Nissan X-Trail vs Honda ZR-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 ZR-V opens at $38,900. 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 $41,525 and $42,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda ZR-V by roughly $2,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Nissan X-Trail and Honda ZR-V hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Nissan X-Trail and 79% for the Honda ZR-V.
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 Nissan X-Trail and 7 in the Honda ZR-V.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan X-Trail features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Honda ZR-V gets a 9-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Nissan X-Trail stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Honda ZR-V. The Honda ZR-V counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and ambient lighting. 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 ZR-V responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 243Nm, paired to a cvt 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 Nissan X-Trail measures 4,680mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 112mm longer than the Honda ZR-V at 4,568mm (2,655mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan X-Trail generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 205L in the Nissan X-Trail and 339L in the Honda ZR-V, giving the Honda ZR-V a 134L advantage.
For towing, the Honda ZR-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.
10.4m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m 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 $1,653/year for the Honda ZR-V. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Honda ZR-V.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Nissan X-Trail) vs $1,653 (Honda ZR-V). 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 / 300,000km (Nissan X-Trail) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Honda ZR-V). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Honda ZR-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 ZR-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 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Nissan X-Trail and Honda ZR-V?
The Nissan X-Trail is the cheapest at $37,750 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Honda ZR-V by $1,150.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda ZR-V uses the least fuel at 5.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Nissan X-Trail and Honda ZR-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 ZR-V has the largest boot at 339L.
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 ZR-V makes the most power at 140kW.
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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