Postby acesinghit » July 18th, 2016, 7:26 am
Not sure what grade the OP is considering as the Tucson, Sportage and X-trail all have several versions. A point to note is, fabric seats and the lack of a sunroof does not mean a basic vehicle. Anyhow, all things being considered I would choose the X-trail.
I know the starter or entry model is 2wd but the next grade upgrades you to roof rails, alloy rims and the part time 4wd system. For me, the mere fact that I can choose when to be in 4wd is a huge plus for me as it saves the drivetrain and prolongs your tyre wear and tear. I think the only other SUV in its class that offers this switchable feature is the Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 however that as a result of the taxes increase is now history. I not even sure if DM still brings them down.
My major concern about the Xtrail was power. Compared to the Tucson/Sportage siblings the Nissan was down 14hp but has about the same torque. I drove both and I can say I felt no difference in throttle response. I read an article recently that Hyundai and Kia are known for over stating their hp and torque claims and Nissan actually posted conservative hp and torque numbers in the past.
The new MR20DD engine in the Xtrail and Qashqai is not a disappointment as I initially thought it was. It is much improved over the previous QR20DE and MR20DE design found in the T30 and roro T31 xtrails. The DD engine has direct fuel injection and twin VVT ie. Intake and exhaust valve timing. It means the new Xtrail will have a huge fuel efficiency improvement as well as emissions certification. A more streamlined T32 body that is marginally lighter coupled with a revised Xtronic CVT means this T32 I reckon would not be all that slower compared to the T31 QR25DE.
Anyhow, when you consider resale value and interior spaciousness the Xtrail wins between the 3.
If AWD or 4wd whether permanent or part time is a must then consider the Honda CRV 2.0, Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 and Subaru Forester 2.0. The Zuki is old school but it's 4wd system is hard core for the class. The CRV only has 4 airbags no curtain option except if you buy the 2.4 version and then there is the space, safety and decent off road capability of the Forester. I will actually spend the extra and head to Subaru.
Some folks mentioned the Toyota RAV4 which is not a bad option but sadly there are no 4wd models imported anymore as those were reserved for the 2.5 engine. The fwd RAV4s in the showroom are all 2.0 and expensive. The best resale value in its class is not sufficient enough for me to even consider the Toyota.
Some time ago SS brought down the Mazda CX-5 2.0 AWD fully loaded which was replaced by the 2.5 model. Not bad but as a result of the taxes SS resorted to import only the basic 2.0 2wd version. The cx5 and forester are my personal favorites but the latter seems more suitably equipped.
So there you have it....forester or Xtrail is a good choice. As for the Koreans? If you buy it then make sure and utilize them fully....milk your ROI from that Sportage or Tucson and don't plan on selling it before 5yrs. Pay off loan first then replace it.
