Subaru Crosstrek 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 Subaru Crosstrek starts from $36,490 before on-road costs, while the Nissan X-Trail opens at $37,750. That makes the Subaru Crosstrek the more affordable entry point by $1,260.
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 $40,139 and $41,525 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Crosstrek and Nissan X-Trail hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Crosstrek 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 5 in 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 Subaru Crosstrek and 7 in the Nissan X-Trail.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Crosstrek features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Nissan X-Trail gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Crosstrek stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Nissan X-Trail. The Nissan X-Trail counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Crosstrek uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 196Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 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 2.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Crosstrek measures 4,495mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 185mm shorter than the Nissan X-Trail at 4,680mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan X-Trail generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 559L in the Subaru Crosstrek and 205L in the Nissan X-Trail, giving the Subaru Crosstrek a 354L advantage.
For towing, the Nissan X-Trail leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 300kg 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 11.0m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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 $2,195/year for the Subaru Crosstrek and $2,109/year for the Nissan X-Trail. That is a $86 annual difference in favour of the Nissan X-Trail.
Estimated annual total: $2,195 (Subaru Crosstrek) vs $2,109 (Nissan X-Trail). The Nissan X-Trail saves you roughly $86 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek) vs 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan X-Trail). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan X-Trail if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan X-Trail takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Nissan X-Trail will save you roughly $86 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Crosstrek 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, Subaru Crosstrek and Nissan X-Trail?
The Subaru Crosstrek is the cheapest at $36,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan X-Trail by $1,260.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Nissan X-Trail uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Crosstrek and Nissan X-Trail all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Crosstrek has the largest boot at 559L.
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan X-Trail has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan X-Trail makes the most power at 135kW. 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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