RIDING HIGH

Can two fresh contenders unseat Toyota’s best-selling RAV4 Hybrid?

Mid-size SUVS are the most popular vehicles in the country, accounting for one in five new cars sold in 2022. Nissan’s new X-trail entered the fray at the end of last year but faces stiff competition in the shape of the top-selling Toyota RAV4 and the value-packed Kia Sportage.

We put the three heavy hitters to the test to see which one is the best family-friendly ride.

NISSAN X-TRAIL

The new Nissan X-trail is a big step forward.

Bigger in all dimensions and handsomely styled, it has plenty of active safety gear and glamorous 18-inch alloy-wheels.

We brought along the mid-tier ST-L frontwheel drive version priced from about $47,000 drive-away. All-wheel drive pushes the price above $50,000. It’s the most affordable of the trio tested and comes with a generous equipment list, but servicing is expensive at more than $2300 over five years.

Buyers can expect heated leather-accented seats from the mid-tier Nissan.

An eight-inch touchscreen is paired with driver’s instruments combines analog dials with a small digital readout. All vehicles tested are compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

Nissan’s four USB points – two in each row – keep devices fully juiced and there is plenty of storage in the double-decker centre console.

The interior fit and presentation are best-inclass with top notch materials used throughout.

Rear doors open wider than the others, making it easier to load and unload little ones.

A slightly higher rear seat means they’re less likely to get carsick. It’s the only one here with a sliding rear seat, which means the 585-litre boot can be expanded to become truly cavernous.

Disappointingly, Nissan has carried over the 2.5-litre petrol engine from the previous version – albeit with some heavy upgrades. It makes 135kw and 244Nm and is connected to a CVT automatic. It provides adequate thrust but can feel laboured under heavy acceleration.

Fuel use of 7.4L/100km is unimpressive for a new car and it is the thirstiest here. Two-tonne towing capacity bests rivals here.

The Nissan is most comfortable around town, where its soft suspension cushions against potholes or road imperfections. It is an admirable highway cruiser. But it leans considerably through corners when pushed on twisting back roads, and its slow and heavy steering lessens the drive experience.

KIA SPORTAGE

The Sportage is hard to miss on the road, with head-turning styling to set tongues wagging.

For about $1200 more than the Nissan, you get the Sportage in SX+ trim with a punchy 1.6litre turbo petrol engine and all-wheel drive.

The Sportage’s cabin looks the most modern and its standard equipment list is stacked with desirable items. It comes with a 12.3-inch central display and matching digital instrument display of the same size. Quilted faux leather seats are heated up front, and like the Nissan, the driver’s seat is electronically adjustable. A leather-wrapped steering wheel comes with sporty paddle shifters.

Tunes come from a premium eight-speaker Harman and Kardon stereo, and there are four USB charging points. But it’s the only car here without blind spot and rear cross traffic alerts.

The cabin is spacious but it has the smallest boot here. Kia wins back points as the only car with a powered tailgate.

The small turbo engine has plenty of oomph, but its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic doesn’t gel as well as in some other vehicles. There is a delay on take off, and it doesn’t flick between the ratios as quickly as needed during spirited driving.

Firmer suspension makes it the better cornering SUV, but it can feel harsh over distressed city streets.

A seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty is a winner, though it is the most expensive car to maintain.

TOYOTA RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 accounts for about one in five sales in its class and has lengthy wait times.

The RAV4 is the only one here offered with hybrid power – at least until the petrol-electric X-trail lobs in the coming months.

It combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and small battery. It uses just 4.7L/100km and only needs cheaper regular unleaded. It is zippy off the mark and quiet and refined around town. There are deep torque reserves for overtaking at highway speeds.

Well sorted suspension makes for a comfortable daily commute and surprisingly engaging drive that is aided by light and direct steering. Our two-wheel-drive RAV4 GLX test car is the most expensive here at about $48,500 drive-away.

The cabin feels dated, missing out on the wow factor of the other two. Manually adjustable cloth seats are comfortable but there is no heating function at this price.

There are few big ticket items to speak of, but it has a wireless phone charger the other cars lack. A faux leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter are nice touches.

An eight-inch touchscreen matches the Nissan, but Toyota’s driver instruments are old school. Positives include a roomy back seat with excellent head, shoulder and leg room for adult passengers. The boot is large, too.

Servicing costs just $1300 over five years and has the longest intervals at 12 months or 15,000km, leaving more money in your pocket over the life of the car.

VERDICT

The Nissan will appeal to families with its smart and practical interior, and buyers who want all the bells and whistles will gravitate towards the Kia. Despite being the oldest car here, Toyota’s inexpensive hybrid tech and low ownership costs put it a whisker ahead of the competition.