Kia Sportage vs Nissan X-Trail comparison

The priority for many motorists is compact crossovers that have good looks, small dimensions and a decent level of cross-country ability. This gives a certain superiority over urban hatchbacks.

Among the wide variety of compact SUVs, there is a group of clear leaders in sales and consumer demand. These include the Sportage and X-Trail from a leading South Korean and Japanese manufacturer.

But the question remains, which car is the best among them. This requires a detailed comparison.

General technical information

The comparison between the Nissan X-Trail and the Kia Sportage should begin with a general overview of the technical characteristics of these vehicles.

The debut of the 4th generation Kia Sportage took place in September 2015 in Frankfurt. Since 2016, the car has been sold in Russia.

The Korean compact crossover is built on the upgraded platform of its own predecessor. The suspension is completely independent. MacPherson strut in front, and multi-link system in the back. The steering gear of the standard rack and pinion type is supplemented by an electric power steering. Brakes are fully disc on all wheels. A plug-in four-wheel drive is provided that can automatically transfer up to 50% of the traction to the rear axle.

The 3rd generation Nissan X-Trail was shown in 2013 in Frankfurt. The model began to be assembled near St. Petersburg in 2015. An updated version appeared in the Russian Federation in the fall of 2018.

This is a compact crossover with front and all-wheel drive, which differs significantly from the 1st and 2nd generation. The predecessors were more of an SUV, while the 3rd generation became a full-fledged city SUV.

The machine is built on a modular CMF platform. Independent front suspension with MacPherson struts. At the rear, there is a multi-link design for all-wheel drive, or a semi-independent architecture for front-wheel drive versions.

The steering rack and pinion mechanism is combined with an electric booster, capable of changing characteristics depending on the road situation. The brakes are fully disc and ventilated.

Exterior and dimensions

If we compare the appearance of the two cars, we can say the following. Both cars look great. The design is unusual, thoughtful and modern.

At the same time, the x-Trail is more like an SUV than its current competitor. The Sportage's exterior is more urban. Although both cars are representatives of the same segment of compact urban crossovers.

Hence the corresponding dimensions. In numbers, the Nissan X-Trail looks like this:

• length 4643 mm .;
• width 1820 mm .;
• height 1695 mm .;
• wheelbase 2706 mm.;
• ground clearance 210 mm.

Kia Sportage responds with the following dimensions:

• length 4480 mm .;
• width 1855 mm .;
• height 1635 mm .;
• wheelbase 2670 mm.;
• ground clearance 182 mm.

Kia turned out to be somewhat more compact than its opponent. Now we need to see how the developers managed to use the dimensions to provide comfort inside.

Interior and luggage compartment

The interior of the Sportage is largely the same as the interior of the flagship Sorento Prime. High-quality finish, thoughtful dashboard, stylish instrument panel and many other features.

The comfortable profile of the front seats is complemented by a comfortable rear sofa. The manufacturer has managed to improve the quality of sound insulation. The luggage compartment holds 503 liters. At the same time, the tailgate has become wider, and the loading height has decreased. The back row folds down to form a huge hold.

The interior of the X-Trail is in no way inferior to the competitor. European image, high-quality finishing materials, soft plastic, stylish solutions. Really modern and tasteful. The design is developed in the family style of the Japanese brand, which will please the driver of any gender and age. The front seats are comfortable, with pronounced lateral support.

The rear sofa is slightly better than the Sportage. A bit more space, plus no transmission tunnel. Optionally, you can install 3 rows of seats. But it is only suitable for children.

Nominally, the luggage compartment is designed for 550 liters. In the 3-row version from 135 to 445 liters. The maximum volume with the 2nd and 3rd rows folded is almost 2000 liters. The tailgate is equipped with an electric drive.

In terms of appearance, you can confidently put an equal sign between the cars. But in terms of functionality and capabilities, the advantage is on the side of the X-Trail. Largely due to the 3 rows and 550 liters of the luggage compartment against 503 for the Korean.

If we compare the Kia Sportage and the Nissan X-Trail, the cars are very similar in many ways, but they have a different approach to organizing the interior space. For large families with small children, the X-Trail is more suitable. If the need for a third row and a large trunk is not, the Sportage is also ready to provide a number of advantages.

Motors, gearboxes and their capabilities

It's pretty hard to decide which is the best choice when the South Korean Kia Sportage or the Japanese Nissan X-Trail is offered.

The third generation of the Japanese crossover in Russia is offered with 3 motors. This is a pair of gasoline internal combustion engines and one turbodiesel.

• The role of the base engine went to a 2.0-liter aspirated 144 hp. from. and 200 Nm. Combines with 6MKPP and continuously variable CVT. Acceleration takes from 11.1 to 12.1 seconds. The maximum speed is 183 km / h. Fuel consumption in the region of 7.1-8.3 liters per 100 km. in a mixed cycle. With this engine, the X-Trail is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
• The most productive 2.5-liter gasoline engine. The atmospheric four produces 171 liters. and 233 Nm. Available only with all-wheel drive and CVT. Acceleration to hundreds in 10.5 seconds. Maximum speed 190 km / h. Fuel consumption is about 8.3 liters per 100 km.
• The only 1.6-liter diesel engine is equipped with a turbine and produces 130 horsepower at 320 Nm. It is completed only with a mechanical box and all-wheel drive. Acceleration to hundreds takes 11 seconds. The maximum speed will be 186 km / h, and at 100 km. paths in the combined cycle will require 5.3 liters of fuel.

The Kia Sportage has many similar characteristics.

The Korean crossover is offered with 3 engines. 2 of them are gasoline and one more diesel.

• Initial naturally aspirated engine with a volume of 2.0 liters. The internal combustion engine produces 150 horsepower and a torque of 192 Nm. It is completed with a choice of 6MKPP or 6AKPP. The drive can be full or only front. The maximum speed is up to 186 km / h. Acceleration to hundreds takes from 10.5 to 11.6 seconds. Fuel consumption in the region of 8.1 liters per 100 km.
• Next in the hierarchy is a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline unit with a return of 177 liters. Only works with DCT robotic gearbox and all-wheel drive. Up to a hundred shoots in 9.1 seconds. at a maximum speed of 201 km / h. In the combined cycle, it consumes 7.5 liters of gasoline.
• The top-end 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine. Its capacity is 185 liters. sec., and a torque of 400 Nm. It is completed only with all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Up to a hundred gains in 9.5 seconds. at a maximum speed of 201 km / h. Average fuel consumption is 6.3 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km.

In terms of power, the cars under consideration are similar. But the Kia Sportage wins slightly in terms of economy and also outperforms the competitor in terms of dynamics.

If you are looking for a car with the best sprint performance without using up a lot of fuel, the Kia Sportage will take precedence. Nissan X-Trail is still slightly inferior. The difference is small, but it is there. So far, Kia's favorite.

Cross-country ability and handling

When planning to buy a car for periodic country trips, out-of-town trips, or for operation in a village where the snow on the roads is practically not cleaned in winter, it is better to immediately stop at the X-Trail.

The automatic machine works better for this car in such conditions. There is a special electronics that monitors the position of the body. The steering is more informative and helps the driver cope with difficult situations. In this component, Kia is noticeably inferior.

In a slush of snow, the X-Trail will confidently wade through it, moving along a given straight line. At the same time, the Sportage can throw a little to the sides, skid the rear axle.

In terms of cross-country ability and handling, the X-Trail is objectively in the lead.

Options and prices

Nissan currently offers a wide range of trim levels for its X-Trail crossover. Namely:

• XE.
• SE.
• SE Yandex.
• SE +.
• SE Top.
• XE +.
• Le Yandex.
• LE +.
• LE Top.

The minimum price for a Japanese crossover is from 1.37 million rubles. Top-end equipment starts at 1.8 million rubles.

The list of complete sets for the Kia Sportage is no less impressive:

• Classic.
• Classic Warm options.
• Comfort.
• Luxe.
• Luxe +.
• Edition Plus.
• Prestige.
• Premium.
• GT Line.

The basic equipment will cost at least 1.2 million rubles. For a version with top-end equipment, you will have to pay at least 2 million rubles.

For the price, the Kia Sportage was slightly more affordable. Much of the difference in price is reflected in the essence of the crossovers. The X-Trail looks richer, and is so in practice.

But at the same time, Sportage will cost a little less than its opponent in the context of subsequent maintenance, service, and maintenance. Spare parts and consumables for the Korean crossover are more affordable. The Japanese are traditionally more expensive for Russian consumers.

Who to give preference to

Each buyer ultimately decides for himself what is best to buy. But the Nissan X-Trail, like the Kia Sportage, are among the extremely decent, high-quality and interesting crossovers.

Having won several minimal victories in terms of the parameters and characteristics under consideration, it is the Nissan X-Trail that can rightly be called the favorites in this confrontation. Although the price turned out to be higher, it fully justifies itself.

The cars are worthy of each other, and it is not in vain that they are the leaders in sales in the Russian market, and in many other countries of the world. Profitable and correct investment on the part of the buyer.