Honda CR-V vs Nissan X-Trail
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Honda CR-V starts from $37,000 before on-road costs, while the Nissan X-Trail opens at $38,140. That makes the Honda CR-V the more affordable entry point by $1,140.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $40,700 and $41,954 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Honda CR-V and 91% for the Nissan X-Trail.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 11 in the Honda CR-V and 7 in the Nissan X-Trail.
Feature Showdown
The Honda CR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Nissan X-Trail gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda CR-V stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the Nissan X-Trail. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Honda CR-V gets leather upholstery while the Nissan X-Trail offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Honda CR-V uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Nissan X-Trail lines up making 135kW and 244Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The Honda CR-V has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 135kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan X-Trail is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda CR-V measures 4,704mm long on a 2,701mm wheelbase, 24mm longer than the Nissan X-Trail at 4,680mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan X-Trail generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 561L in the Honda CR-V and 205L in the Nissan X-Trail, giving the Honda CR-V a 356L advantage.
For towing, the Nissan X-Trail leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,024/year for the Honda CR-V and $2,109/year for the Nissan X-Trail. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Honda CR-V.
Estimated annual total: $2,024 (Honda CR-V) vs $2,109 (Nissan X-Trail). The Honda CR-V saves you roughly $85 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda CR-V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan X-Trail). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda CR-V)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda CR-V if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan X-Trail if: You or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Honda CR-V takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Honda CR-V will save you roughly $85 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Honda CR-V has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail?
The Honda CR-V is the cheapest at $37,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan X-Trail by $1,140.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda CR-V uses the least fuel at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Honda CR-V has the largest boot at 561L.
Which can tow the most?
The Honda CR-V has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Honda CR-V makes the most power at 140kW. The Nissan X-Trail is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
Get ahead of your next car
Join free for new-car launches, news, reviews and buying guides. The independent take on what's new in Australia and what's actually worth buying, no dealer spin. Plus early access and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
