@ Nissan Motor Corporation
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Nissan X-Trail vs VW Golf Variant – Which car suits you better?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Nissan X-Trail or VW Golf Variant fits your lifestyle better.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

X-Trail @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

VW Golf Variant has a distinct advantage in terms of price – it starts at 26100 £, while the Nissan X-Trail costs 34000 £. That’s a price difference of around 7890 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf Variant manages with 4.30 L and is therefore evident more efficient than the Nissan X-Trail with 5.70 L. The difference is about 1.40 L per 100 km.

Golf Variant @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf Variant has a distinct edge – offering 333 HP compared to 213 HP. That’s roughly 120 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf Variant is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.80 s, while the Nissan X-Trail takes 7 s. That’s about 2.20 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf Variant performs a bit better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Nissan X-Trail tops out at 200 km/h. The difference is around 50 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Nissan X-Trail pulls to a small extent stronger with 525 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 105 Nm difference.

X-Trail @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Nissan X-Trail offers evident more seating capacity – 7 vs 5.

In curb weight, VW Golf Variant is noticeable lighter – 1366 kg compared to 1668 kg. The difference is around 302 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers minimal more room – 611 L compared to 585 L. That’s a difference of about 26 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Golf Variant performs slightly better – up to 1642 L, which is about 218 L more than the Nissan X-Trail.

When it comes to payload, Nissan X-Trail minimal takes the win – 574 kg compared to 547 kg. That’s a difference of about 27 kg.

Who wins the race?

The VW Golf Variant proves to be dominates this comparison and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW Golf Variant is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £26,100
Golf Variant @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Golf Variant

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.3 - 8.2 L

Nissan X-Trail

5 (1)
rate

The Nissan X-Trail is a roomy, no-nonsense family SUV that mixes sensible practicality with a quietly modern look, making it an easy choice for busy lives and weekend escapes. It drives with calm confidence, delivers a comfortable ride and sensible tech, and won’t demand drama while doing the everyday heavy lifting.

details

VW Golf Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

details
Nissan X-Trail
VW Golf Variant
X-Trail @ Nissan Motor Corporation
Golf Variant @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
34000 - 50400 £
Price
26100 - 48700 £
Consumption L/100km
5.7 - 6.9 L
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 8.2 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
131 - 161 g/km
co2
114 - 185 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
55 L
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5 - 7
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1668 - 1961 kg
Curb weight
1366 - 1621 kg
Trunk capacity
177 - 585 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
4680 mm
Length
4631 - 4651 mm
Width
1840 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1720 mm
Height
1462 - 1487 mm
Max trunk capacity
1396 - 1424 L
Max trunk capacity
1624 - 1642 L
Payload
432 - 574 kg
Payload
489 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
CVT, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
163 - 213 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 - 9.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.8 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
170 - 200 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 250 km/h
Torque
300 - 525 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
120 - 157 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1497 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2024
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, G, F, C
Brand
Nissan
Brand
VW
Is the Nissan X-Trail offered with different drivetrains?

The Nissan X-Trail is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.