​Nissan has launched its full-size SUV in India, the X Trail. The price of this SUV has been kept at ₹49.92 lakh. This SUV is a full-size SUV from the brand, and it also happens to be the first SUV of the brand which was launched in India during the initial days of Nissan in India. This SUV was first showcased in 2023 alongside two more SUVs - Qashqai and Juke. Back then, Nissan had also confirmed that all of these SUVs would be launched soon in India, starting with the biggest, the X Trail. 

X Trail Rivals

The X Trail sits in the segment of full-size SUVs in the Indian Automotive Market. This SUV’s competition is weird because size and engine-wise, it should compete against the Jeep Meridian, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Skoda Kodiaq. But, because of such heavy pricing, the X Trail has ended up rivaling the Fortuner and Gloster. So, today, we will give you three reasons to choose the X Trail instead of the bigger and more powerful Fortuner. 

Fuel Efficient 1.5 L Petrol Hybrid Engine 

The X Trail is powered by a small 1.5 L VC Turbo Petrol Engine. This engine is an engineering marvel from the Japanese brand. Basically, this engine contains a variable compression ratio - This means, the engine will be able to identify when it needs power and when it does not. So, according to that it will Lower the Compression ratio chunking all of the power out, and will Higher the compression ratio, further, increasing the fuel efficiency, respectively. 

More about this engine - This mechanical powerhouse produces 163 PS and 300 Nm Torque. This engine will be mated to a CVT Gearbox. This engine is also connected to a Mild Hybrid system, further, delivering more efficiency on board.

Speaking of the Fortuner, the top Petrol variant of the Fortuner is priced at almost ₹15 lakh rupees cheaper than the X Trail at ₹35 lakh. But, there are a few cons with the Fortuner Petrol - 

It gets a big, all-time-thirsty 2.6 L Petrol engine. It produces 163 PS and 245 Nm Torque. 

Fortuner is 1000 kg heavier than the X Trail because of this, it is very dull in its performance. 

The Petrol variants of the Fortuner are also the least sold across the lineup, as they are the worst in terms of practicality.

Premium Design Features

The X Trail looks and feels premium compared to the Toyota Fortuner. Overall, the design of the SUV is new to our eyes, and is definitely a stylish one, too. The X Trail carries the modern-age SUV design traits in itself, which gives it the liberty of being sharp and attractive. The material quality in the X Trail is also more upmarket than the Fortuner. It has a lot of soft-touch points, it gets chrome inserts in its design, 20 inch Diamond cut Alloy wheels, etc. 

On the other hand, the Fortuner is made like a rugged, unbreakable SUV on off-roads. The fit of all the components of the SUV is very sturdy and looks like it will last a long period of time. The design of the SUV is not bad at all but, the only issue is - the design is almost a decade old now. It has got the minute update but, still looks dated. Moreover, the material quality in the cabin of the Fortuner is not at all premium, they wil last long but, they also look very cheap. 

Better Technology

The X Trail offers a much better package of technology when compared to the Fortuner. The X Trail, which is launched in India, is the pre-facelift model of the Internationally available X Trail. It gets a lot of technological features, like an 8 inch Infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Dual zone Climate control with Tripple zone option, a 12.3 inch Instrument Cluster, a Wireless Charging pad with two USB Type A & C and two 12V Sockets, a Splash free feature on Rain sensing wipers, Panoramic sunroof, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold and Hill Start Assist, 360 degree Camera with Moving Object Detection, etc.

The other side of the coin, which is the Fortuner, has a lot fewer features compared to the long list on the X Trail. A 4 inch Instrument Cluster with Two physical Analogue dials, an 8 inch Infotainment screen, Dual zone Climate control, Ventilated Front Electric seats, an Electric Tailgate, a Wireless Charging pad with charging ports, etc. 

The 4X4 system is only available on Fortuner’s Diesel variants, on the other hand, the X Trail is a Front-wheel Drive SUV. Both SUVs also get 7 Airbags with ABS & EBD in terms of Safety, and they both are 7-seaters, too. The X Trail is based on a Monocoque platform, whereas, the Fortuner sits on a Ladder Frame chassis. Both of the SUVs get Driving modes.