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Here’s a comparison between the all new Nissan X-Trail and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Our current favourite new SUV the Qashqai has been hogging the limelight with us since release so its time we checked Nissan equally new X-Trail. We regard the X-Trail as one of the best new release SUVs and also think the Santa Fe one of the better older models. The key features of the Santa Fe was the availability of a diesel engine which is one of the better ones and of course it does look pretty decent too! Of course every compact SUV in this class now has a diesel engine thus not so unique.
Nissan X-Trail vs Hyundai Santa Fe exterior: The Hyundai Santa Fe looks good although a little dated now, furthermore the entry level model Santa Fe prior to the X-Trail release looks really cheap and mid range not much better, only the top range models rate in the looks department. The new X-Trail looks good regardless of model and apart from the slightly odd rear light design. Both are ultimately conservative designs but we like both. However since all X-Trail’s look good regardless of base model or top range wins the exterior looks department.
Nissan X-Trail vs Hyundai Santa Fe interior: Although we’ve seen the interior design theme before in the Qashqai there is absolutely no complaints here in the X-Trail after all they are essentially identical. It’s a nice place to be although more wagon like than traditional SUV like say the CRV. The Hyundai Santa Fe is a very dark and ‘old’ place overall it is not as inviting or impressive place to be e.g. flat seats. The quality bits are there but there are obvious some short cuts overall it doesn’t make you think – ‘gee this is nice’ especially since it is over priced at the moment. In fact it was probably the shortest time spent examining the interior of any car. Easy win to the Nissan X-Trail. (Admittedly the latest top range Santa Fe is very nice but way over priced.)
Nissan X-Trail vs Hyundai Santa Fe engines and technology: Both use carry over engines but the Nissan’s CVT has pre-programmed ‘gears’ so more often than not prevents the excess noise and unnecessary revving and ‘different’ driving characteristics. (So why not a regular transmission?) As a result the drive will be smoother like the Santa Fe. The lack of AWD as diesel Auto in the X-trail is also surprising. Both X-Trail and Santa Fe have a few tech goodies and they impress – but mainly in the showroom. Unfortunately overall the Santa Fe is too overpriced and still has less goodies.
Nissan X-Trail vs Hyundai Santa Fe drive: N/A yet.
Like the smaller Qashqai before the larger X-Trail is one of the best packaged relatively small SUVs around. We like it for its looks and inside feels good and until we get to drive it I think we could take the chance. The Santa Fe does not feel homely or even slightly upmarket, except for he top range model. We have to mention the Qashqai once again in this comparison as the closest competitor to the X-Trail and not the Santa Fe. If you really prefer the Santa Fe make sure you get a decent price below the X-Trail because the value package simply does not add up regardless of variant.
