined experience. The touchscreen is its centerpiece, and below that you’ll find a cooling fan, your start and stop buttons, an emergency stop switch and speed and incline controls. To the left and right of the touchscreen are also OneTouch Controls that allow you to change your speed and incline much faster. You can bump up the speed in increments of one mile per hour and incline in varying intervals that mostly increase by five percent at a time. We especially like the clean look of the console. It has just enough convenient controls without feeling too fussy or busy, so you won't need to search your entire console for a start or stop switch.

Workout Programs

The main issue with NordicTrack treadmills are their lack of preset workout programs. If you decide against an iFIT program, the only option you’re left with is exercising on a manual setting. For many, this isn’t an issue (and for me, even preferable since I like to control my speed and incline manually), but it can pose a problem if your budget doesn’t allow for an iFIT subscription, or you simply have no interest in iFIT guided classes. Typically, home treadmills come with a handful of preset or built-in exercise programs like cardio, HIIT, fat burn and more, but NordicTrack relies exclusively on iFIT for any workout options that go beyond manual. Plus, the lack of a media tray makes it hard to follow workout programs from other treadmill apps or fitness apps like Peloton, unless you stick your phone into one of the water bottle holders.

Comfort

One trait we love about NordicTrack is the brand’s commitment to comfort, whether you’re buying an entry-level machine or a top-tier purchase like the NordicTrack X32i. In addition to its extra-roomy running deck, which allows for longer strides and more arm movement, the running surface has Reflex Cushioning that NordicTrack claims reduces impact by up to 40 percent when compared to running on asphalt. This can be an attractive feature for those whose feet or legs get fatigued easily while exercising, or if you have an old injury like an ankle sprain that can fire up when aggravated. The dual three-inch workout fans in the console are also a bonus feature, and include AutoBreeze technology that adjusts fan speed to your workout intensity.

Noise Level

Overall, the NordicTrack X32i is an extremely quiet machine. This is due to its Smart-Response Drive System, quiet drive incline technology (which reduces sound when raising or lowering the incline) and powerful 4.25 HP motor. Not only does a machine’s noise level make a difference in your workouts and concentration (especially if you’re straining to listen to an iFIT trainer over the sound of your treadmill), it can also offer relief for other members of your household who can hear your machine. Luckily, this incline trainer is also compatible with Bluetooth earbuds, so you can send classes straight to your ears.

Technology

The NordicTrack X32i comes loaded with high-tech features and connectivity, but it’s important to separate what’s available to all users and what’s available only with an iFIT subscription (which we’ll dive into next). This incline trainer operates on an Android system and includes dual-band WiFi. It also has the upgraded display graphics we mentioned earlier, Bluetooth capabilities and the ability to store multiple profiles in its database, making this incline trainer a great option for a larger household. In addition, it has pulse hand grips that measure your heart rate, but you may get a more accurate reading from a heart rate monitor chest strap or fitness tracker.

iFIT

Most of the X32i’s high-tech features can be accessed only through iFIT. On top of the thousands of fitness classes you can choose from, which include floor-based exercises like yoga, it nets a number of cool features that can easily make a subscription worth it. For starters, iFIT can activate an AutoAdjust feature that adjusts your speed or incline alongside your iFIT class. This allows for hand-free adjustments and much easier interval training. iFIT also comes with an integrated Google Maps workout technology, so you can take scenic walks, runs or climbs anywhere in the world as long as the location can be found on Google Maps. It also offers enhanced workout tracking and monthly challenges that help push you closer to your fitness goals. If you’re not ready to commit to iFIT, or just want to test the waters before deciding on buying a subscription, your NordicTrack purchase will come with a 30-day iFIT trial that activates upon delivery.

Warranty

For the price tag of $4,499, the NordicTrack Commercial X32i comes with an unimpressive warranty. It includes a 10-year frame warranty, a two-year parts warranty and a one-year labor warranty, which are low by industry standards. This doesn’t include a warranty for the motor, which is essentially the heart of the entire machine that guarantees it works to par. 

When investing this much money into a quality piece of fitness equipment, many people expect more bang for their buck when it comes to protection and peace of mind. Numerous home treadmills offer a lifetime warranty on both frame and motor, which is something we would have liked to see offered with the X32i. While you can purchase an extended three-year warranty for an additional $569.99, adding this fee to the price of the machine brings the total amount to a staggering home gym investment greater than $5,000—and that still excludes a lifetime warranty.

Working Out with the NordicTrack Commercial X32i

The NordicTrack Commercial X32i is an elite machine. The first thing you may notice when working out on this incline trainer is how much room you have to exercise. You may also notice that the running deck cushioning could feel softer or firmer depending on how hard or fast you exercise. That’s because the Reflex Cushioning responds to weight and impact differently, so if you “pound the pavement” harder, the treadmill will adjust according to the force. Its durable design and heavy build also creates a secure and stable workout, but you may find that your touchscreen shakes at faster speeds. As for the impressive 40 percent incline itself, this machine goes sky-high. You’ll need to hold on to the handrails when walking at high inclines, and they’re high enough to simulate real-life climbing of a steep hill. If you decide on an iFIT membership, the 32-inch HD touchscreen does offer a truly immersive experience.

Customer Reviews

NordicTrack doesn’t show customer reviews for the X32i on its website, so it’s necessary to check reviews on Amazon, Google and major retailers like Best Buy to see what customers actually have to say about this machine. Reviews are mixed, although most lean in a positive direction. A buyer named Rich writes that the X32i has an “extremely soft walking surface” that’s “very easy on your knees.” He also reports that iFIT helps him walk longer, but that the water bottle holders are difficult to access, since they’re located behind the large 32-inch touchscreen. “I recommend purchasing a bottle holder that will clamp to the side rails of the treadmill,” Rich advises.

Another reviewer named Steve complains that while the machine itself is OK, the incline and decline feature needs some work. It “can’t cope with repeated use,” he says. “The incline mechanism started creaking badly after about three months of usage. It then began to scrape and jolt the machine on the lowest decline.” Steve also says iFIT might not be worth it for more advanced exercisers. “Instructor workouts are mostly aimed at beginner runners,” he describes. 

A customer named Philip, who shares the machine with his wife, confirms the brand’s promise of a quiet workout. “When my wife is on the machine and I am downstairs underneath, I hear absolutely nothing,” he says. “In fact, I hear absolutely nothing anywhere in the house.”

A customer named Jason says that buying the X32i was his “best purchase ever.” “We use it every day,” he writes. “The large screen is so worth it. Love the fans to keep us cool during workouts.” Another buyer named Yvonne praises the immersive feel of the iFIT workouts paired with the oversized touchscreen. “The iFIT app and large screen make me feel like I’m going on vacation with a tour guide,” she notes. “[The machine] automatically raises and lowers.”

NordicTrack Commercial X32i Pros and Cons

As with any piece of fitness equipment, the NordicTrack Commercial X32i comes with pros and cons. Here’s what we love (and don’t love) about this high-end luxury incline trainer.

Pros

• Heavy-duty build and construction
• 32-inch HD touchscreen offers cinematic experience
• Extra-roomy 22-inch x 65-inch running surface
• Very quiet workouts and motor function
• Incline range of -6 to 40 percent

Cons

• Warranty is lacking, with a high price for extended warranty
• iFIT subscription required for full content access
• Large footprint isn’t suitable for small spaces
• No preset workout programs
• Touchscreen shakes at high speeds, according to reviews

NordicTrack Commercial X32i vs ProForm Pro 9000

When compared to another high-end treadmill, the ProForm Pro 9000, the X32i has a number of differences. First is its 40 percent incline range; the Pro 9000 only has a 12 percent grade. Both machines have a max speed of 12 miles per hour, running deck cushioning and iFIT integration, in addition to the same weight capacity of 300 pounds.

However, the ProForm Pro 9000 has a much weaker 3.6 HP motor, compared to the X32i’s 4.25 HP motor, and a significantly smaller (but still impressive) 22-inch HD touchscreen. If you’re simply looking for a high-tech treadmill and a huge incline range isn’t important to you, or you don’t see yourself doing steep climbs, you can save yourself more than $2,000 by purchasing a ProForm Pro 9000 for $2,299, versus $4,499 for the NordicTrack Commercial X32i. You may get a less powerful motor and smaller screen, but you’ll get the same max speed and iFIT functionality.

Factors to Consider Before Buying

As a high-priced investment for your home gym that tops $4,000, and potentially $5,000 with an extended warranty, there are numerous factors to consider before buying a NordicTrack X32i. First is the price itself. It’s important to budget correctly for this purchase, and to also factor in any secondary costs like delivery, shipping or assembly fees. If you’re going to enroll in an iFIT subscription, be sure to factor recurring monthly costs into your budget, as well. Those looking for a NordicTrack treadmill with a lower price point can also consider the $1,899 NordicTrack EXP 14i, which has a 14-inch smart HD touchscreen and iFIT integration.

Then there’s the size. The X32i is nowhere near a small or compact machine. This incline trainer will take up a significant chunk of space in your home gym, and you’ll want to be sure that you have at least five feet on all sides of you in the area where you want to place the machine. Don’t forget to accommodate plenty of room between you and your ceiling, as well, especially if you plan on using the max incline of 40 percent for a steep vertical climb.

Lastly, before deciding on a purchase, it’s important to carefully review the specs of the treadmill. This includes facts such as weight capacity, dimensions, tread belt size, motor and warranty. The last thing you want to do is buy fitness equipment without checking the specs, because returning a 462-pound treadmill that doesn’t work for you isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do.

NordicTrack Commercial X32i FAQs

How high is the deck on the NordicTrack Commercial X32i treadmill?

While NordicTrack doesn’t reveal the step-up height of this machine on its website, customer reviews place the height of the NordicTrack X32i deck anywhere from 13 to 16.5 inches from the floor. Considering most home treadmills have a step-up height of eight to 10 inches, this machine may sit significantly higher than others.

Can I watch TV on the NordicTrack Commercial X32i treadmill?

Since the 32-inch touchscreen is only for following iFIT classes or tracking metrics, you won’t be able to watch TV on the NordicTrack Commercial X32i treadmill. The screen isn’t compatible with third-party apps like Netflix or Hulu. Instead, you’ll need to use your own smart device.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the answer as to whether or not NordicTrack Commercial X32i lives up to the hype is simple. If you’re looking for a machine capable of steep climbs beyond a standard incline of 15 percent, then this treadmill is worth it for that feature alone. It’s hard to beat a 40 percent incline, and the powerful 4.25 HP motor paired with the 32-inch HD touchscreen are also major selling points for those looking for extra-challenging workouts and/or an immersive experience. Still, some customers say the incline function isn’t as great as it sounds, and that repeated use might dampen the incline mechanism. However, if incline doesn’t matter to you, and you’re buying the X32i for its large screen or design, you may be better off buying a more mid-level NordicTrack model that nets a similar interactive experience for half the cost.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.