Subaru Crosstrek vs Nissan X-Trail

The Subaru Crosstrek starts from $38,990 before on-road costs, while the Nissan X-Trail opens at $38,305. That makes the Nissan X-Trail the more affordable entry point by $685.

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 $42,889 and $42,136 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

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. 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 9 in the Subaru Crosstrek and 7 in the Nissan X-Trail.

The Subaru Crosstrek features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Nissan X-Trail gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. 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 — features our data doesn't list for the Nissan X-Trail. The Nissan X-Trail counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Subaru Crosstrek uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 196Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout.

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. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

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 291L in the Subaru Crosstrek and 585L in the Nissan X-Trail, 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.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,052/year for the Subaru Crosstrek and $2,109/year for the Nissan X-Trail. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Crosstrek.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan X-Trail). Both match on warranty length.