Nissan X-Trail VS Rivals: Finding The Best Premium Crossover

The Nissan X-Trail has been launched in India today at a starting price of Rs 49.92 lakh, marking the comeback of the X-Trail brand after a decade-long gap. This Japanese car maker, which currently only sells the Magnite (a micro SUV) in India, has introduced its second vehicle, a premium crossover that will compete with the Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Kodiaq.

In terms of dimensions and features, these three SUVs are quite similar and cater to a very niche audience: people who are chauffeur-driven and want to travel in a comfortable, long SUV.

Without wasting much time, let's start with the comparison of the Nissan X-Trail vs its rivals. Also, make sure to join the 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to never miss out on automotive news.

Also Read: Made In India Maruti Ertiga, Renault Triber Score Low In GNCAP Test

Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals Price Comparison

Nissan's introductory price for the X-Trail is Rs 49.92 lakh, which is significantly higher than any of its rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan or Skoda Kodiaq. In fact, it is even more expensive than the Toyota Fortuner and Jeep Meridian, which are larger SUVs.

Although it was expected that Nissan would set the price around Rs 40 lakh, they have truly hit the ball out of the park. Whether this price will attract customers remains to be seen.

Out of these, only Skoda offers three variants of the Kodiaq: Style, Sportline, and L&K. The Volkswagen Tiguan comes in one variant: Elegance 2.0 TSI DSG, and the X-Trail is also available in just one variant.

Nissan X-Trail Engine vs Rivals Engine Specification

So, the news that has become the talk of the town is the X-Trail's 3-cylinder 1.5 L turbocharged variable compression engine. Automotive enthusiasts can't fathom that such an expensive car will feature a 3-cylinder engine. However, the power figures are impressive at 163 Ps and 300 Nm of torque. Additionally, only an 8-step CVT will be offered with this FWD crossover.

Moreover, this engine also takes help of mild-hybrid technology, which helps in providing instant boots and offers 30 Ps of power, which comes in handy during high throttle response. Also, the 0 to 100 km run is completed in 9.5 seconds.

Also, this high tech powertrain achieves 17 to 18 kmpl of average on a light foot, and in a bumper to bumper traffic, 10 to 11 kmpl, which is great for such a large peice of machine.

On paper, the X-Trail seems like a defeated car, but the mild hybrid system helps to cover up its shortcomings and reduce the burden on the engine. Hence, you get a good amount of mileage. The Tiguan and Kodiaq are essentially the same cars with different designs, and their power figures are the same as well as their transmission. However, the Kodiaq is only sold in India with an extended wheelbase version, making it the longest crossover here.

Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals: Dimensions

So, the Nissan X-Trail is a seven-seater SUV, and at first glance, you'll notice its impressive length and height, giving it the proper impression of a luxury crossover. Additionally, the window sizes are huge, providing excellent visibility, and the dashboard is low, allowing you to see the bumper while driving.

Out of the three, the Skoda Kodiaq is the real boss here, as it is an extended wheelbase version, resulting in loads of legroom and shoulder room, where an infant can easily play. However, the third row does eat up the boot space, leaving 270 L available. But you can easily expand it by folding the seats, increasing the space to around 650 L.

In the Tiguan, you don't get a third-row option, so the total boot space is 615 L, which is enough to fit three to four suitcases. Let's talk about the X-Trail. It truly feels like a muscular SUV with extended wheel arches, a headlight design, and a perfectly sized front grille decorated with a chrome finish.

Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals: Features

Inside this new car, you'll find an 8-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, a digital drivers display, cruise control, paddle shifters, drive modes, panaromic sunroof, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold.

However, Nissan didn't include many features that are expected in a car with such a high price. So, you won't find powered seats, ventilated seats, ADAS, leather upholstery, or wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There are several cars on the road that offer these features for under Rs 10 lakh.

There is no chance that X-Trail can stand against its european rivals when it comes to features list.

• Air Care Climatronic 3 zone automatic climate control and controls in the rear (Also control from infotainment)
• 8-way electrically adjustable Drivers seat with power adjustable lumbar support
• Seat and ORVM memory function for Driver's seat
• Coming home and leaving home function
• 30 shades of ambient lighting
• 20.32 cm touch-screen with Gesture control
• 2 USB-C ports in the front, 1 USB-C charging socket on the center console in the rear