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Here’s a comparison between the all new 2015 Nissan X-Trail and the Honda CRV. While we don’t regard the CRV as the best ever SUV it is the sum of its parts that really make this one of our favourites. It is really designed for what these cars are all about, family duties, carrying stuff, shopping for flat pack furniture from Ikea etc.. The original Nissan X-Trail was very similar to the CRV to a certain extent but its interior design was one of the best the presentation let it down and admitted the CVT gearbox. However the new X-Trail is a little different in concept now and more like the older Mazda CX-7 which still looks good. Note that The CRV has just been given a mid life upgrade (December 2014) and that it is an even better package – the updarade model was not taken in to account here.
Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V exterior: The new X-Trail is very different from the last model which was obviously square and clearly practical. The new X-Trail seemingly looks like a bigger Qashqai or vice versa but a closer or side by side look will reveal the size and styling differences. The X-Trail shares the sleek and more aggressive lines of Nissan’s latest design direction. It looks good although the rear has a strange style to it. The Honda CRV is largely inoffensive and quite a OK looker however the X-Trail looks better overall.
Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V interior: The X-trail interior has been completely redesigned and updated. It’s is great place to be although there are no real advancements in styling. The CRV interior looks good and very nice place to be however there are some parts which should be more consistent in terms of materials. While the CRV layout is probably easier to live with thanks to the perception of space but the X-Trail looks nicer overall.
Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V engines and technology: Carryover engines from prior models means reliability but promised fuel savings are by cheap solution CVT gearbox and other tech. Diesel engines are offered but lets face it few choose them thanks to growing list of maintenance issues and cost in Oz. This year’s CRV will be the last with the 5 speed automatic and we suggest you get it before the CVT version arrives. The tech systems in the CRV are a little old school in presentation too which does not help things. There are more safety and tech features in the X-Trail which makes it the winner despite the CVT.
Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V drive: Haven’t driven the latest X-Trail yet. The drive experience of the CR-V is pretty good and ride is quite smooth reasonably quiet. It is essentially what you’d expect a small SUV to drive and feel like ie. its a great overall balance. We can’t really add much to the discussion. Note that ultimately we’d like a Volvo XC 60 but that’s just a little too expensive for what you get as there are so many other choices in the high price range.
Like the Qashqai before the X-Trail is one of the best packaged relatively small SUVs around. We like it for its looks and feels great and until we get to drive it I think we could take the chance. That said we think that the smaller Qashqai is probably the better buy (at this point) due to pricing overlaps. So unless you really need the extra space you should consider all three, CRV X-Trail sand Qashqai.
