Mazda CX-5 Vs Nissan X-Trail Comparison

2018 Mazda CX-5
VS

Nissan X-Trail

Welcome to the new Mazda CX-5 Vs the Nissan X-Trail comparison for 2017. With the release of the newly updated CX-5 it is time for the next round of comparisons with the competitors. The current Nissan X-Trail has been around for a few years and just received a mid-life upgrade to the spec list and front and rear ends but is it enough? We liked both SUVs but never considered them our favorite for various reasons the X-Trail being the mechanical package especially the CVT and CX-5 because of some design awkwardness but both due to the lack of interior flexibility and feeling of space of the CR-V.

Mazda CX-5 Vs Nissan X-Trail exterior design comparison: The new CX-5 design looks good with the front end styling in line with current Mazda models. The rear end design is interesting as it recalled the arch design of the original CX-5 or current 3 hatchback design but cleaned up and has a hint of the current Kia Sportage rear end. The Nissan X-Trail has been around for a few years but still looks modern but conservative compared to the new CX-5.  It’s a nice all round shape that would look good in front of any home in the suburbs. The restyled front end adds character but may put off really conservative buyers but every other manufacturer seems to be adding more aggressive front ends these days. It is also interesting to note that the CX-5 is not any bigger in a meaningful way to the old model. We prefer the CX-5 looks due to the more modern (2017) looks.

Mazda CX-5 Vs Nissan X-Trail interior comparison: The Nissan X-Trail interior is a a nice place to be in, as it looks and feels good in all the model grades. The design is conservative and does not surprise with overly modern design touches and matches the exterior design. It does feel lounge like which is the point. In terms of storage there are multiple configurations for the rear with a decent number of spaces for everyday items. The new Mazda CX-5 interior is also a nice place to be in. The quality materials is better than the X-Trail, or any other SUV in the class at the moment.  In terms of design the center console is too high and chunky with only small storage and the additional navigation dial is annoying as per any infotainment system without touch screen. Likewise the tablet style screen that pokes up is not any designers best effort. The overall design feels more like a car than a SUV which will appeal to many. We also must point out that the conventional dials on the dashboard looks great compared to the cheaper ones in the X-Trail.

Mazda CX-5 Vs Nissan X-Trail engine and technology: In terms of safety systems the CX-5 has all the latest features as standard, including auto braking and blind spot monitoring. There are even more features further up the range but there’s more as standard than all the current SUVs in the class including the X-Trail. The engines in both are modern but ordinary and carry over in terms of design without any turbos except for the diesel engine versions. The CX-5 has a refined 6 speed auto which is better than the CVT auto in the X-Trail if you want to enjoy your drive. That said you can select your own gears via pre-set ratios in the Nissan but the engine revs will still do it’s own thing. The BOSE stereo system in the top range CX-5 is worth a mention for its volume but not it’s sound quality, which is disappointing unless trading up from any older car or SUV.

Mazda CX-5 Vs Nissan X-Trail on road: All Wheel drive (AWD) systems in these type of SUV are mostly pointless for real off road adventures. They are designed for on road traction, the Nissn X-Trail has the most advanced system here. Ride height seems to be important and the highest one is the Mazda. As for transmissions an CVT is great for heavy traffic and those of who are not concerned about enthusiastic driving it is those who want day to day transportation. We’ve never enjoyed a CVT equipped car except for a Prius.

The winner of the Mazda CX-5 Vs Nissan X-Trail comparison is the CX-5. The new CX-5 is a step up from the X-Trail in terms of look and feel which counts for so much in 2017. The Nissan X-Trail may be a few years older but it’s still a very well presented package. If you can get a discount on the X-Trail than go for it. Else the CX-5 is a good evolution of the old one.

2018 Mazda CX-5
Nissan X-Trail
Engines
IL 4 Cylinder Petrol
DOHC EFI VVT
2.0 Litre (1996cc)
Claimed 114Kw @ 6000RPM
Claimed 200Nm or 320Nm @ 4000RPM
IL 4 Cylinder Petrol (QR25)
DOHC VVT EFI
2.5 Litre (2488cc)
Claimed 126Kw @ 6000RPM
Claimed 226Nm @ 4400RPM
IL4 Cylinder Petrol
2.5 Litre (2488cc)
DOHC Engine EFI
Claimed 138Kw @ 5700RPM
Claimed 250Nm @ 4000RPM
IL 4 Cylinder Petrol (MR20)
DOHC VVT EFI
2.0 Litre (1998cc)
Claimed 106Kw @ 6000RPM
Claimed 200Nm @ 4400RPM
IL 4 Cylinder Twin Turbo Diesel
DI CR EFI
2.0 Litre (2191cc)
Claimed 129Kw @ 4500RPM
Claimed 420Nm @ 2000RPM
IL 4 Cylinder Turbo Diesel (M9R)
Direct Injection Common Rail EFI
2.0 Litre (1995cc)
Claimed 96Kw @ 4000RPM
Claimed 320Nm @ 1750RPM
Weight
FROM 1511 Kg
Towing capacity up to 1800kg
FROM 1437 Kg
Towing capacity up to 1500kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 58 litres
IL4 2.0 Petrol 6.9 Lts per 100km AVG
IL4 2.5 Petrol 7.5 Lts per 100km AVG
IL4 2.2 Diesel 6 Lts per 100km AVG
Up to 60 litres
IL4 Petrol 2.0lt 8.2 litres per 100km AVG (Manual)
IL4 Petrol 2.5lt 8.3 litres per 100km AVG (CVT)
IL4 Diesel 2.0lt 5.3 litres per 100km AVG (CVT)
Other specifications
6 speed manual or DSG 7 speeds
Overall height/width 1675/1840
Overall length/wheelbase 4550/2700
4WD system: FWD or On demand AWD
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
6 speed manual or CVT with programmed 7 speeds
Overall height/width 1710/1820
Overall length/Wheelbase 4640/2705
4WD system: Selectable 2WD or AWD
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Capability 
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Min ground clearance xxx mm
Water Fording depth xxx mm
Performance
Pricing
2017 $28,690 – 49,990 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc…
2014 $27,990 – 44,990 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc…