Nissan X-Trail Almost Here: How The SUV Compares With Hyundai Tucson, Toyota Fortuner

The Japanese automotive giant Nissan is gearing up for the launch of the latest-generation X-Trail in India. The all-new fourth generation of the X-Trail, once launched, will compete with a few popular SUVs. The main rivals of this SUV, however, will be the Hyundai Tucson and the Toyota Fortuner. Now each of these SUVs has its unique strengths. So today we thought we should have a look at these rivals and how they will compete with each other in India.

Exterior Design

The fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail will be sporting an all-new bold and modern design. It features Nissan’s signature V-motion grille, a split-headlight setup, and sleek LED taillamps. The SUV will come with either 18- or 19-inch wheels, depending on the variant.

Additionally, it will get a ton of chrome accents, roof rails, a roof-mounted spoiler, and a shark fin antenna. In comparison, the Hyundai Tucson also offers a bold yet sleek design with its dark chrome front grille and jewel-like LED DRLs. The Tucson’s overall appearance is also very modern and sharp.

As for the Toyota Fortuner, this SUV is all about road presence and imposing appearance. It features a chunky grille, sleeker headlamps, and an aggressive front bumper. Overall, it is a very bulky yet sharper looking SUV. In terms of the design comparison, it will all depend on the type of buyer, so it cannot be said with certainty which car will be the best in its segment.

Interior and Features

Coming to the features, the Nissan X-Trail offers a ton of premium features which include a 12.3-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The SUV will also include features like a heads-up display (HUD) and a panoramic sunroof.

Other features of this SUV will include a wireless phone charger, paddle shifters, premium Bose sound system, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Higher variants will also come with electric adjustments for the front seats.

The Hyundai Tucson, on the other hand, also comes with features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a matching digital instrument cluster. Its interior design is sleek, with touch-sensitive controls replacing most physical buttons.

It also includes dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, 64-color ambient lighting, a Bose sound system, and connected car features. Notably, the Tucson is the first in its segment to feature Level 2 ADAS.

Coming to the Toyota Fortuner’s list of features, it is the least equipped model of the three. It gets a smaller touchscreen that offers Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Other features of the Fortuner include powered front seats, dual-zone climate control, and ambient lighting.

It also comes with wireless phone charging and a 360-degree camera. Safety features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and up to seven airbags on top variants.

When it comes to features, the X-Trail will compete with the Tucson directly as they offer almost the same features. The Fortuner, on the other hand, lacks a bit in this department. However, despite this glaring issue, it has managed to outsell all the other SUVs in the segment.

Powertrain Options

The Nissan X-Trail is expected to come powered by a single 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. It will be producing around 201 bhp and 305 Nm. And it will come paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). There is speculation that a hybrid version might also be offered.

The Hyundai Tucson, on the other hand, offers two powertrains. The first is a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 156 hp and 192 Nm. And the other is a 2.0-litre diesel engine with 186 hp and 416 Nm. The petrol engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, while the diesel variant gets an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The Tucson also offers an AWD system with multi-terrain modes.

As for the powertrain options of the Fortuner, it comes with two engine options. The 2.8-litre diesel engine produces 201 bhp and 500 Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

It also comes with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine generating 235 bhp and 400 Nm. Both engines offer 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. The Fortuner’s off-road hardware includes limited-slip differentials and hill descent control, making it a robust off-roader.

Now, in terms of drivetrain options, the new X-Trail will be the one with the least options in the segment. However, it will be suitable for those who are looking to get a petrol-only SUV. The current champion of this segment is undoubtedly the Fortuner with its diesel engine option.

Pricing and Value

The Nissan X-Trail, being imported as a CBU, is expected to be priced between Rs. 30 lakh and Rs. 35 lakh. Hyundai Tucson’s pricing ranges from Rs. 27.7 lakh to Rs. 34.39 lakh (ex-showroom). Its competitive pricing, combined with a host of features and the introduction of Level 2 ADAS, makes it a strong contender in the segment.

As for the Toyota Fortuner, it is priced from Rs. 33 lakh to Rs. 51 lakh (ex-showroom). Now, in terms of pricing, if the X-Trail is priced fairly, it should have a fighting chance. However, with Nissan’s smaller service network and its limited availability, it has to be seen if it manages to lure in buyers or not.