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Nissan X Trail vs Mazda CX 5 - Which is the Champion?
Table of Contents
- Practicality and Lifestyle
- Engine and Transmission
- Fuel consumption
- Interior
- Technology and Features
- Safety
- Nissan X Trail vs Mazda CX 5: What's the verdict?
Wondering whether to go for the Nissan X Trail vs Mazda CX-5? We break down the differences between the new models to see which ends up on top.
Practicality and Lifestyle
The Nissan X
-Trail and the Mazda CX-5 both make sales in the tens of thousands and are known for being capable and versatile SUVs. Australian families love them for their spaciousness and practicality. 4X4 X-Trails are high performers off road while the CX-5 shines in high traffic situations as well as long drives.
Although the CX-5 is shorter than the X-Trail, its generous 2.7m wheelbase means the interior is roomier than you might think. In fact, the CX-5 outperforms the X-Trail when it comes to boot space. The CX-5 boasts 438L with the seats upright and 1340L with the rear seats folded down compared to a maximum of 945L in the 5-seater X-Trail and a maximum of 825L in the 7-seater.
Towing capacity for both cars is comparable: 1500kg braked and 750kg unbraked for the X-Trail vs 1800kg braked and 750kg unbraked for the CX-5.
Engine and Transmission
The flagship CX-5 comes with a 2.5L turbo petrol engine that produces 170kW of power and 420Nm of torque with 6 speed automatic transmission. Its X-Trail counterpart comes with a 2.5L 4 cylinder petrol engine that produces 126kW at 6000rpm and 226Nm at 4400rpm.
The CX-5 is a pleasure to drive at slow speeds (thanks to peak torque being available from 2000rpm), but equally comfortable at high speeds, showing the zoom zoom factor Mazda models are known for. In fact, it can get from 0 to 100km/h in just under 8 seconds.
Fuel consumption
The two cars are more or less on par when it comes to fuel consumption. You'll see variations within the different options of each, depending on whether you're comparing diesel vs petrol engines and four-wheel drive vs all-wheel drive.
For the X-Trail, the entry level 2WD 2.0L petrol engine gets through 8.2L per 100km while the Nissan X-Trail Ti 2.5L petrol is not much hungrier at 8.3L per 100km. The most economical is the 5-seater 2.5L 2WD at 7.9L per 100km.
The entry grade of the CX5 Maxx is most efficient on the Extra Urban setting, using an impressive 6.01L per 100km. The Urban setting is more comparable with the X Trail at 8.4L per 100km.
The 2.5L turbo petrol engine in the CX-5 Akera is hungrier at 10.3L per 100km on the Urban setting. The diesel engine has better fuel efficiency at 6.51L on the Urban setting and as low as 5.21L on the Extra Urban setting.
Interior
Both the X Trail and the CX5 have a generous cabin size and decent second row seating for rear passengers. The third row in the 7 seater X-Trail starts to get a little more cramped and would be uncomfortable for adult passengers, though children should be fine.
Hard plastics are the prominent material in the lower entry X-Trails but higher tiers offer a leather dash and console. Like all Mazda models, the interior design of the CX5 approaches luxury car standards, featuring smooth lines and elegant details, even on the entry level grades.
Technology and Features
Both vehicles offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone systems, power steering and rear view cameras across the board. The X Trail has a 7-inch infotainment display while the CX-5 is more generous at 8 inches, or 10.25 inches in the Akera.
The ST and ST+ tiers of the X Trail come with features like cloth seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lights and automatic high beams. Upgrade to the ST-L and you'll get black leather seat trims, 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, fog lights and privacy glass for the second and third seats.
The most decked out X-Trail will get you additional features like tan leather seat trims, 19-inch alloy wheels, auto-levelling LED headlights, panoramic sunroof and high beam assist.
Mazda is slightly more generous with their standard features across the CX-5 range which include things like: radar cruise control, smart city braking and rear parking sensors.
The Touring CX-5 will get you advanced keyless entry, front parking sensors and a luxe synthetic suede interior. The most luxurious Akera will get you additional features like heated seats, 360 degree monitor, heated steering wheel and adaptive LED headlights.
Safety
The X-Trail offers decent safety ratings and features, especially in the ST-L grade and higher. Safety features like brake assist, forward collision warning, intelligent emergency braking and hill start assist come standard across the grades, but you'll have to upgrade for additional features like blind spot warning, lane departure warning and intelligent driver alert.
Mazda is a leader in its field when it comes to safety. There is a large list of advanced safety features that come as standard across the entire range. These include: lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic beam dipping, hill launch assist, parking sensors, reverse camera, rear cross traffic alert, smart brake support and tire pressure monitoring.
Nissan X Trail vs Mazda CX 5: What's the verdict?
Both the Nissan X-Trail and the Mazda CX-5 are popular cars in Australia with much to like. When it comes to value for money the CX-5 takes the lead, offering a full sweep of safety features and technology as standard.
Although exterior design is largely a personal thing, drivers looking for a hint of luxury and classic style will find it in the CX-5 across all grades. Mazda's Kodo design philosophy makes driving the CX-5 a delight, whether you're commuting in the city, carting kids around or taking a well earned holiday.
Book a test drive today and see for yourself if the CX-5 is everything it claims to be.