Nissan X-TRAIL vs Polestar 2
What's the difference?

Nissan X-TRAIL

$38,305 - $58,380

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Polestar 2

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2026 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2026 Nissan X-TRAIL

2026 Polestar 2

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.5L

Electric motor type

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Fuel Type

Electric/Pulp

Vehicle type

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Fuel Efficiency

6.1L/100km (combined)

Electric range

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Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

—

Seating

Likes

Gutsy yet frugal hybrid system
Pleasant interior
Lots of kit

Fun and agile to drive
More efficient and quicker charging
Amazing (yet optional) Bowers & Wilkins sound system

Dislikes

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

Cabin space and storage still compromised
Options add up quick
No cover for panoramic glass roof

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?

2026 Polestar 2 Summary

The Polestar 2 was one of the first electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia to break through to the mainstream, however it has always been relegated to the Tesla Model 3’s shadow.

As a result Polestar is constantly playing catch up, releasing update after update for this premium-pushing electric liftback. The most notable was a major mid-life update in 2024.

Two years after this, Polestar has just rolled out the 2026 model year (MY26) update which introduces a range of subtle changes, largely under the surface.

It comes as Polestar is now introducing newer models, there’s mounting pressure from legacy carmakers who are only now catching up to EV tech, and Australians are moving away from buying passenger cars to SUVs.

Has this latest update improved the appeal? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Nissan X-TRAIL 2026 Polestar 2

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

This latest update for the Polestar 2 is lovely, but driving the original is a reminder of how solid this car has always been if you overlook the inherent impracticalities of being an EV on a combustion-engine platform.

The fact you still get steady flow of over-the-air software updates bringing new features, plus you can now upgrade to the new Qualcomm processor chip, saving some coin and getting a second-hand model that’s a couple of years old isn’t a bad option at all.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Nissan X-TRAIL vs Polestar 2 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Nissan X-TRAIL vs Polestar 2
What's the difference?