Nissan X-Trail vs Subaru Crosstrek
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Nissan X-Trail starts from $38,140 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Crosstrek opens at $38,990. That makes the Nissan X-Trail the more affordable entry point by $850.
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 $41,954 and $42,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Nissan X-Trail and Subaru Crosstrek hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Nissan X-Trail and 83% for the Subaru Crosstrek.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Nissan X-Trail, against 5 on the Subaru Crosstrek.
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 9 in the Subaru Crosstrek.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan X-Trail features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Crosstrek gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-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 Subaru Crosstrek. The Subaru Crosstrek counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate. 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 Subaru Crosstrek responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 196Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
The Nissan X-Trail has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 115kW. 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, 185mm longer than the Subaru Crosstrek at 4,495mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan X-Trail generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 585L in the Nissan X-Trail and 291L in the Subaru Crosstrek, giving the Nissan X-Trail a 294L advantage.
For towing, the Nissan X-Trail leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,400kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.1m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Nissan X-Trail and $2,052/year for the Subaru Crosstrek. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Crosstrek.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Nissan X-Trail) vs $2,052 (Subaru Crosstrek). The Subaru Crosstrek saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan X-Trail) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan X-Trail if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan X-Trail takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Subaru Crosstrek will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Nissan X-Trail 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 Subaru Crosstrek?
The Nissan X-Trail is the cheapest at $38,140 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Crosstrek by $850.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Crosstrek uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Nissan X-Trail and Subaru Crosstrek all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Nissan X-Trail has the largest boot at 585L.
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan X-Trail has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan X-Trail makes the most power at 135kW.
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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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