Toyota highlander vs nissan x-trail: the ultimate comparison guide for families and outdoor enthusiasts

In the competitive world of midsize SUVs, the Toyota Highlander and Nissan X-Trail stand out as two popular choices. Both vehicles offer a spacious cabin, advanced features, and impressive performance. However, there are key differences between the two that make them suitable for different types of drivers. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the Toyota Highlander vs X-Trail debate, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Interior Comparison: Space and Comfort

Toyota Highlander: The Highlander boasts a roomy cabin with ample seating for up to eight passengers. The front seats are supportive and offer a wide range of adjustments, ensuring comfort on long journeys. The second row provides generous legroom and headroom, while the third row is best suited for children or occasional use.

Nissan X-Trail: The X-Trail also offers a spacious interior, with seating for up to seven passengers. The front seats are equally comfortable, but the second row is slightly more cramped than the Highlander’s. The third row is also smaller and less accommodating.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

Toyota Highlander: The Highlander is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. The Highlander’s acceleration is brisk, and it handles well for its size. Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Nissan X-Trail: The X-Trail is offered with two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 181 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 248 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and FWD, with AWD available as an option. The X-Trail’s acceleration is adequate, but it lags behind the Highlander in terms of power. Fuel economy is rated at 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for the four-cylinder engine, and 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for the turbocharged engine.

Features and Technology

Toyota Highlander: The Highlander comes well-equipped with a host of standard features, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a premium audio system, and a suite of safety features. Available features include a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a head-up display.

Nissan X-Trail: The X-Trail also offers a generous list of features, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a Bose premium audio system, and a variety of safety features. Available features include a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled seats, and a hands-free liftgate.

Safety Ratings

Toyota Highlander: The Highlander has received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

Nissan X-Trail: The X-Trail has also received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. It comes standard with a similar range of safety features as the Highlander, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

Price and Value

Toyota Highlander: The Highlander starts at $36,420 for the base LE trim and ranges up to $53,025 for the top-of-the-line Platinum trim. The Highlander offers a strong value proposition, with a spacious and well-equipped cabin, impressive performance, and a proven track record of reliability.

Nissan X-Trail: The X-Trail starts at $33,360 for the base S trim and ranges up to $45,190 for the top-of-the-line Platinum trim. The X-Trail offers a competitive price point, providing a lot of features and capabilities for the money. However, it falls short of the Highlander in terms of interior space and performance.

Which One is Right for You?

The Toyota Highlander and Nissan X-Trail are both excellent midsize SUVs, but they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Highlander offers a more spacious and comfortable interior, better performance, and a higher safety rating. However, it comes at a higher price. The X-Trail offers a more affordable price point, good fuel economy, and a generous list of features. However, it has a smaller interior, less powerful engines, and a slightly lower safety rating.

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities. If you value space, performance, and safety above all else, the Toyota Highlander is the better choice. If you are looking for a more affordable option with good fuel economy and a variety of features, the Nissan X-Trail is a solid pick.

The Verdict

The Toyota Highlander and Nissan X-Trail are both worthy contenders in the midsize SUV segment. The Highlander excels in terms of interior space, performance, and safety, while the X-Trail offers a more affordable price point and good fuel economy. Whether you prioritize luxury and performance or value and efficiency, there is a midsize SUV here to meet your needs.

Popular Questions

Q: Which SUV has a larger interior?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a larger interior, with more seating capacity and cargo space.

Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Nissan X-Trail is more fuel-efficient, with higher EPA ratings for both city and highway driving.

Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: The Toyota Highlander and Nissan X-Trail both have high safety ratings, but the Highlander has a slight edge in terms of overall safety.

Q: Which SUV is more expensive?
A: The Toyota Highlander is more expensive than the Nissan X-Trail, especially in the higher trim levels.

Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: Both SUVs offer AWD options, but the Toyota Highlander has a slightly better reputation for off-road performance.