Hyundai Tucson 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 Hyundai Tucson 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 Hyundai Tucson by roughly $1,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Tucson and Nissan X-Trail hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Hyundai Tucson and 91% for the Nissan X-Trail.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Nissan X-Trail packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Hyundai Tucson.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Tucson uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 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 Nissan X-Trail has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan X-Trail is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Tucson measures 4,630mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 50mm shorter than the Nissan X-Trail at 4,680mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Tucson generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 539L in the Hyundai Tucson and 205L in the Nissan X-Trail, giving the Hyundai Tucson a 334L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Tucson leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 150kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
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 $1,853/year for the Hyundai Tucson and $2,109/year for the Nissan X-Trail. That is a $256 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Tucson.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Hyundai Tucson) vs $2,109 (Nissan X-Trail). The Hyundai Tucson saves you roughly $256 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Tucson) vs 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan X-Trail). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Tucson if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan X-Trail if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Hyundai Tucson and Nissan X-Trail trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Hyundai Tucson will save you roughly $256 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Tucson 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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