Nissan X-TRAIL vs Audi Q2
What's the difference?

Nissan X-TRAIL

$38,305 - $58,380

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Audi Q2

$21,888 - $33,990

2021 price

View pricing & specs

Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

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

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Nissan X-TRAIL

2021 Audi Q2

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.5L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.1L/100km (combined)

7.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Gutsy yet frugal hybrid system
Pleasant interior
Lots of kit

Good value
SQ2 has great performance
Angular looks

Dislikes

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

Cabin feels old
Could have more standard safety tech
Rear legroom limited

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.

View full pricing & specs

Interested in a Nissan X-TRAIL?

2021 Audi Q2 Summary

Audi’s littlest and most affordable SUV, the Q2, has been updated with new looks and tech, but something else has snuck in with it. Or should I say roared in? It’s the SQ2, with a whopping 300 horsepower and a snarling bark.

So, this review has something for everybody. It’s for those who want to know what’s new for the Q2 in this latest update - those thinking of buying a cool-looking little SUV from Audi - and for those who want to wake their neighbours up and frighten their friends.

Ready? Let’s go.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Nissan X-TRAIL 2021 Audi Q2

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.

Verdict

The Q2 is good value and great to drive – especially the SQ2. The exterior looks new, but the cabin feels older than the larger Q3, and most other Audi models.

More standard advanced safety tech would make the Q2 even more appealing, as would a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. While we’re at it, a hybrid variant would make enormous sense.

So, a great car, but Audi could offer more to make it an even better proposition for buyers.

Nissan X-TRAIL vs Audi Q2 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Nissan X-TRAIL vs Audi Q2
What's the difference?