Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V
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 Nissan X-Trail starts from $37,750 before on-road costs, while the Honda CR-V opens at $39,900. That makes the Nissan X-Trail the more affordable entry point by $2,150.
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 $41,525 and $43,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Nissan X-Trail and 88% for the Honda CR-V.
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 3 in the Honda CR-V.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Nissan X-Trail and 11 in the Honda CR-V.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan X-Trail features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Honda CR-V gets a 9-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda CR-V counters with power tailgate that the Nissan X-Trail does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Nissan X-Trail lines up producing 135kW and 244Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
The Honda CR-V responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 243Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 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 Nissan X-Trail measures 4,680mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 24mm shorter than the Honda CR-V at 4,704mm (2,701mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan X-Trail generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 205L in the Nissan X-Trail and 561L in the Honda CR-V, giving the Honda CR-V a 356L advantage.
For towing, the Honda CR-V 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 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m 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 $2,109/year for the Nissan X-Trail and $1,910/year for the Honda CR-V. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Honda CR-V.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Nissan X-Trail) vs $1,910 (Honda CR-V). The Honda CR-V saves you roughly $199 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan X-Trail) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Honda CR-V). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Honda CR-V).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan X-Trail if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Honda CR-V if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Honda CR-V takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Honda CR-V will save you roughly $199 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, Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V?
The Nissan X-Trail is the cheapest at $37,750 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Honda CR-V by $2,150.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda CR-V uses the least fuel at 6.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V 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 Nissan X-Trail 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.
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
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