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

ByJohn Kelly-September 27, 2023

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

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 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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

John Kelly is co-ordinator and writer at Car Talk of Car From Japan. Holding a MA in Public Relations and Journalism, he has 6 working years for Sales & Marketing Department of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc. John provides a unique look at Japanese cars through an American’s look, and fills his blog with everything from car restoration to history. His biggest hobbies are car and photography. Hence, when visit John’s articles, besides lots and lots of pages of information about car review and car comparison to scroll through, you also can see many interesting pictures of famous car brand from his own perspective.

Comments

Syed19:39 February 06, 2019
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I have tried both, i will go for x trial for many aspects like cruise control, cup holder with air cooler duct and capacity.

makololo albert13:28 August 05, 2018
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spares are pleñty for either

Mohamed06:16 July 11, 2018
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Iwant to buy Nissan xtaril how is it0?

Ameen13:53 May 08, 2018
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i am planning to but rav 4 – 2WD (vx) here in UAE. If someone can share your ideas please do it. Its for family use. Mostly i will use like going to Office-home…..

WILSON NGOWI06:32 May 08, 2018
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TOYOTA RAV4 IS THE BEST

Kaskazi03:58 May 05, 2018
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Nissan x-trial is the best

irakoze alain02:49 May 05, 2018
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Nissan X -Trail is the best, easy to maintain and enough for an average family. is my choice

Paul Hemela19:07 May 04, 2018
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Toyota RAV4 is the best

Robert00:49 March 13, 2018
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The Rav4 is just exotic. I love it

Mubashir yaqoob22:40 March 11, 2018
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Toyota win I know..

Chiwowa Hlupo23:27 February 05, 2018
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Nissan X -Trail is the best, easy to maintain and enough for an average family

Joseph Kajoka01:02 February 05, 2018
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Nissan X-trail is my choice

Joseph Kajoka00:58 February 05, 2018
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Nissan X-trail is my choice.

AbdulRazzaq R Bilal17:09 February 04, 2018
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Nissan X-trail

Mercy Mbewe20:11 January 17, 2018
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Toyota brand is the best, I switch to Toyota two years and actually now to buy the new Rav 4 this year

elizabeth19:04 January 16, 2018
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i need one can i be sending money until i complete

Christopher Migoha13:52 January 16, 2018
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I prefer Nissan Ex-trail. It is the best in our setup

Alicia Neal02:19 January 16, 2018
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I’ve never driven either, but I have driven a Nissan Rogue, it belonged to my daughter. I liked the ride and the solitude. Very nice vehicle and the interior set up was perfect. Everything in arm reach that you didn’t have to take your eyes off the road. With that said, I would like to see how things are with the Nissan X-Trail.

Richard assenga20:04 January 15, 2018
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Both 2is good.

Fabian Lelo Sebastian16:19 January 15, 2018
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Nissan Ex-T is my favourite

nyemba16:02 January 15, 2018
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For the purpose of easy maintance Toyota is the best.
Bernie.

Edward15:48 January 15, 2018
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Toyota is the best…

Stephen mwaura15:02 January 15, 2018
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Do they still produce Diesel turbo xtrails or are they available for Kenyan market ?

liner14:45 January 15, 2018
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Compare subaru forester and x trail

KELVIN AENGARI07:23 December 24, 2017
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Rava4 Toyota is best and superbly fit my condition in Solomon’s.

Susan Vanorden00:38 December 18, 2017
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Toyota the best

Sam Simba04:54 December 17, 2017
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for me Toyota RAVA 4 is the best and superbly cars

Daisy Simeza04:46 December 17, 2017
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I go for Toyota as my choice

Denis Desdery02:55 December 17, 2017
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Nissan x-trail the car of my choice
Good looking
Confortable

Hillaary23:45 December 16, 2017
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X trial is the best in my side especially in most of the African weather roads

KALENGA20:29 December 16, 2017
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NISSAN X-TRAIL IS THE BEST FOR THE AFRICAN ROADS

MRADI ALLY KINGI18:44 December 16, 2017
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Toyota rav 4 is the best and strong also price of rav 4 will never drop years and years like the same

Shafii18:18 December 16, 2017
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Toyota rav 4 is the best n stronger compared to x trail wth experience i have wth rav 4 snce 2014 till nw it stll functions best compered to the xtrail bought in 2016 the bamps are already shaking n the regeter heats

Like henry17:47 December 16, 2017
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Toyota best 4 is the best car

Mary Kerich17:10 December 16, 2017
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i love RAVA 4 for its grip on the road and comfort it offers

Wilfred Mwakai15:47 December 16, 2017
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I prefer X-TRAIL because of its feature and looks

Sued Omar23:24 November 30, 2017
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How about Subaru legacy B4 vs Toyota mark ii grande G

Justin Mutie00:46 November 29, 2017
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Kindly clarify when you say rav 4 is economical. Does is mean its fuel consumption is better that X-trail or is it due to availability of repairs etc.

Also, in terms of cost, which one is cheaper, for 4wds in kenya?

makololo albert13:27 August 05, 2018
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spares are pleñty for either

Amenu John Francis13:28 November 22, 2017
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NissanXTrail would be my choice.

Sebastian Munyao01:54 November 22, 2017
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I have been a fun of Nissan cars that I recommend Nissan ex- trail as the car for my choice and been Kenya within Africa were Nissan ex- trail is most favourable in our rough roads. I love it.

Reason Gonho21:34 November 21, 2017
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I go for Toyota Rav4

Beki02:35 November 21, 2017
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Nissan x-trial is the best

Godbless kavindi14:18 November 21, 2017
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Toyota RAV4 is better than Nissan because first is so looked good appearance but also easy to control, need few passengers. So this good to my family

Mohamed jama01:23 November 21, 2017
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I don’t have any of them, but I thing Nissan xtrail better and beauty to me and looks like a man car

lovemore musora19:28 November 20, 2017
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I like Nissan x-trail which is good for our roads here in africa

than htike aung17:36 November 20, 2017
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i like toyota rav4. i want to be a winner.

Tiare16:49 November 20, 2017
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I go for toyota RAV4

Dick16:22 November 20, 2017
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I go for Toyota RAV 4

RHODA IBRAHIM WANKYO15:59 November 20, 2017
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Rav 4 is the best!

ERIC MAKAU MUINGI15:07 November 20, 2017
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it is nice car sir please sent me the the colors you have

Malinga Soyce00:48 November 18, 2017
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rav 4 takes the day,comfort and economical aspect

Muhangi medard05:37 January 19, 2017
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Both Suvs Toyota RAV4 & NISSAN XTRAIL are good but,my choice is Nissan Xtrail

Trang Tran01:58 April 03, 2017
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Thank u for your comment.It is nice

ZACHARIA BUMBUGU13:40 January 18, 2017
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Nataka Rav4 ya Mwaka 2015 je, Bei gani Kwa Hela ya KITANZANIA.

HOW MUCH RAV4 NEW MODEL 2015,? For tanzania?

Trang Tran02:05 April 03, 2017
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Thank you for your comment. If you are interested in the car, please send the inquiry to ask@carfromjapan.com or leave a message on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CarFromJapan.Official/ , our sales agent will contact with you.

Dan Korir06:06 January 18, 2017
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thanks soo much for such a quality presentation I have bn wondering which one is better I think I got a point here

Trang Tran16:41 April 08, 2017
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We are glad that you like the article. Don’t forget to share with your friends!

Sibbuku12:54 January 17, 2017
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What about Toyota Noah with 3s engine? The advantages and disadvantage

Trang Tran16:42 April 08, 2017
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Thank u for asking. We will search more information about it.Please keep following us for updates

tambaoga03:54 January 17, 2017
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Nissan x trail good one all roads

Trang Tran16:45 April 08, 2017
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Thank u for your comment. Nice choice

Winyi Geberts13:05 December 09, 2016
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Toyata rav4 is better coz its economically car every one can afford to mantain.

Trang Tran13:57 May 05, 2017
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Thank u for your comment

vusumuzi mjikwa05:35 December 06, 2016
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The rav4 is perfact and handles well on the road.

Trang Tran01:32 December 08, 2016
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Thank you for your comment. Find this article useful? Please share exciting updates with your friends and they will love it!

Muhangi medard05:06 December 06, 2016
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RAV4 is economical,but Nissan X trail is good on most bumpy african roads,i like it!

kwebiha rubani17:23 November 09, 2016
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Toyotarav4 is confortable on road and good on murum roads

Winnie06:07 April 15, 2018
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Toyotarav4 is also a ladies car very feminine. I love my Rav4!

FRANK15:50 January 15, 2018
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I WAS CONSIDERING A MURANO. WHERE DOES IT STAND HERE?

FRANK15:49 January 15, 2018
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GOOD READ. CAN YOU DO XTRAIL AND HONDA CRV?