Exterior
Nissan X-Trail: The newly announced Nissan X-Trail features a contemporary design with sharp body lines and a bold front fascia. The X-Trail has a soccer mom/commuter car vibe, which I guess isn’t so bad considering the fact that Nissan’s Indian lineup doesn’t exactly have “pretty” cars. Measuring 4680mm in length, 1840mm in width and 1725mm in height, it rides on attractive 20-inch alloy wheels.
Skoda Kodiaq: The Skoda Kodiaq impresses with its sophisticated design and dynamic stance. This is a better visual treat than its VW sibling, the Tiguan. It measures 4699 mm in length, 1882 mm in width and 1685 mm in height, with 18-inch alloy wheels.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 1 Škoda-Kodiaq-Long-Term-3](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Skoda-Kodiaq-Long-Term-3.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 2 Škoda-Kodiaq-Long-Term-3](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Skoda-Kodiaq-Long-Term-3.jpg)
Jeep Meridian: The Jeep Meridian looks like a stretched Compass from the front, but it’s at the rear that you realize the Compass doesn’t look half bad. It sports a rugged, muscular look, similar to the Compass. It measures 4769 mm long, 1859 mm wide and 1682 mm tall, and is fitted with 18-inch wheels.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 3 Jeep Meridian Overland](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jeep-Meridian-Overland.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 4 Jeep Meridian Overland](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jeep-Meridian-Overland.jpg)
Toyota Fortuner: Does this car need an introduction? The word power resonates with this SUV. The Fortuner, given its size, looks very bold. It measures 4795 mm in length, 1855 mm in width and 1835 mm in height, with 18-inch wheels.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 5 Toyota Fortuner Leader Edition](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Toyota-Fortuner-Leader-Edition.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 6 Toyota Fortuner Leader Edition](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Toyota-Fortuner-Leader-Edition.jpg)
Hyundai Tucson: The Hyundai Tucson looks sharp and muscular overall. It definitely turns heads with its aggressive yet civilized looks. With dimensions of 4630 mm in length, 1865 mm in width and 1665 mm in height, it comes with 18-inch wheels.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 7 2023 Hyundai Tucson revealed](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2023-Hyundai-Tucson-Unveiled.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 8 2023 Hyundai Tucson revealed](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2023-Hyundai-Tucson-Unveiled.jpg)
MG Gloster: The Gloster looks like a big, muscular SUV. I’m not a huge fan of the front end, but it definitely has a strong presence on the road. MG was keen to remind everyone that the Gloster is a “BRITISH SUV” with “British” badges on the exterior. It measures 4985mm long, 1926mm wide and 1867mm tall. Making it the largest in this comparison.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 9 MG Gloster snowstorm](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MG-Gloster-Snowstorm.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 10 MG Gloster snowstorm](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MG-Gloster-Snowstorm.jpg)
Volkswagen Tiguan: The Volkswagen Tiguan looks very refined and calm. It doesn’t scream “look at me” in traffic, but it’s tall enough to make you appreciate its subtle appearance. It measures 4509 mm long, 1839 mm wide and 1675 mm high, with 18-inch alloy wheels.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 11 Volkswagen Tiguan Travelogue 8](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Volkswagen-Tiguan-Travelogue-8.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 12 Volkswagen Tiguan Travelogue 8](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Volkswagen-Tiguan-Travelogue-8.jpg)
Interior
Nissan X-Trail: Despite its high price tag, the X-Trail surprisingly doesn’t have leather seats. However, it does offer a spacious and well-designed cabin, but the 8-inch touchscreen that’s getting a lot of laughs isn’t too bad either.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 13 Nissan X-Trail-8 2024](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-Nissan-X-Trail-8.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 14 Nissan X-Trail-8 2024](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-Nissan-X-Trail-8.jpg)
Skoda Kodiaq: The Kodiaq’s interior exudes luxury with high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and advanced technology. The Kodiaq is well-equipped with features, and they do a good job of distracting you from the fingerprint magnet that the piano black trim is. It offers generous trunk space with the seats folded down.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 15 Škoda-Kodiaq-Long-Term-14](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Skoda-Kodiaq-Long-Term-14.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 16 Škoda-Kodiaq-Long-Term-14](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Skoda-Kodiaq-Long-Term-14.jpg)
Jeep Meridian: The Meridian’s interior screams luxury and quality. Jeep has maintained its standards across all of its cars without discriminating between products, unlike many mass manufacturers out there.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 17 Jeep Meridian Overland Interior](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jeep-Meridian-Overland-Interior.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 18 Jeep Meridian Overland Interior](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jeep-Meridian-Overland-Interior.jpg)
Toyota Fortuner: The Fortuner features a spacious and durable interior designed for practicality and comfort, suitable for both city driving and off-road adventures.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 19 Toyota Fortuner 2021 Dashboard](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2021-Toyota-Fortuner-Dashboard.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 20 Toyota Fortuner 2021 Dashboard](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2021-Toyota-Fortuner-Dashboard.jpg)
Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson’s cabin screams sophistication and luxury. It’s well-designed, making it feel like it belongs in a class above, and the Tucson is also packed with features.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 21 Hyundai Tucson 2023 reveals interiors](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2023-Hyundai-Tucson-Unveiled-Interiors.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 22 Hyundai Tucson 2023 reveals interiors](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2023-Hyundai-Tucson-Unveiled-Interiors.jpg)
MG Gloster: Stepping into the Gloster, you are immediately reminded of BMW’s interior design. It definitely doesn’t fall short in the luxury department with the beige interiors.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 23 MG-Gloster-39](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/MG-Gloster-39.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 24 MG-Gloster-39](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/MG-Gloster-39.jpg)
Volkswagen Tiguan: The Tiguan’s interior is stylish and functional, with high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and advanced infotainment options.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 25 Interior of the Volkswagen Tiguan 2022](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2022-Volkswagen-Tiguan-Interior.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 26 Interior of the Volkswagen Tiguan 2022](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2022-Volkswagen-Tiguan-Interior.jpg)
Performance and powertrain
Nissan X-Trail: Powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, it produces 163 BHP and 300 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT gearbox. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in under 10 seconds, but it doesn’t have all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 27 Nissan X-Trail engine](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Nissan-X-Trail-Engine.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 28 Nissan X-Trail engine](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Nissan-X-Trail-Engine.jpg)
Skoda Kodiaq: It has a 2.0 L turbo-petrol engine producing 190 HP and 320 Nm of torque, mated to a 7DCT gearbox. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds. The engine is fast, but it consumes a lot of fuel! The Kodiaq comes with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) to go from a comfortable ride to a sporty one! It comes with a 4WD system.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 29 Škoda-Kodiaq-Long-Term-8](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Skoda-Kodiaq-Long-Term-8.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 30 Škoda-Kodiaq-Long-Term-8](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Skoda-Kodiaq-Long-Term-8.jpg)
Jeep Meridian: It offers a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, delivering 170 hp and 350 Nm of peak torque with a 6MT or 9AT gearbox, available in 4×2 and 4×4 variants. It is the same Fiat-sourced engine that powers a range of cars in India, including the Compass, MG Hector, Tata Harrier It is Tata Safari.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 31 Jeep Meridian 6](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jeep-Meridian-6.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 32 Jeep Meridian 6](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jeep-Meridian-6.jpg)
Toyota Fortuner: Powered by a 2.8-litre diesel engine that produces 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque for the automatic transmission and 420 Nm of torque for the manual transmission variants. It comes with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission options. Available in RWD or 4WD.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 33 Toyota Fortuner 2021 Price](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2021-Toyota-Fortuner-Price.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 34 Toyota Fortuner 2021 Price](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2021-Toyota-Fortuner-Price.jpg)
Hyundai Tucson: It comes with either a 2.0-litre diesel engine generating 183 BHP and 416 Nm of torque (8AT gearbox) or a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 153 BHP and 190 Nm of torque (6AT gearbox). Available in FWD or 4WD.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 35 Hyundai Tucson 2023 reveals side](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2023-Hyundai-Tucson-Unveiled-Side.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 36 Hyundai Tucson 2023 reveals side](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2023-Hyundai-Tucson-Unveiled-Side.jpg)
MG Gloster: Powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 161 BHP and 375 Nm of torque and a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel that produces 215 BHP and 480 Nm of torque. Both engines are offered with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Available with 4×2 and 4×4 variants.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 37 MG-Gloster-7](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/MG-Gloster-7.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 38 MG-Gloster-7](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/MG-Gloster-7.jpg)
Volkswagen Tiguan: Powered by a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine producing 190 BHP and 320 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The Tiguan is a much more dynamic car when it comes to driving compared to its cousin, the Kodiaq. The Tiguan also has a 4WD system.
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 39 Volkswagen Tiguan TSI review](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Volkswagen-Tiguan-TSI-Review.jpg)
![Nissan X-Trail vs Rivals- Shooting | MotorBeam 40 Volkswagen Tiguan TSI review](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Volkswagen-Tiguan-TSI-Review.jpg)
Comparison table
Specification | Nissan X-Trail | Skoda Kodiaq | Jeep Meridian | Toyota Fortuner | Hyundai Tucson | MG Gloster | Volkswagen Tiguan |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Length (mm) | 4680 | 4699 | 4769 | 4795 | 4630 | 4985 | 4509 |
Width (mm) | 1840 | 1882 | 1859 | 1855 | 1865 | 1926 | 1839 |
Height (mm) | 1725 | 1685 | 1682 | 1835 | 1665 | 1867 | 1675 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 2705 | 2791 | 2794 | 2745 | 2755 | 2950 | 2679 |
Ground clearance (mm) | 210 | 192 | 203 | 225 | 192 | 210 | 201 |
Wheel size | 20 inches | 18 inches | 18 inches | 18 inches | 18 inches | 19 inches | 18 inches |
Engine type | 1.5L 3 cylinders Turbo Petrol | 2.0L TSI Petrol | 2.0L Diesel | 2.7L Petrol / 2.8L Diesel | 2.0L Petrol / 2.0L Diesel | 2.0L Twin Turbo Diesel | 2.0L TSI Petrol |
Engine displacement | 1498cc | 1984cc | 1956cc | 2694cc / 2755cc | 1999cc / 1997cc | 1996cc | 1984cc |
Output power | 160 HP | 187 HP | 170 HP | 164 HP / 201 HP | 156 HP / 182 HP | 218 HP | 187 HP |
Torque | 300 Nm | 320 Nm | 350 Nm | 245 Nm / 500 Nm | 192 Nm / 400 Nm | 480 Nm | 320 Nm |
Gear box | Continuous transmission | 7-speed DSG | 9-speed AT | 5 speed MT / 6 speed AT | 6-speed AT / 8-speed AT | 8-speed AT | 7-speed DSG |
Streaming | Forward | 4×4 | All-wheel drive/Front-wheel drive | 4X2 / 4X4 |
Front / All-wheel drive |
2WD / 4WD | 4×4 |
Verdict
Spending Rs. 40-45 lakhs on a car with a three-cylinder engine, basic wheels and fabric seats may not meet the expectations of many buyers in this price range. It would be great to see brands like Nissan prioritising offering the latest and most competitive products in the Indian market. While it is understandable that global inventory may fluctuate, offering outdated models may not resonate well with discerning Indian consumers who seek value for their money.
Expecting the X-Trail to see decent sales numbers would be tough if it were priced around Rs. 40-45 lakhs, you’re better off going for the Skoda Kodiaq or the Tiguan, which offer a more balanced package with premium interiors and 4WD options. The Toyota Fortuner offers rugged appeal and off-road capabilities along with Toyota’s great resale value and reliable after-sales service. While the Hyundai Tucson stands out for its modern design and comfort. The MG Gloster impresses with its powerful diesel engine, luxury and 4WD options.
Choosing the right SUV ultimately comes down to individual preferences and priorities, so it’s important to make an informed decision before investing in a vehicle. While some models can be quite expensive, especially those imported as completely built units (CBUs), there are plenty of great options available. Personally, I’d go for the Tiguan, but I’d love to hear about your favorite SUV in the comments!