Head to Head

With the threat of flooding ever present, crossovers have become a popular option as a family car. With their higher ground clearance compared to sedans, these vehicles provide safe transport be it rain or shine.

It all started in 1996 with the Toyota RAV4 and brought in a barrage of competitors since then. One of the RAV4's prime competitors is the Nissan X-Trail. Introduced in 2004, the X-Trail continues to serve as Nissan's compact crossover. The vanguard SUVs from Toyota and Nissan are the focus of this week's head to head.

This week's head to head pits the all-new Nissan X-Trail against the recently revised Toyota RAV4. These two compact crossovers are few of the wide choices available in the Philippines today and we see how the two stack up.

The Nissan X-Trail is available in two powertrains. For AWD models, it is powered by 2.5 liter, four-cylinder gas engine that produces 171 PS and 233 Nm of torque. 2WD models on the other hand are equipped with a smaller, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine with 144 PS and 200 Nm of torque. Unlike the Nissan, the Toyota RAV4 only comes with one engine option, the 2.5 liter, inline 4 that puts out 179 PS and 233 Nm of torque for both AWD and 2WD variants.

For transmissions, the Toyota RAV4 shifts via a 6-speed automatic while the Nissan X-Trail is equipped with automaker's Xtronic continuously variable transmission. Both come with manual mode systems.

For ride and handling, the two come with similar suspension setups. Both ride on MacPherson struts in front but the two differ at the rear. The Nissan uses a Multi-Link system while the Toyota is on a double wishbone. Being crossovers, the RAV4 and the X-Trail utilize a unibody construction for their chassis.

Each of their AWD models remain front-wheel drive until tire slip is detected. On rough or slippery roads, the Nissan and Toyota's rear wheels engage for extra traction and stability.

Stepping inside, the Toyota RAV4 boasts of a sporty-looking interior with angular edges and leather-wrapped dashboard. The sporty theme continues to the center console and the rest of the interior gets silver accents. As for the Nissan X-Trail, soft lines and curves dominate the interior, giving it an upmarket look. Silver trim also livens up the cabin of the X-Trail. Top-spec models for both boast leather seating with power adjustments while lower-end models get fabric seats and manual adjustments. The Nissan X-Trail holds the distinction of being the only 7-seater in its segment.

The instrument clusters of each car features a multi-information display that shows fuel economy, range, distance traveled and even vehicle status. The RAV4 gets Toyota's signature 3-D effect Optitron gauges while the X-Trail comes with backlit gauges. Additional comfort and convenience features include tilt and telescopic steering wheel, steering wheel mounted audio controls plus cruise control.

Entertainment in the top of the line Nissan X-Trail is provided by 5-inch LCD monitor that allows for USB, Bluetooth, Auxiliary and iPod and sound is pumped out through its 6-speakers. 2WD models on the other hand get a traditional 2-DIN audio system that includes 4 speakers, USB, Bluetooth, Auxiliary and iPod. Moving to the RAV4, it gets a 6.5 inch touchscreen with AM/FM radio, CD, DVD, MP3, Aux, USB, iPod, Bluetooth and Navigation via a SD card. Like the X-Trail, the RAV4 gets a 6-speaker audio system in top-spec models. Mid and entry-level RAV4's come with a 2-DIN stereo.

Updated for 2016, the Toyota RAV4 features a new front fascia. This year, the RAV4 gets new wraparound automatic LED projector headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights DRLs. It gets a black grill trim along with a more aggressive bumper design and circular foglights and new 17-inch alloy wheels. The rear of the RAV4 was also revised this year with new LED combination taillights along with a slightly reshaped tailgate.

The Nissan X-Trail was all-new last year and departs from the previous generation's boxy profile. Curves are now featured throughout its body and the front fascia adapts the brand's V-Motion grille complemented by sleek wraparound headlights. The rear end is also a big change from the previous models with taillights mounted at the center instead of on the pillars. Furthermore, the car's D-Pillar is swept upwards, giving the car a sporty look and the AWD models gain a roof rail.

Standard safety equipment in the Nissan X-Trail include ABS with EBD, parking sensors, stability control, traction control, and four airbags. The Toyota gets similar safety equipment levels as well, coming standard with ABS with EBD, parking sensors, stability control, traction control, and four airbags.

The Toyota RAV4 comes in three variants, namely, Active, Active + and Premium. The Nissan X-Trail on the other hand is available in two guises, 2.0 liter 2WD and 2.5 liter AWD. Prices for the RAV4 start at Php 1,263,000 to 2,081,000 while X-Trail starts at Php 1,375,000 to Php 1,580,000.

And that wraps up our Head-to-Head on two popular crossovers in the market. With their abundant safety features, high ground clearance and versatility, choosing between the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail will be difficult but one thing is for sure, they both offer everything you need in a family car with the bonus of all-weather capability.