Nissan X-Trail vs. Mazda CX-5 - The better crossover to pick

So, wanna buy a crossover? Well, there are ample options available in the market like the Nissan X-Trail, Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander and many more. In this article, we have decided to battle it out between Nissan Malaysia champ, the X-Trail and other reflecting Kodo design, the CX-5.

Let’s start comparing the two, beginning from the factor that matters the most, i.e., the price.

Pricing

Nissan Malaysia offers the X-Trail in more than one variant, and so, the price range goes from RM 133,800 to RM 158,300.

The Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, offers its base variant for RM 127,653. The range-topping trim, however, is slightly expensive than the X-Trail at RM 165,939.

We can only comment on the prices, once we are through with what two cars has on offer in terms of styling, features, safety, and more.

Better design?

Without a doubt, out of the two cars in question, the CX-5 portraits a sharper design and thus is more striking. From every profile, front, side, or rear the Mazda crossover seems to be dipped in the premium pool. It is a car that’s easily distinguishable in the crowd. Unlike many in the segment is not muscular and bulky. At the front, its open-mouth like grille, long full-LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, and stylish bumper adds to its aura. The side contributes to the overall charm by the sizeable 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels along with those hard to miss curves. Compared to the above two profiles, the rear is a bit calmer; however, it houses a cavity-like space for the number plate. The tail lamps like their siblings at the front are LED bound.

The Nissan X-Trail is a bit more easy on the eyes. Especially with the new model that sheds away all the sharp edges and bold moves. In many areas, the X-trail seems to share its design philosophy with its family members like the Juke and Micra. The V-Motion grille is a shared property in many Nissan’s new age cars. The boomerang-shaped LED DRLs add modern day touch at the front. The car stands on 17-inch alloy wheels and even gets LED wing mirrors signal lamps. The rear receives high visibility tail lamps, wiper with a reverse link, and a hint of chrome.

So, while the CX-5 is all out their turning heads, the X-Trail offers a conventional strong and focused crossover fascia.

Cabin look & feel

Sharp crease and lines dominate the cabin of Mazda CX-5. It is a good mix of leather and faux wood elements that go well with its all-black theme. Speaking of overall comfort and space, the crossover stands strong in those areas. However, the coupe-like roofline slightly compromises the rear headroom. The steering wheel comes integrated with audio, telephony, and cruise controls. The centre console looks minimalist with circular knobs, the case is opposite for the transmission tunnel that gets chrome touches. The boot capacity reads 442-litre with the 2nd-row seat up and 1,342-litre when they are down.

The X-Trail is the only crossover in the Nissan Malaysia lineup. Though it has now become a seven-seater, the company still supplies the 5-door model in various countries. The last row is a bit cramped and is best suited for kids. The car features Zero Gravity seats, therefore comfort and a fatigue-free journey are guaranteed. The cargo space increases by 550-litre when the third-row seat is tumbled, and it goes up to 1680 litres when the second row is pushed down.

As far as the cabin is concerned, it's more or less of a close call. However, in terms of spaciousness, it’s the X-Trail we’d prefer.

Features on offer

The CX5 specs list includes features like - pooped-up 7-inch full-color touchscreen infotainment system, MZD system with voice command, AUX, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity, and reverse-camera with backup monitor, distance, and width guidelines. Going a bit advanced, the CX-5 offers Mazda i-Stop Idling and G-Vectoring Control Technology. Also, included in the list are rear view mirror with auto dimming, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and dual-zone air-con system.

The X-Trail’s cockpit too is loaded with innovative technology. Here we have a high-quality 5-inch display with FM/AM/MP3/CD, AUX-in, USB connectivity, 6 speakers,dual-zone auto climate control with rear vents maintains an ideal temperature inside, full-color 5-inch advanced drive assist display, intelligent key with push start ignition, tilt & telescopic steering wheel, second-row seat with centre armrest, underfloor storage with lid, and ten cup holders.

It seems like both the crossover are giving fierce competition to one another in this area. But the CX-5 grabs a few extra points for the tech advancements.

Power supply

When it comes to power supply option, Mazda does not disappoint its customers. It offers two petrol and one diesel engine option. Taking first about the petrol options, there is a smaller 2.0-litre mill that produces 164 PS and 210 Nm. Then comes the bigger 2.5-litre unit with 195 PS and 257 Nm. As for the diesel option, there’s a 2.2-litre unit that pumps out 175 PS of power and 420 Nm of torque. All the units mentioned above are mated with a 6-speed torque converter and are blessed with Mazda’s i-Stop Idling technology.

Similar to the CX-5, Nissan Malaysia offers the X-Trail in two diesel options, however, the car misses out on a petrol mill. The 2.5-litre fuel-injected naturally aspirated mill generates 177 PS and 233 Nm. The smaller 2.0-litre direct injection engine gives away 144 PS of power and 200 Nm of torque. Both the mills are paired to an X-Tronic CVT gearbox with manual override option with the two engines. The bigger mill gets 4WD benevolence, while the smaller one has only FWD option.

Out of the two, the CX-5 offers more extensive of option in the engine front, however, the X-Trail gets its two trims (2.0 and 2.5) FWD and 4WD, respectively.

Safety options

The Mazda CX-5 is heavy loaded with safety features, so much so, that it can even shame the SUVs from a segment above. In the list are included front, side and curtain airbags, Emergency Brake Assist, ABS, EBD, hill start assist, Dynamic Stability Control, traction control, emergency stop signal, electronic parking brake, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning system, lane keep assist system, adaptive front lighting system, driver attention alert, ISOFIX mounts, and smart city brake support.

The Nissan X-Trail specs sheet, on the other hand, reflects just the opposite, it offers only two airbags. Other safety aids include Active Trace Control, ABS along with EBD, Active Brake Limited Slip, Brake Assist System, Active Chassis Control, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Active Engine Braking, Advanced Hill Descent Control, Around View Monitor, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and Hill Start Assist.

It’s clear that the Mazda CX-5 is taking the lead by a few points in the safety parameter.

Conclusion

While we have compared the two cars on various segments, at the end it mainly depends on what you desire out of your vehicle.