MG ZST vs Nissan X-TRAIL
What's the difference?

MG ZST

$14,000 - $24,990

2024 price

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Nissan X-TRAIL

$38,305 - $58,380

2026 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

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Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2024 MG ZST

2026 Nissan X-TRAIL

By Emily Agar

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.3L

Turbo 3, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Electric/Pulp

Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

6.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Happy little price tag
Good features list
Nice kerb-side presence

Gutsy yet frugal hybrid system
Pleasant interior
Lots of kit

Dislikes

Tech needs improving
Upholstery/trims feel plasticky
Rivals have brand new five-star ANCAP ratings

No spare wheel
Stronger and more-adjustable single-pedal braking would be nice
Needs 95 RON premium unleaded petrol

2024 MG ZST Summary

The ZST is essentially an upgraded version of MG's popular small SUV, the ZS.

The ZST sees some tweaks to the overall design and some added standard safety features. So, if you like the original, there's a good chance you'll like the ZST and I've been driving the top-grade Essence variant with my family of three.

The ZST Essence has some stiff competition from similarly specified rivals like the GWM Haval Jolion Lux and Chery Omoda 5 EX offering affordable packages and similar driving experiences. So, what makes the ZST stand out?

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2026 Nissan X-TRAIL Summary

Can you believe that the Nissan X-Trail is 25 years old this year?

It’s safe to say that, over four generations, the Toyota RAV4 rival has been mostly good, though sometimes frustrating. The CVT autos from 2008 onwards have let the side down with dreary performance and questionable durability.

That said, the latest generation has also been the best of the lot, thanks in no small part to 'e-Power' and 'e-4orce' (translation: extended-range electric vehicle hybrid all-wheel drive, or EREV AWD) availability. A terrific allrounder.

Now, for 2026, Nissan has allegedly facelifted the X-Trail range.

Keep on reading to find out what’s changed, and whether the presumably-improved e-Power remains at the pointy end of the 35-strong mid-sized SUV segment.

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Interested in a Nissan X-TRAIL?

Deep dive comparison

2024 MG ZST 2026 Nissan X-TRAIL

Verdict

Will the MG ZST Essence fit a small family? Absolutely, and all but the middle seat passenger will be comfortable but there are areas open for improvement. Like it's safety, laggy tech and adding a few extra items in the back seat.

Yet, it still offers a good host of features and an attractive package for a reasonable price tag. Unfortunately, my son missed having the basic amenities but did like the sun roof.

Verdict

For its silver anniversary, the X-Trail in e-Power guise remains better than ever. And the flagship Ti-L makes a convincing, value-packed, well-equipped and enjoyable to drive luxury medium SUV alternative for the family. Its only glaring fault is the omission of a full-sized spare wheel.

But other than that, given the Nissan’s warranty, reputation and the fact that it's still so functional, economical, gutsy and easy to live with, the e-Power remains one of our favourite mid-size SUVs. Our choice would be the Ti, though, chiefly because of its comfier 19-inch wheels.

MG ZST vs Nissan X-TRAIL What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

MG ZST vs Nissan X-TRAIL
What's the difference?