Toyota RAV4 VS Nissan X-Trail: Which is better?

Compact Sports Utility Vehicles are always very popular among the masses. Here, I am going to compare Toyota RAV4 vs. Nissan X-Trail on many standards. Both cars are famous for their value-of-the-money features and excellent grip on the road. So, let’s see what the real facts about both are.

Toyota RAV4 vs Nissan X-Trail Comparison

Toyota RAV4 VS Nissan X
The battle between Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail is very interesting. (Photo: Toyota / Nissan)
Main Features Toyota RAV4 Nissan X-Trail
Passenger accommodation 5 5
Power Windows yes yes
Air Bags yes yes
Top Speed 114mph 112mph
lock 4 WD 4 WD
Pick up 8.3 second 9 seconds
MPG 31/25 31.7
Launch 1994 2000

If you are looking for an economical mid-size SUV that perfectly serves as a family cargo, the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail both are in the race with equal points. However, as we include the features comparison, the battle of Toyota RAV4 vs Nissan X-Trail is definitely interesting. Let us start the countdown.

Interior

Toyota RAV4 Interior
Toyota RAV4 is not exactly fit for five people but it has a number of features like a power window, keyless entry, enough storage space etc… (Photo: Toyota)

Toyota RAV4

The SUV is not exactly fit for five people as the fifth passenger can face small legroom. However, the interior of the car has a number of features like a power window, keyless entry, enough storage space, etc. The carcass of the SUV is just like any other modern car. Power locks, foldable rear seats, shift lever, etc. add the extra charm. The SUV is entirely dedicated to the small family where the cargo area includes a cup holder, shopping bag hooks, tie-down hooks, and door panel pockets. The foldable rear seat adds extra space to the cargo area, which is quite versatile. Map lights, digital clocks, seat height adjustment, etc. append additional features to make it comfortable on the road.

Nissan-X-Trail-Interior
The Interior of the Nissan X-Trail is perfectly fit for five adults and all features are very impressive. (Photo: Nissan)

Nissan X-Trail

The SUV is perfect for five adults. The car is spacious but the feel of softness is missing somewhere. However, the peculiar instrument panels, extra glove box, easily accessible control, low mounted AC vents are other features, that are impressive. The chassis of the car is strong and includes all the safety features like dual front airbags, electronic brake-force distribution, and an anti-lock braking system.

Toyota RAV4 vs. Nissan X- Trails round 1 goes to Nissan for sure.

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Exterior

Toyota RAV4 Exterior
Toyota RAV4 shows the entire curve beautifully along with the excellent exterior. (Photo: Toyota)

Toyota RAV4

The car is available in three-door as well as five-door versions. It shows the entire curve beautifully along with the high window, funky wheels, and less aggressive AWD vehicle. The rear door is hinged on the right. So, It may be problematic for the right-hand drivers. The car comes with 16” steel wheels, a fog light, and 70 series all-season tires. The optional lockable center and short, front, and rear overhangs add some extra oomph.

Nissan X-Trail Exterior
The Nissan X-Trail has a heavy look compared to Toyota RAV4. Source: Nissan

Nissan X-Trail

Are you looking for a boxier SUV? Here is your perfect car. The monstrous Nissan X-Trail is a crossover SUV. It has a large rear hatch, optional roof rack, light towing capacity, and heavy looks. Although, the X-trail is not economical compared to the RAV4, on the road it is amazing. The car is fitted with 65 series all-season tires, a large power sunroof, and alloy wheels.

Toyota RAV4 vs. Nissan X-trial round 2 goes to Toyota undisputedly.

Performance on the Road

Performance of Toyota RAV4 on the road
Toyota RAV4 is very great for a smooth drive and easy to handle. (Photo: Toyota)

Toyota RAV4

The driving is smooth in urban areas, but as soon as the SUV goes off-road, the problem starts. The small 1.8l to 2.0l engine makes the car not so perfect on the highways. The 127 HP is definitely not, what one looks for in an SUV. Here, the noisy Powertrain spoils the meaning of fun driving for sure. Apart, the SUV is fuel-efficient when one drives it at a moderate speed. Toyota RAV4 is great for a smooth drive with the family as it is easy to handle. At turns, the car starts to shine. It can execute a three-point turn, which makes it fun to drive on busy and packed roads. The vehicle is reliable when one gets comfortable with the wheels.

Performance of Nissan X-Trail on the road
Nissan X-Trail is easy to control and a bliss for a long drive on tough roads. (Photo: Nissan)

Nissan X-Trail

Opposite to the RAV4, the X-Trail is not for the urban runabout. Its tall features give great views and its strong chassis makes it easy to drive off the road. Although it does not come under the sports car segment, the interior, versatility, and space can challenge any sports car easily. It is a powerful car with four-cylinder engines. Even the small gas capacity (2.0 l) delivers 40HP, which is amazing. X-Trail GT (turbocharged version) of Nissan delivers 280hp with the same gas capacity. The four-speed automatic transmission, manual transmission, or five-speed transmission, either 2WD drive or 4WD drive is a real example of a versatile car.

Now, because of the less aerodynamic body, the car is not flexible on the road. However, in bad road conditions, one can change from FWD to AWD mode of driving for a swift flow. Furthermore, driving on LOCK-MODE is not safe, especially in 4WD mode. Still, the X-Trail steering and suspension are well-tuned. The car is easy to control and a bliss for a long drive on tough roads.

Toyota RAV4 vs. Nissan X-Trail round 3 goes to Nissan again for its off-road control quality.

The Ultimate Winner: Toyota RAV4 vs. Nissan X-Trail

No doubt, Nissan X-Trail is a better choice than a Toyota RAV4 if one is looking for a sturdy car, with a powerful performance in the end. Still, choosing a car is one’s own personal choice. If one checks the Toyota RAV4 vs. Nissan X-Trail, on the urban road, the Toyota RAV4 performs better while off-road, it cannot even chase the Nissan X-Trail. Whichever car you choose, look for safety, smooth drive, and your requirements first and then only decide.