Nissan X-Trail 2.0 Premium 7-seater (A) vs Subaru Forester 2.0i-L (A)
29 Dec 2014|137,567 views
The need to stand out in a crowded playing field such as the compact SUV segment has created a booming market sector for vehicle manufacturers, with a host of models now available.
The latest to make a comeback is Nissan. The third iteration of the X-Trail that you see here has shed the boxy image of the previous generation and brings along a sexy new style, two additional seats and a host of new technologies.
Subaru, on the other hand, is an established name in the segment. In line with established crossover SUV designs, the fourth and latest generation Forester is larger, roomier and less wagon-like than earlier models.
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Exterior
The words 'sophisticated' and 'stylish' are apt in describing the revamped X-Trail. It keeps up with the rest of the competition in its segment, sporting a contemporary look that is leagues ahead of its predecessor.
The X-Trail is also the larger one in this comparison and this is proven by its dimensions of 4,640mm x 1,820mm x 1,715mm (L x W x H). Also larger is its standard 18-inch wheels that give it a more athletic stance.
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On the other hand, while many people in the market looking for an SUV probably wouldn't give the Forester a second glance, we beg to differ. The Forester is the one that best fits the SUV description and it looks like it is ready to roll out for an adventure anytime, anywhere.
The Forester may be 45mm shorter and 25mm slimmer than the X-Trail, but its rugged looks and its more angular bodywork allow the car to have a greater presence - whether on or off the tarmac.
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Interior
The new X-Trail has a totally revamped interior. Its cabin looks and feels far classier and more upmarket than that of the outgoing model. The soft leather seats in the X-Trail also feel the most supportive, thanks to being zero-gravity inspired such as those found in recent Nissan models.
Although the Nissan SUV is the bigger car in this comparison, we found head and legroom for all occupants satisfactory. It also comes in a seven-seater configuration as standard but we reckon the two extra seats are better off folded down to accommodate more cargo.
Nonetheless, the X-Trail makes up for it with a larger boot space of 445 litres as well as an electronic tailgate.
In comparison, the Forester's cabin retains the neat layout its predecessor used to have but now boasts higher quality materials and feels much more solid as a whole. Black insets with a brushed finish also lend a premium feel to the car's interior.
Despite a boot space deficit of 23 litres as compared to the X-Trail, the Forester has an accessible cargo area with a low loading lip that makes loading and unloading much more convenient.
More importantly, passengers in the Subaru SUV will feel more comfortable thanks to the abundant head and legroom.
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The Drive
Powered by a 2.0-litre engine mated to a Xtronic CVT gearbox, the X-Trail may feel a little harsh when it is pushed hard. But once you get the car up to speed, you will be rewarded with composure.
More impressively, the powerplant never feels breathless and always feels persistent. Other than a respectable century sprint figure of 12.1 seconds, we also managed a decent fuel economy of 9.9km/L during our test drive - not bad for a car weighing in at over 1.6 tonnes.
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Round corners, the X-Trail may feel a little cumbersome with evident body roll. But it is still reasonably stable and provides a plusher ride, thanks to a comfort-tuned suspension setup that soaks up bumps and ruts with ease.
In comparison, a 2.0-litre Boxer engine mated to a seven-speed Lineartronic CVT gearbox can be found under the bonnet of the Forester and it is also the one that feels more raring to go.
The transmission provides linear gear cogs, allowing the engine to gather enough muster to lug the near 1.5-tonne vehicle from 0 to 100km/h in 11.8 seconds. The CVT transmission also helps in fuel efficiency, allowing us to achieve 10.1km/L.
But where the Forester really shines is in the handling department. It responds with absolute car-like accuracy and confidence - a characteristic that isn't common in its segment. At the same time, it grips well and keeps its feet firmly planted when thrown around bends.
Combined with the low centre-of-gravity characteristics of a Boxer engine, it is easily the nimbler one. Body roll is almost non-existent while the electric steering feels more communicative.
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Conclusion
Picking a winner here is difficult because each has its own strong points. Truth be told, a buyer looking for a particular quality depending on his/her individual tastes, needs and budget can easily be swayed in a particular direction.
The new Nissan X-Trail offers plenty of space and practicality, is well-equipped and generally pleasant to drive. But at $152,800 (as of 18th December 2014), it is the pricier one of the two.
On the other hand, the Forester costs $17,200 less and is fun to drive - something which can't be said about many rivals. Add an extra dollop of space, style, equipment and value and it finishes a nose ahead of its domestic rival here in this shootout.
The need to stand out in a crowded playing field such as the compact SUV segment has created a booming market sector for vehicle manufacturers, with a host of models now available.
The latest to make a comeback is Nissan. The third iteration of the X-Trail that you see here has shed the boxy image of the previous generation and brings along a sexy new style, two additional seats and a host of new technologies.
Subaru, on the other hand, is an established name in the segment. In line with established crossover SUV designs, the fourth and latest generation Forester is larger, roomier and less wagon-like than earlier models.
Exterior
The words 'sophisticated' and 'stylish' are apt in describing the revamped X-Trail. It keeps up with the rest of the competition in its segment, sporting a contemporary look that is leagues ahead of its predecessor.
The X-Trail is also the larger one in this comparison and this is proven by its dimensions of 4,640mm x 1,820mm x 1,715mm (L x W x H). Also larger is its standard 18-inch wheels that give it a more athletic stance.
On the other hand, while many people in the market looking for an SUV probably wouldn't give the Forester a second glance, we beg to differ. The Forester is the one that best fits the SUV description and it looks like it is ready to roll out for an adventure anytime, anywhere.
The Forester may be 45mm shorter and 25mm slimmer than the X-Trail, but its rugged looks and its more angular bodywork allow the car to have a greater presence - whether on or off the tarmac.
Interior
The new X-Trail has a totally revamped interior. Its cabin looks and feels far classier and more upmarket than that of the outgoing model. The soft leather seats in the X-Trail also feel the most supportive, thanks to being zero-gravity inspired such as those found in recent Nissan models.
Although the Nissan SUV is the bigger car in this comparison, we found head and legroom for all occupants satisfactory. It also comes in a seven-seater configuration as standard but we reckon the two extra seats are better off folded down to accommodate more cargo.
Nonetheless, the X-Trail makes up for it with a larger boot space of 445 litres as well as an electronic tailgate.
The new X-Trail has a totally revamped interior. Its cabin looks and feels far classier and more upmarket than that of the outgoing model. The soft leather seats in the X-Trail also feel the most supportive, thanks to being zero-gravity inspired such as those found in recent Nissan models.
Although the Nissan SUV is the bigger car in this comparison, we found head and legroom for all occupants satisfactory. It also comes in a seven-seater configuration as standard but we reckon the two extra seats are better off folded down to accommodate more cargo.
Nonetheless, the X-Trail makes up for it with a larger boot space of 445 litres as well as an electronic tailgate.
In comparison, the Forester's cabin retains the neat layout its predecessor used to have but now boasts higher quality materials and feels much more solid as a whole. Black insets with a brushed finish also lend a premium feel to the car's interior.
Despite a boot space deficit of 23 litres as compared to the X-Trail, the Forester has an accessible cargo area with a low loading lip that makes loading and unloading much more convenient.
More importantly, passengers in the Subaru SUV will feel more comfortable thanks to the abundant head and legroom.
The Drive
Powered by a 2.0-litre engine mated to a Xtronic CVT gearbox, the X-Trail may feel a little harsh when it is pushed hard. But once you get the car up to speed, you will be rewarded with composure.
More impressively, the powerplant never feels breathless and always feels persistent. Other than a respectable century sprint figure of 12.1 seconds, we also managed a decent fuel economy of 9.9km/L during our test drive - not bad for a car weighing in at over 1.6 tonnes.
Round corners, the X-Trail may feel a little cumbersome with evident body roll. But it is still reasonably stable and provides a plusher ride, thanks to a comfort-tuned suspension setup that soaks up bumps and ruts with ease.
In comparison, a 2.0-litre Boxer engine mated to a seven-speed Lineartronic CVT gearbox can be found under the bonnet of the Forester and it is also the one that feels more raring to go.
The transmission provides linear gear cogs, allowing the engine to gather enough muster to lug the near 1.5-tonne vehicle from 0 to 100km/h in 11.8 seconds. The CVT transmission also helps in fuel efficiency, allowing us to achieve 10.1km/L.
Powered by a 2.0-litre engine mated to a Xtronic CVT gearbox, the X-Trail may feel a little harsh when it is pushed hard. But once you get the car up to speed, you will be rewarded with composure.
More impressively, the powerplant never feels breathless and always feels persistent. Other than a respectable century sprint figure of 12.1 seconds, we also managed a decent fuel economy of 9.9km/L during our test drive - not bad for a car weighing in at over 1.6 tonnes.
Round corners, the X-Trail may feel a little cumbersome with evident body roll. But it is still reasonably stable and provides a plusher ride, thanks to a comfort-tuned suspension setup that soaks up bumps and ruts with ease.
In comparison, a 2.0-litre Boxer engine mated to a seven-speed Lineartronic CVT gearbox can be found under the bonnet of the Forester and it is also the one that feels more raring to go.
The transmission provides linear gear cogs, allowing the engine to gather enough muster to lug the near 1.5-tonne vehicle from 0 to 100km/h in 11.8 seconds. The CVT transmission also helps in fuel efficiency, allowing us to achieve 10.1km/L.
But where the Forester really shines is in the handling department. It responds with absolute car-like accuracy and confidence - a characteristic that isn't common in its segment. At the same time, it grips well and keeps its feet firmly planted when thrown around bends.
Combined with the low centre-of-gravity characteristics of a Boxer engine, it is easily the nimbler one. Body roll is almost non-existent while the electric steering feels more communicative.
Conclusion
Picking a winner here is difficult because each has its own strong points. Truth be told, a buyer looking for a particular quality depending on his/her individual tastes, needs and budget can easily be swayed in a particular direction.
The new Nissan X-Trail offers plenty of space and practicality, is well-equipped and generally pleasant to drive. But at $152,800 (as of 18th December 2014), it is the pricier one of the two.
On the other hand, the Forester costs $17,200 less and is fun to drive - something which can't be said about many rivals. Add an extra dollop of space, style, equipment and value and it finishes a nose ahead of its domestic rival here in this shootout.
Car Information
Subaru Forester 2.0i-L (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12.7km/L
Horsepower
110kW (148 bhp)
Torque
198 Nm
Acceleration
11.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Subaru ForesterNissan X-Trail 2.0 Premium 7-Seater (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13.3km/L
Horsepower
106kW (142 bhp)
Torque
200 Nm
Acceleration
12.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Nissan X-TrailThank You For Your Subscription.