Nissan X-Trail vs Subaru Forester

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Nissan X-Trail at 5 stars (2021) and the Subaru Forester at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2021 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Nissan X-Trail and 83% for the Subaru Forester, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Subaru Forester, against 6 on 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 9 in the Subaru Forester.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Nissan X-Trail features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Subaru Forester counters with heated front seats. 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 Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW 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 4,690mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 35mm longer than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (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 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Nissan X-Trail a 89L advantage.

For towing, the Nissan X-Trail leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Subaru Forester's turning circle is 0.3 m tighter, 10.8 m against 11.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Nissan X-Trail costs about $2,109 a year (7.4 L/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Forester about $2,252 a year (7.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $143 a year less for the Nissan X-Trail.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Nissan X-Trail) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Nissan X-Trail), 5 years (Subaru Forester).

Where each one leads

The Nissan X-Trail: the lower starting price ($38,305 against $45,990), the bigger boot with the seats up (585L against 496L), the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,800kg) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,109 a year against $2,252).

The Subaru Forester: more power (136kW against 135kW).

The Verdict

Nissan X-Trail scores higher, 77 vs 76

The Nissan X-Trail scores 77 to the Subaru Forester's 76 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: safety (Subaru Forester ahead by 4 points), fuel economy (Nissan X-Trail ahead by 4 points), practicality (Nissan X-Trail ahead by 4 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Nissan X-Trail costs about $143 less (7.4 L/100km against 7.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 585L in the Nissan X-Trail, 496L in the Subaru Forester.

Common questions