Honda ZR-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 ZR-V starts from $38,900 before on-road costs, while the Nissan X-Trail opens at $37,750. That makes the Nissan X-Trail the more affordable entry point by $1,150.
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 $42,790 and $41,525 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda ZR-V by roughly $2,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Honda ZR-V and Nissan X-Trail hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 79% for the Honda ZR-V and 91% for the Nissan X-Trail.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Honda ZR-V packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Nissan X-Trail.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Honda ZR-V and 7 in the Nissan X-Trail.
Feature Showdown
The Honda ZR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the Nissan X-Trail gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda ZR-V stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Nissan X-Trail. The Nissan X-Trail counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Honda ZR-V uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 243Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 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 ZR-V has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 135kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda ZR-V measures 4,568mm long on a 2,655mm wheelbase, 112mm shorter 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 339L in the Honda ZR-V and 205L in the Nissan X-Trail, giving the Honda ZR-V a 134L 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.
10.4m to 11.0m
Based on 10.4m 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 $1,653/year for the Honda ZR-V and $2,109/year for the Nissan X-Trail. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Honda ZR-V.
Estimated annual total: $1,653 (Honda ZR-V) vs $2,109 (Nissan X-Trail). The Honda ZR-V saves you roughly $456 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda ZR-V) vs 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan X-Trail). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda ZR-V)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda ZR-V if: You 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 want the lower entry price, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Honda ZR-V takes 3 of 4 key spec categories. The Honda ZR-V will save you roughly $456 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Honda ZR-V has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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