Subaru Outback Vs Nissan X-Trail Comparison

Nissan X-Trail
Nissan X-Trail
VS

2016_outback_1
Subaru Outback

Welcome to the new Subaru Outback Vs Nissan X-Trail comparison for 2019. Next in our series of comparisons we put the Outback vs the X-Trail, a seemingly ‘unfair’ comparison due to size. However as we’ve said before the price overlap is significant between these models and their design brief is clearly the same hence the comparison. It is also clear that the Outback is not really an SUV in a standard form, it is a high rise wagon.

Subaru Outback Vs Nissan X-Trail exterior comparison: The X-Trail is a good looking SUV but in a class where they are many decent lookers means it’s hard to stand out. As a result over the years, the X-Trail looks like another family friendly SUV with some character in the front end with and awkward rear and conservative side profile. The design is relatively old at around 4 year but doesn’t show it’s age. The Outback is an older design too. The designers have tried to hide the wagon base and see to work but it’s quite a crude looking car.

Subaru Outback Vs Nissan X-Trail interior comparison: The Outback is clearly a car from the driving position, passengers and cargo. It is car like comfortable but does make it awkward to get into since you are expecting a more upright seating position due to the higher door sill. The X-Trail like all SUVs of this class are easier to get in and out, more comfortable due to seating being  more upright. Space is good and organisation more so. While the Outback has more length and hence cargo space length the X-Trail has more roof space. Hence the X-Trail feels spacious while not as physically as big as the Outlander. The X-Trail does have a more welcoming interior that the Outback. Both and looking a little dated.

Subaru Outback Vs Nissan X-Trail engines and technology: The Outback currently has a choice of 3 decent engines, unique by having their cylinders aligned horizontally. The best one of the lot is the Flat 6 cylinder version for performance but not fuel economy by 2019 standards. The safety systems is pretty complete and leads the class especially at the price. In comparison the X-Trail engine choices are very average and combined with a CVT this is not vaguely a performance SUV but a commuter. Safety systems are up to class standard but only on top range models. It also doesn’t ride as smoothly as the Outback.

Subaru Outback Vs Nissan X-Trail street cred: Honestly the X-Trail has no street cred it’s viewed as transportation. The Outback has appeal but that applies only for older drivers who remember Subaru’s brand history and marketing. Note that many regard the Outback as an SUV and one of the originals but it’s not. It’s a wagon with more ground clearance.

In conclusion and winner to the Subaru Outback Vs Nissan X-Trail comparison is the Outback due purely to the availability of the 6 cylinder engine at basically the same price as the to range of the diesel X-Trail. Diesel engines in top range models in 2019 are not desirable due to their noise levels, dubious pollution claims and cost to run, especially in city traffic.  The X-Trail is not cheap but it’s nice however the Outback is nicer for the price and safety features.

Nissan X-Trail Subaru Outback
2016_outback_2
Engines
IL 4 Cylinder Petrol
DOHC EFI VVT
2.0 Litre (1996cc)
Claimed 106Kw @ 6000RPM (Manual)
Claimed 200Nm @ 4400RPM (Manual)
IL4 Cylinder Petrol
DOHC 16 Valve VVT
2.5 Litre (2459cc)
Claimed 129Kw @ 5800 RPM
Claimed 235Nm @ 4000 RPM
IL4 Cylinder Petrol
2.5 Litre (2488cc)
DOHC Engine EFI
Claimed 126Kw @ 6000RPM
Claimed 226Nm @ 4400RPM
IL4 Cylinder Diesel
Turbo DI CR
2.0 Litre (1990cc)
Claimed 110Kw @ 3600 RPM
Claimed 350Nm @ 1600 RPM
IL 4 Cylinder Turbo Diesel
DI CR EFI
2.0 Litre (1995cc)
Claimed 130Kw @ 3750RPM
Claimed 380Nm @ 2000RPM
F6 Cylinder Petrol
DOHC 16 Valve
3.6 Litre (3590cc)
Claimed 191Kw @ 6000 RPM
Claimed 350Nm @ 4400 RPM
Weight
FROM 1425 Kg
Towing capacity up to 1650kg
Kerb weight FROM 1639Kg
Towing capacity up to 1700Kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 60 litres
IL4 2.0 Petrol 8.2 Lts per 100km AVG
IL4 2.5 Petrol 8.3 Lts per 100km AVG
IL4 2.0 Diesel 6 Lts per 100km AVG
Up to 60 litres
IL4 Diesel 5.7 litres per 100km (Auto)
F4 Petrol 7.3 litres per 100km (Auto)
F6 Petrol 9.9 litres per 100km (Auto)
Other specifications
6 speed manual or CVT Auto
Overall height/width 1740/1820
Overall length/wheelbase 4690/2705
4WD system: FWD or 4WD
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
CVT Auto
Overall height/width 1675/1840
Overall length/wheelbase 4820/2745
NCAP safety rating 5/5
Capability
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) 200mm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Min ground clearance xxx mm
Water Fording depth xxxmm Max
4WD system: AWD
Performance
Pricing
2019 $28,490 – 49,790 AUD
2018 $28,490 – $47,490 AUD
*Always check with the dealer
for up to date pricing, on-roads
and specials accessories etc…
2019 $37,440 – 50,490 AUD
2016 $35,990 – 48,490 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!