Nissan X-Trail vs Subaru Forester

VALUE from $42,990

VALUE from $40,990

The X-Trail diesel can be had only in AWD with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The top-spec TL gets full leather interior with power adjustable and heated driver and passenger seats, satnav and DVD player, reversing camera, xenon headlights and much more. Metallic paint adds $495.

Only available (at this stage) with a six-speed manual, the top-spec 2.0D Premium gets a full leather interior and 17-inch alloy wheels (plus a full-size alloy spare). It gets Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, sunroof, self-levelling rear suspension, xenon headlights and reversing camera.

The 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder is shared with twin under the skin Renault Koleos. The outputs are 110kW/320Nm in auto (127kW/360Nm manual) and thirst is 7.2-7.4L/100km. Nissan's all-mode 4x4i system runs default AWD, 2WD for highway cruising and Lock for low-grip conditions.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre boxer four-cylinder turbo producing 108kW and 350Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is 6.4L/100km, almost 1L better than the X-Trail. Ensuring traction at both ends is Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

DESIGN

Introduced in 2008, the X-Trail is among the oldest SUVs. The main reason for its longevity is its practical and boxy design. Its short overhangs and cavernous interior (603L) appeal to those who really go off road. It is looking dated but it works, so demand is still high, new or used.

The Forester is also getting a little long in the tooth but that doesn't stop it from being eminently practical. Big door openings make access a cinch and cargo space is good (450L/1610L). The interior is well designed and practical but some plastics are scratchy.

It has a four-star ANCAP rating. There are six airbags, stability and traction controls and all-wheel drive. Only the front seat belts get pre-tensioners, there are three child restraint anchor points, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and active brake limited slip.

It has a five-star ANCAP rating, six airbags and AWD.
There are load limiters on the front and rear seat belts and front pre-tensioners, three child restraint anchors, stability and traction controls, hill-start assist and ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution.

The ride is skewed to dirt rather than bitumen. The X-Trail feels heavy in corners and rolls right over. The steering, while consistently weighted, is too light. The auto always seems in too high a gear and can be reluctant to shift down exiting slower corners.

With 215mm of clearance the Forester is up there with the heftier off -roaders, and AWD ensures plenty of grip on dirt and bitumen. The ride is soft, but not as spongy as the X-Trail's and there's decent weight in the wheel. The manual is slick and there's plenty of grunt.