Should I buy a 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander or a Nissan X-Trail family SUV?
Although it may not look like it from the outside, these two family SUVs utilise the same engine, same platform, and same technology. Is there any crucial difference between the Mitsubishi Outlander or Nissan X-Trail?
Family SUVs are big business in Australia, so big in fact that the mid-size SUV segment is the most popular in the country.
If you are in the market for a new set of wheels for the family, the segment-leading Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 might be obvious choices, but the new-generation versions of the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail also have plenty to offer.
Sharing the same platform, the same engine, and most of the same tech, it might be hard to differentiate between them, though, so we've got two similarly priced, petrol-powered variants – the Outlander Exceed and the X-Trail Ti – to compare and see if there is anything between them that will sway your decision one way or the other.
And spoiler alert: there's surprisingly a few key differentiating factors that will.
How much does the Mitsubishi Outlander cost in Australia?
Mitsubishi’s Outlander is available from as little as $37,740 before on-road costs for the base ES five-seater front-wheel drive.
However, the brand fields 14 variants of the Outlander that stretch up to $73,790 for the top-spec and all-wheel-drive GSR seven-seater with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
On test is the petrol-powered Exceed seven-seater that sits as the penultimate version of the Outlander without a plug-in powertrain.
Priced at $52,640, the Outlander Exceed is pricier than the $50,490 Nissan X-Trail Ti (both before on-road costs), but the former features seating for seven versus the five-seat-only latter.
Still, both models are powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine that produces an adequate 135kW/244Nm sent to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission.
And both promise frugal fuel-use figures, but more on that a bit later in the review.
For the spend, buyers of the Outlander are treated to a wide assortment of standard equipment, including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 7.0-inch driver's display, 8.0-inch infotainment screen cloth fabric interior, dual-zone climate control, and an electronic parking brake.
Stepping up over the base ES adds more niceties like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry, powered tailgate, a wireless smartphone charger, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 9.0-inch infotainment with navigation, heated front seats, 20-inch wheels, a 10.8-inch head-up display, and rear privacy glass, but the Exceed grade is where the Outlander starts to outshine some of its rivals.
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The climate control system has three zones, so the driver, front passenger, and second and third rows can independently set the temperature to their liking.
The Exceed also adds leather seats, a memory function to the front seats, a 10-speaker Bose sound system, and a heated steering wheel.
However, family buyers might appreciate the inclusion of pull-up sun blinds for the second-row seats, which does away with the need for the unsightly (and often filthy) universal shades that are draped over the windows.
Buyers could also spend a bit more for that top-spec Exceed Tourer, but with equipment additions amounting to a heated second row, two-tone interior, and massaging front seats, the Exceed has more than enough to keep parents and children happy.
So, is the Outlander Exceed a good buy at this price?
There are electrified models around or under the $52,000 Mitsubishi is asking for the Outlander Exceed, and the all-electric Tesla Model Y has just dropped in price to be in the same ballpark, so they are arguably better buys.
But if you don’t want to move to an electrified model just yet, the Outlander still balances price and equipment supremely well, if not being outstanding in any area.
How much does the Nissan X-Trail cost in Australia?
Nissan’s 2024 X-Trail range is available in a bountiful 11 different variants, across an assortment of two powertrains, five- and seven-seat forms, and front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.
Prices start at $37,250 before on-road costs for the entry-level, petrol-powered ST front-drive five-seater, and extend up to $57,690 for the Ti-L e-Power hybrid, but we have the non-hybrid all-wheel-drive Ti five-seater on test here, priced at $50,490.
Powered by a 135kW/244Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine, the Ti is one step from the top of the X-Trail line-up, behind only the Ti-L, meaning a long list of standard equipment.
From the entry-level ST the X-Trail includes equipment including an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 7.0-inch driver's display, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, cloth interior, keyless entry, push-button start, a reversing camera with rear parking sensors, and power-folding heated side mirrors.
Stepping up to the ST-L grade, buyers gain 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather interior, dual-zone climate control, leather steering wheel, heated front seats, front parking sensors, a surround-view monitor, rear privacy glass, and Nissan’s ProPilot semi-autonomous driving tech.
The Ti like we have here, however, adds 19-inch alloy wheels, genuine leather interior, a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.8-inch head-up display, a wireless smartphone charger, automatic wipers, a panoramic sunroof, tri-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, digital rear-view mirror, and LED indicators.
The X-Trail Ti is a very well-equipped model and is easily comparable to the Outlander Exceed, making up for its lack of seat flexibility with larger alloy wheels, a bigger infotainment screen and, arguably, better exterior styling.
However, it must be noted that neither the Nissan nor Mitsubishi models have cooled front seats as found in equivalent Hyundai and Toyota models, and even stepping up to the flagship X-Trail Ti-L ($53,490) doesn’t add this feature.
Still, for most family buyers, the X-Trail Ti’s list of equipment will more than suffice, with notable stand-out features including a powered tailgate, tri-zone climate control, and a nearly 90-degree opening rear door the handiest features.
Options available include metallic paint for an additional $700, a contrasting black roof (only available on certain metallic paint colours) for another $500, and a no-cost light grey leather interior.
Key details | 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed | 2024 Nissan X-Trail Ti |
Price (MSRP) | $52,640 plus on-road costs | $50,490 plus on-road costs |
Colour of test car | White Diamond Pearl Metallic | Ceramic Grey with Black Roof |
Options | Prestige paint – $940 Light Grey Leather Appointed – No cost | Two-tone paint – $1200 |
Price as tested | $53,580 plus on-road costs | $51,690 plus on-road costs |
Drive-away price | $58,720 (VIC) | $55,879 (VIC) |
How big is a Mitsubishi Outlander?
Measuring 4710mm long, 1862mm wide, 1745mm tall, and with a 2706mm wheelbase, the Outlander is among the largest mid-size SUVs in Australia.
That’s because, unlike the Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5, this Mitsubishi offers seating for up to seven occupants.
Okay, calling it a seven-seater might be a little generous. It’s much more of a five-plus-two as the third-row seats afford little room for adults and even large kids.
But it offers wonderful flexibility if the need arises to take the children’s friends home after soccer practice or when the mother-in-law comes over for a visit.
And when they aren’t in use, well, seats six and seven can just fold flat and you have even more boot space. However, that space is eaten into a little bit by the headrests of the third row, which need to be removed before the backrests will fold flat.
Luckily, there is a storage cubby for them under the boot floor, but if the headrests folded in such a way where they didn’t need to be removed, the Outlander Exceed would be even more practical.
In raw numbers, the Outlander Exceed’s boot capacity is 163 litres with all seats in place, which is good for some supermarket shopping or a few backpacks for school.
Fold seats six and seven down, though, and volume swells to 478L, making the Outlander more than capable of swallowing the detritus of a young family like mine such as a full-sized pram, nappy bag, and more.
In two-seat mode, the Outlander Exceed will accommodate 1473L of volume, which is more than enough for the occasional jaunt to Bunnings or Ikea.
And this generosity of space is also felt in the cabin by occupants too.
From the front seats, the electronically adjustable seats offer plenty of movement for passengers both tall and small, but take note that the steering wheel is surprisingly girthy-rimmed.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind the feel of a broad steering wheel rim, but the chunkiness of the steering wheel is at odds with the rest of the premium, upmarket touches of the cabin.
The seats in our test car, for example, are finished in a lovely white colour with quilted stitching throughout that is wonderful to see in a model from a mainstream brand.
And if you opt for that white interior colour, just be sure to keep things clean, made all the easier by a bevy of storage options so you never have to leave that pen in your pocket that runs the risk of leaking.
The door pockets will accommodate water bottles, there are two cupholders for coffees, a sunglasses holster, a generous underarm storage cubby, and a wireless smartphone tray.
The centre tunnel also features two shallow trays – one for the driver and the other for the front passenger – but in my time with the car, I couldn’t determine exactly what they would be useful for.
Step into the second row, and again, space is substantial.
The second-row seats can also slide and recline, giving occupants a little flexibility in how they want to be seated, but in my time with the car, the Outlander was fitted with two forward-facing child seats that fit in without a problem thanks to wide-opening doors.
Amenities in the second row include bottle holders in the doors, a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, air vents, and back-seat map pockets.
How big is a Nissan X-Trail?
Measuring 4680mm long, 1840mm wide, 1725mm tall, and with a 2705mm wheelbase, the X-Trail sizes up favourably against the popular CX-5 and RAV4, and slightly smaller than the Outlander.
The length is 30mm shorter, while there is also a 22mm and 20mm difference in width and height respectively between the Outlander and X-Trail. The wheelbase is also just 1mm shorter on the X-Trail.
While this might seem substantial on paper, especially the length difference, in reality the cabins both feel comparable for size and the X-Trail affords excellent interior space.
It is very easy to be comfortable in the front seats, and the electronic seats offer plenty of adjustability for a comfortable driving position. The flat-bottom steering wheel helps here too, making it just a bit easier to slide in and out without your leg fouling the wheel.
Storage options are also abundant, with door pockets that will take large bottles, two cupholders next to the shifter, a wireless smartphone charging tray, cavernous pass-through under the centre console, and of course, an under-armrest storage cubby.
Room in the rear is also a standout.
There was no problem slotting my 183cm frame behind my driving position, and the rear-seat bases can be slid back and forth, while the backrest angle can also be adjusted to find a comfier position.
In my time with the X-Trail Ti, I installed two forward-facing car seats in the outboard positions, made all the easier by wide-opening rear doors.
Occupants in the back also have access to a door-pocket bottle holder, a fold-down centre armrest with two cupholders, air vents, and their own climate controls.
Opening the boot reveals a 585-litre space, which will fit a full-sized pram, nappy bag, groceries, and more with ease.
However, Nissan has been clever about the space, because there are two levels to the boot floor. The false floor can also be used as a divider to keep items from moving around, and the cargo blind can be detached and stored underneath so you never lose it.
Nissan has not disclosed how much volume there is in the boot with the second-row seats folded.
Also of note is that the Ti grade is available exclusively as a five-seater, so buyers that want the flexibility of three rows have to opt for a lower grade with less equipment (and cost), or opt for a rival like the Mitsubishi Outlander or Honda CR-V.
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed | 2024 Nissan X-Trail Ti | |
Seats | Seven | Five |
Boot volume | 163L to third row 478L to second row 1473L to first row | 585L seats up |
Length | 4710mm | 4680mm |
Width | 1862mm | 1840mm |
Height | 1745mm | 1725mm |
Wheelbase | 2706mm | 2705mm |
Does the Mitsubishi Outlander have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
The Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed comes with a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
While Apple iPhones can connect wirelessly, Samsung, Google, and any other Android phone will need to be plugged in with a cable to make use of the mirroring software.
However, if you don’t want to connect your smartphone, the Outlander’s system features a built-in satellite navigation that is buttery smooth and very quick with destination inputs.
There is also digital radio, as well as Bluetooth streaming capabilities to make the most of the 10-speaker Bose sound system.
In addition to the infotainment touchscreen, the Outlander Exceed is also equipped with a massive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that is clear, concise, and easy to read, as well as a massive 10.8-inch colour head-up display so you can mostly keep your eyes on the road.
Outside of these features, Mitsubishi does not offer a smartphone app to allow functionality such as remote vehicle status monitoring and pushing navigation destinations to the car.
Does the Nissan X-Trail have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Nissan’s X-Trial Ti is fitted with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with functionality for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
However, only the former can be connected wirelessly, with Android users (like me) needing to resort to a cable. Plugging in to use Android Auto is annoying, but at least it provides a stable connection.
And if you don’t have a cable on hand, the X-Trail’s infotainment system has in-built satellite navigation, Bluetooth, and digital radio.
The software feels fast too, as punching in an address is about as quick as looking it up on Google Maps, and the touchscreen inputs are fluid and snappy.
The infotainment home screen can also be easily customised to have more frequently used functions in easy-to-reach places.
Backing up the infotainment display is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which can also be tweaked to show desired readouts, while a massive 10.8-inch head-up display also features.
And with three big displays, the Nissan X-Trail Ti certainly feels tech-forward. Nissan's system also lacks external connectivity, with no companion app for remote access.
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander a safe car?
Mitsubishi's current-generation Outlander was awarded a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating when it was tested in 2022, and applies to all vehicles sold from October 2021 onwards.
The Outlander scored well in the adult occupant protection, vulnerable road user protection, and safety assist tests, notching a score of 83, 81, and 83 per cent respectively.
However, it is in the child occupant protection examination where the Outlander excelled the most, achieving a 92 per cent result.
The Outlander's crash-test score is valid until December 2028.
Is the Nissan X-Trail a safe car?
Nissan’s X-Trail was awarded a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing in 2021 and is applicable to all new models built from August 2022 onwards.
The five-star rating has an expiration date of December 2027 in line with ANCAP’s new six-year relevant rules.
The X-Trail scored very well in both adult occupant and child occupant protection tests, with a 91 and 90 per cent result respectively.
The vulnerable road user protection test also netted a respectable 74 per cent, while the X-Trail was awarded a near-perfect 97 per cent in the safety assist category.
At a glance | 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander | 2024 Nissan X-Trail |
ANCAP rating & year tested | Five stars (tested 2022) | Five stars (tested 2021) |
Safety report | ANCAP report | ANCAP report |
What safety technology does the Mitsubishi Outlander have?
Safety technology is a strong suit of the Mitsubishi Outlander, with all models fitted with a wide array of advanced safety systems such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, rear AEB, lane-departure warning and prevention, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention alert.
In fact, the only extra feature available in the trio of priciest Outlander PHEVs is lane-keep assist.
The Outlander’s safety repertoire also includes traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control (ACC), an adjustable speed limiter, and hill-start assist.
Stepping up to the Exceed like I have on test nets buyers dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive driving beams, a surround-view monitor, and a stop-and-go function for the ACC.
In my time with the car, the handiest features were the upgraded ACC that helped make a particularly busy morning commute through Melbourne more bearable, as well as the surround-view monitor that made it a breeze to park without kerbing the 20-inch wheels.
All of the systems worked as expected, with nothing being too intrusive or annoying in my week with the car.
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) | Yes | Includes cyclist and pedestrian detection, junction assist |
Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes | Includes traffic jam assist |
Blind Spot Alert | Yes | Alert only |
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | Yes | Alert and assist functions |
Lane Assistance | Yes | Lane-departure warning, lane-departure prevention |
Road Sign Recognition | Yes | Includes speed limit assist |
Driver Attention Warning | Yes | Includes fatigue monitor |
Cameras & Sensors | Yes | Front and rear sensors, surround-view monitor |
What safety technology does the Nissan X-Trail have?
Fitted with a wide assortment of standard safety equipment, the 2024 Nissan X-Trail has all the features to keep you and your family safe.
All versions of the new X-Trail are fitted with front and rear autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist (front only) detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and automatic high beams.
And from the next rung up (ST-L), the X-Trail gains front parking sensors, a surround-view monitor, tyre pressure monitoring, and Nissan's ProPilot semi-autonomous driving tech that pairs lane centring with the adaptive cruise control.
The only thing our Ti gains in terms of safety over the aforementioned variants is automatic wipers and adaptive headlights, while the digital rear-view mirror can come in handy in heavy rain for a clearer picture of what is happening behind.
In my time with the car, I found the safety systems to be unobtrusive and largely faded away into the background.
There were no instances of aggressive lane keeping or false AEB alerts, and the ProPilot system is one of the better semi-autonomous freeway driving systems I've experienced, thanks to smooth deceleration and a smart lane-centring system that actually keeps the the car in the middle of the lines.
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) | Yes | Includes cyclist and pedestrian detection, junction assist |
Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes | Includes traffic jam assist |
Blind Spot Alert | Yes | Alert only |
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | Yes | Alert and assist functions |
Lane Assistance | Yes | Lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, lane-centring assist |
Road Sign Recognition | Yes | Includes speed limit assist |
Driver Attention Warning | Yes | Includes fatigue monitor |
Cameras & Sensors | Yes | Front and rear sensors, surround-view monitor |
How much does the Mitsubishi Outlander cost to run?
Like all new Mitsubishis, the Outlander comes with a 10-year/200,000-kilometre warranty, the longest assurance period offered by any car brand in Australia where the standard is five years/unlimited kilometres.
However, this is contingent on servicing at a Mitsubishi dealership, on time as defined by Mitsubishi's terms and conditions. The standard warranty defults to five years or 100,000km if conditions aren't met.
Scheduled servicing periods for the Outlander Exceed are every 12 months/15,000km, whichever occurs first, with the first five years of maintenance totalling $1700, alternating in costs between $320 and $370 each year.
This makes it significantly more affordable to maintain than a Nissan X-Trail Ti ($2324) and Mazda CX-5 ($2114), but still pricier than the Toyota RAV4 ($1300).
To insure a 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed, it will set owners back about $1578 per year based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
That makes this family SUV more affordable to insure than rivals in the same class like the Nissan X-Trail ($1846), Mazda CX-5 ($1660), and Toyota RAV4 ($1754).
How much does the Nissan X-Trail cost to run?
Like all new Nissan models, the X-Trail Ti comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, matching the period offered by Toyota, Mazda, Ford, and Hyundai.
However, this still trails the assurance period available to Kia (seven years/unlimited kilometres) and Mitsubishi (up to 10 years/unlimited kilometres) buyers.
Scheduled service intervals for the X-Trail are every 12 months or 10,000km (whichever occurs first), which falls short of the 15,000km travel period afforded to rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.
For the first five years or 50,000km of scheduled maintenance, the X-Trail Ti will set buyers back $2324, broken down as $359, $466, $529, $566, and $404 for services one, two, three, four, and five respectively.
This makes the X-Trail pricier to maintain over the five-year period than a comparable Mazda CX-5 ($2114) and Toyota RAV4 ($1300), though Nissan does offer a prepaid plan that reduces its costs down to $2092.
To insure, the X-Trail Ti will cost $1846 annually based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
This again places it above the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 that are $1660 and $1754 respectively to insure for 12 months.
At a glance | 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed | 2024 Nissan X-Trail Ti |
Warranty | Up to 10 years, 200,000km | Five years, unlimited km |
Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km | 12 months or 10,000km |
Servicing costs | $1010 (3 years) $1700 (5 years) | $1354 (3 years) $2324 (5 years) |
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander fuel-efficient?
Officially, the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed will consume 8.1 litres of petrol for every 100 kilometres travelled, but in my week with the car, I averaged a very close 8.8L/100km.
It is surprising to see a real-world fuel economy figure so close to the claim, as most of my numbers are usually around 40–50 per cent higher due to a heavy portion of inner-city and stop/start driving.
Still, this figure is higher than smaller-displacement turbocharged engines, as well as hybrid mid-size SUV options.
Mitsubishi also recommends 91RON petrol for the Outlander, and with a 55-litre fuel tank, the family SUV can travel up to 625km (according to my real-world fuel useage figure) before needing a fill.
Is the Nissan X-Trail fuel-efficient?
Officially, the Nissan X-Trail Ti will return a fuel economy figure of 7.8L/100km, but in my time with the car, I saw that average come in at 8.7L/100km.
My primary use case for the X-Trail was commuting through peak-hour traffic, dropping the kids off to childcare, and family activities on the weekend.
Despite the higher real-world figure, the X-Trail still came in under the 10.0L/100km official city fuel consumption number, which was where I used the car the most.
The lighter X-Trail also proved more efficient than the Outlander in the real world, reflecting its lab-testing results too.
With a 55-litre fuel tank, the X-Trail Ti has a theoretical driving range of up to 846km, but using my numbers that distance is closer to 625km.
The X-Trail Ti also takes 91-octane petrol, lowering costs at the bowser.
Fuel efficiency | 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed | 2024 Nissan X-Trail Ti |
Fuel cons. (claimed) | 8.1L/100km | 7.8L/100km |
Fuel cons. (on test) | 8.8L/100km | 8.7L/100km |
Fuel type | 91-octane unleaded | 91-octane unleaded |
Fuel tank size | 55L | 55L |
What is the Mitsubishi Outlander like to drive?
Mitsubishi’s Outlander is one of the most surprising models I’ve driven in recent years, not because of how it wows and excites, but simply because it is exceedingly good at most things.
With a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine under the bonnet, the Outlander delivers its power and torque in a smooth, linear, and predicable manner.
With a peak 135kW power figure available at 6000rpm, and maximum torque of 244Nm available from 3600rpm, the Outlander isn’t exactly a powerhouse, but I’d argue this is one of its strengths.
While the outputs might sound dull to the power-hungry few, for the vast majority of people that just means the Outlander is easy and unsurprising to drive.
Paired to this engine is a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which does an adequate job at being unobtrusive and fading into the background of the driving experience.
There are eight preset ‘gears’ for the CVT, which can be accessed with the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, but holding gears or downshifting in the Outlander is met with lots of harsh engine noise, so I primarily left the transmission to do its own thing.
Yes, the CVT can get stretchy when flooring it, but the Outlander is so limp in straight-line performance that you will rarely ever be in a situation where you would want to accelerate hard anyway.
The suspension is also set up to emphasise comfort over sportiness, a boon in a family SUV like this, with the Outlander Exceed able to soak up the unevenness of Melbourne’s roads with aplomb despite being fitted with 20-inch wheels wrapped in 255/45 tyres.
I was also surprised to find out how engaging the steering of the Outlander is, offering a good weight and feedback that belies its family SUV leanings.
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a Porsche Cayenne or Alfa Romeo Stelvio, but there is enough communication in the Outlander’s steering to not feel artificial and disconnected.
Augmenting the driving experience, though, are selectable drive modes – six on offer to be exact.
The usual suspects are there such as Normal, Eco, and Tarmac (AKA sport) that adjust throttle, transmission, and steering settings accordingly, but it’s the Gravel, Snow, and Mud modes that will be attractive if you ever want to take the Outlander off the road.
Of all the settings on offer, I actually favoured the Eco setting as it dialled things back enough to be more comfortable for me and my family, and likely contributed to my near-official fuel use figure.
Eco mode also did the best at keeping engine noise low, which – along with wind and road noise – isn’t all that prevalent anyway when puttering around town on family duties.
Overall, the Outlander Exceed's driving experience is exactly how you’d imagine a family SUV to be.
It’s comfortable, predictable, and versatile in almost all conditions, and balances power and efficiency expertly without short-changing either.
What is the Nissan X-Trail like to drive?
As a family SUV, the Nissan X-Trail needs to nail a few key areas including being easy to drive, comfortable and spacious.
We've already established it accomplishes the latter, but how does it fare on the open road for the family?
With a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol powertrain that outputs 135kW/244Nm, the X-Trail Ti feels peppy enough for a mid-size family SUV. Sending drive to all four wheels also means more traction in slippery conditions.
Keep in mind, though, the X-Trail's powertrain is paired to a continuously variable transmission, which does start to feel rubbery when accelerating hard, but the powertrain works well when driving at lower speeds around town.
Some of the CVT's shortcomings are alleviated with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, but the transmission 'simulates' gear changes, and the X-Trail isn’t designed to be a dynamically engaging drive.
Despite this, there is a Sport driving mode that changes throttle and steering settings accordingly, but it does highlight the X-Trail powertrain’s weaknesses more than anything else.
Other drive modes include Eco, Auto, Snow, and Hill Descent Control, which will help in the right situations, and there is also an Off-Road mode for when the blacktop turns to sand or dirt.
Playing around with the drive modes, I actually preferred the Eco setting the best as it pared everything back and was the most comfortable of all modes for me and my family.
The X-Trail’s steering is also light, too light for my tastes, which is convenient around town, but does mean the inputs feel a little artificial.
Off-centre, even the slightest movement sends the front end veering in another direction, and the more you turn the wheel, the less steering angle it applies. It feels very unnatural and certainly takes a moment to get used to.
The flip side, though, is that in the inner city, the X-Trail is a breeze to park, and darting in and out of slow-moving traffic is easy thanks to less-effortful inputs.
Outside of steering, the suspension does an admirable job of soaking up the bumps and ruts of Melbourne’s less-than-ideal streets, even if the X-Trail Ti is fitted with large 19-inch wheels, road and wind noise are also remarkably quiet, even when at freeway speeds.
If a fuss-free, easy-to-live-with family SUV is what you are after, the Nissan X-Trail Ti delivers.
Key details | 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed | 2024 Nissan X-Trail Ti |
Engine | 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol | 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol |
Power | 135kW @ 6000rpm | 135kW @ 6000rpm |
Torque | 244Nm @ 3600rpm | 244Nm @ 3600rpm |
Drive type | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
Transmission | Continuously variable transmission (CVT) | Continuously variable transmission (CVT) |
Power-to-weight ratio | 76.7kW/t | 80.9kW/t |
Weight (kerb) | 1760kg | 1668kg |
Spare tyre type | Space-saver | Space-saver |
Payload | 595kg | 467kg |
Tow rating | 1600kg braked 750kg unbraked | 2000kg braked 750kg unbraked |
Turning circle | 11.2m | 11.1m |
Can a Mitsubishi Outlander tow?
Mitsubishi's Outlander is rated to tow a braked capacity of 1600kg and an unbraked capacity of 750kg, while the maximum towball load is 160kg.
This means the Outlander is capable of hauling a small trailer, a pair of bikes, or even a boat, but drivers should keep in mind the car's peak torque of 244Nm might mean it will struggle with heavier loads.
Fuel economy and performance will obviously take a hit when towing, but the payload figure of 595kg should also be kept in mind, which is enough for a small family and some gear, but could be exceeded with something like a week's worth of camping equipment.
Can a Nissan X-Trail tow?
The 2024 Nissan X-Trail Ti is rated to tow a maximum of 2000kg braked and 750kg unbraked.
A two-tonne braked towing capacity is decent for a mid-size family SUV, allowing you to haul loaded trailers, small caravans, and bikes, but keep in mind the naturally aspirated engine produces only 244Nm. This means pulling power isn't substantial, but will be adequate in a pinch.
Performance and fuel economy will also obviously take a hit when hauling, and owners should always keep in mind the 467kg payload rating lest they overburden the X-Trail.
Should I buy a Mitsubishi Outlander or a Nissan X-Trail?
Like choosing which is your favourite child (the correct answer is all of them), choosing between the Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed and Nissan X-Trail Ti is hard.
Both will cart the family to school, soccer practice, dance lessons, and more supremely well in comfort and style.
And with both models sharing the same engine, how do you pick between the two?
To me, it comes down to the ownership experience.
Even though the Outlander Exceed is more expensive, it offers a slightly better driving experience and the flexibility of a third row if and when you want to use it, as well as longer servicing mileage and cheaper maintenance costs.
However, the X-Trail Ti does feel more modern thanks to the larger infotainment screen, and affords (only marginally) better fuel economy in the real world.
The nod goes to the Outlander Exceed in this comparison test then, but honestly, you and your family aren't going to feel short-changed either way.
How do I buy a Mitsubishi Outlander? The next steps.
Mitsubishi is showing plenty of stock of its Outlander in dealerships, especially the petrol-powered versions like the Exceed we have on test.
However, it is still best to contact your nearest outlet to determine exactly which variants and in which colour they have ready to go, which you can do here.
Mitsubishi models for sale can also be found on the Drive Marketplace here, and to stay abreast of all the latest news from the brand, click here.
How do I buy a Nissan X-Trail? The next steps.
Nissan's X-Trail should be readily available in showrooms, depending on exact specification and colour requirements, but it is always best to contact your nearest dealer to ascertain what is in stock.
Buyers can also browse the Drive Marketplace for Nissan X-Trails available for sale, and to stay on top of all the latest Nissan news, you can check out this link here.