Are you caught contemplating on choosing between two compact SUVs? Toyota Rush and Nissan X-Trail are two great cars in that category. Let me take you on a tour reviewing Toyota Rush vs Nissan X-Trail by taking a look at styling, interior features, and the power train. We look forward to making it easy for you to arrive at that decision on which of the two will be suitable for you.
Toyota Rush vs Nissan X-Trail Side-By-Side Comparison
(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricings as of September 2020.)
| Toyota Rush | Nissan X-Trail | |
|---|---|---|
| Generations | 2 (J200 & F800) | 3 (T30, T31 & T32) |
| Engine Performance | 109 HP | 140 HP - 177 HP |
| Fuel Consumption | 14.6 KM/L | 10.6 KM/L - 13.7 KM/L |
| Number of Passengers | 5 | 5 or 7 |
| Key Features | Power Window, Keyless Entry, AC, ABS, Airbag, Back Camera, Central locking | Alloy wheels, power window, ABS, power steering, Radio |
| Drivetrain | FWD & 4WD | FWD & 4WD |
| BE FORWARD Price | US $1240 - US $ 35580 | US $ 1440 - US $ 23220 |
Let’s begin by looking at the summarized table below and briefly see how the Toyota Rush and Nissan X-Trail differ from one another.
Exterior/Interior Comparison
Toyota Rush
BROWSE LOW COST TOYOTA RUSH MODELS
Interior
The interior of the Rush was not designed in a rush, and that can be witnessed by how the final product is. The interior is presentable, satisfyingly clear and simple. The Rush has a high driving position that enables the driver to have a clear view while driving, with the steering wheel and gear lever are wrapped in leather giving them a smooth and soft feel.
The instrument panel is interestingly designed with a full-dial speedometer that is flanked by a half-dial RPM counter to the left and fuel gauge with gear indicator on the right. At the bottom of the speedometer there is a small rectangular LCD showing the trip and odometer.
The center console has a radio at the top for ease of access, with a pair of rectangular A/C vents with the hazard light switch between them and A/C blower and vent control dials underneath.
Behind the gear stick there are two cup holders, and a small storage tray next to it that is suitable for coins, small phones or jewelry.
In spite of its compact size, the Rush has enough space to accommodate four adults comfortably and its cabin is roomy, with a 380-liter cargo space with four luggage tie-down hooks. The doors of the Rush open in three stages, and when fully opened, entry and exit becomes simple. The seats are covered by a water-repellant full-fabric that is friendlier to outdoor leisure activities.
BROWSE LOW COST TOYOTA RUSH MODELS
Exterior
When it comes to buying a car, most people don’t go looking for technical specifications or luxury. One of the first things that catches the eye of the potential buyer first are the looks, then (in no specific order) reliability, comfort, price and maintenance cost.
The Toyota Rush is a compact SUV that has a catchy, pretty and plain look. At the front, the Rush is fitted with projector lamps with a neat grille in between. Underneath there is a large bumper that has been nicely and smoothly designed with an opening in between for a large air vent and fog (driving) lights on the sides. To complete the SUV look, there is a sump-guard as part of the plastic bumper mold. At the rear, the Rush has nicely cued rear lights that give a sophisticated look. The spare tire is fitted on the rear tailgate, and at the top of the tailgate there is a rear spoiler for great aerodynamics.
Safety
- Dual SRS front airbags
- Seat belts
- Anti-lock brakes
- Electronic brakeforce distribution
Nissan X-Trail
BROWSE LOW COST NISSAN X-TRAIL MODELS
Interior
The X-Trail has a high-quality interior. You get to choose from plain cloth seats to heated leather seats (depends on the trim) and the driver’s high driving position allows great visibility. The seat adjustments are either electric or manual for both the driver and the front passenger. The center console of the base model features a 5-inch screen radio which doubles as the navigation screen with 4 speakers (the high-end model comes with an 8-speaker Bose audio system and a 7-inch screen) at the top with A/C vents on its left and right side, and hazard light switch beneath it and blower switch, vent and temperature controller as well. The steering wheel is nice and soft, the dash is soft and smooth, and that smoothness is extended to the door tops. Storage is good, with two large cup holders and a large and deep central bin between the front seats, a tray in front of the gear shifter, and bottle holders on the doors. The rear seats have enough head and legroom and feature a foldable armrest with cup holders that are useful only when two passengers are occupying the rear seats. At the rear, there is enough luggage space (boot size of 410-liters to 945-liters with rear seats folded and depending on model), size depends on the model, and it also has a 12v socket.
BROWSE LOW COST NISSAN X-TRAIL MODELS
Exterior
At the front the X-Trail features Nissan’s v-motion grill, 17 or 18-inch alloy rims depending on trim, Xenon headlights, and LED tail-lights at the rear that give the car an outstanding look. The door handles and front grille are plated in chrome, and the car has a rear privacy glass.
Safety
- Front and curtain airbags
- Lane departure warning
- Seatbelts
- Blind-spot monitoring
- AEB with pedestrian protection
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Engine and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
Toyota Rush
BROWSE LOW COST TOYOTA RUSH MODELS
The Toyota Rush comes fitted with either a 4-cylinder K3-VE (1.3-liter) or 4-cylinder 3SZ-VE (1.5-liter) engines. Its standard engine is the 3SZ-VE (1.5-liter) VVT-i engine that produces 109 HP with an average consumption of 14.6 KM/L. The K3-VE (1.3-liter) engine produces 85 HP and has an average fuel consumption of 16.7 KM/L.
These engines transfer power to the wheels via a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
The Rush is a casual and tough sport-utility car that merges the drivability and enjoyment of SUVs with the convenience, the functionality and fun of a small station wagon and ease-of-use of a compact hatchback.
With its small turning radius, the Rush makes driving along narrow streets and parking hassle-free.
Due to its long wheelbase and wide tracks, the Rush achieves excellent cruising stability and smooth acceleration performance at high speeds. The full-time 4WD system, that comes with a mechanical center-locking differential, makes the Rush great at off-roading but also stable cruising at high speeds on-road.
Nissan X-Trail
BROWSE LOW COST NISSAN X-TRAIL MODELS
On every release, Nissan fitted the X-Trail with a new or upgraded engine. As a result, the buyer has several engines to choose from when it comes to buying an X-Trail. The earlier X-Trail models had three engine options, the 4-cylinder QR20DE (2.0-liter) that produces 140 HP with average fuel consumption of 12.9 KM/L, the 4-cylinder QR25DE (2.5 liter) that produces 178 HP with average fuel consumption of 12.5 KM/L, and the YD22DDT (2.0-liter) diesel that produces 108 HP with average fuel consumption of 13.7 KM/L.
Later models came with new engines and here we focus on two of those: the 4-cylinder MR20DE (2.0-liter) that produces 137 HP with average fuel consumption of 11.5 KM/L and the 4-cylinder M9R (2.0-liter) diesel that produces 148 HP and average fuel consumption of 14 KM/L. In other export markets, there are more engine options.
These engines transferred power to the wheels via a 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual or automatic, and CVT transmission. There is an optional 7-speed automatic CVT or 7-speed automatic DCT in some markets.
With these engines, the X-Trail can definitely take you to dreamland and offer a great driving experience on and off-road.
The Verdict
After this review, we have arrived at the conclusion that although the compact SUV segment is filled with many great options that one can choose from, the Toyota Rush and Nissan X-Trail both have what it takes to be considered as great options. So if you are planning on buying one of these, choose the one that suits you best for your desired use.
I am a Telecom & ICT specialist with a career spanning over 15 years in the demanding Tanzanian telecom industry.
I am also an avid DIYer with a good knack for everything technical and a wealth of vocational skills, with automotive being the top, and here I am writing about cars.
In 2017 a guy created a WhatsApp group called MyCar for the sole purpose of members helping each other with all matters regarding cars. I joined this group in 2018, and with my enormous wealth of knowledge regarding cars, and my readiness to share the knowledge with others, I became a top contributor, and that didn’t go unnoticed, as one member thought I was a potential writer and had contacts with Be Forward Japan who were looking for writers then. Fast forward to January 2020, I began writing for the Be Forward blog with 2024 being my fourth year.
As far as I can remember, I love cars, and growing up in the farming and tourist city of Arusha Tanzania in the ’80s and ’90s, I ended up being drawn to the Ranger Rover Classic for leisure and Land Cruiser 70 pickup as a workhorse. These were tough cars then, cars that could take you anywhere any time no matter the weather.
