Toyota Harrier vs Nissan X-Trail vs Mazda CX-5: Comprehensive SUV Comparison

The midsize SUV market offers numerous options for families and individuals seeking versatility, comfort, and capability. Three notable contenders in this segment are the Toyota Harrier, Nissan X-Trail, and Mazda CX-5. This comparison analyzes their key differences across multiple aspects to help you determine which best suits your needs.

Price and Positioning

The three SUVs occupy slightly different price brackets in the market. The Toyota Harrier positions itself as the premium option, with prices ranging from $225,888 to $243,888 in Singapore, making it the most expensive of the trio¹. The Mazda CX-5 sits in the middle tier at approximately $207,888², while the Nissan X-Trail typically represents the most affordable option among the three.

The Harrier is positioned as a stylish, comfort-oriented SUV with premium appointments, while the X-Trail emphasizes versatility and practicality. The CX-5, despite being in production since 2017, continues to shine as one of the most attractive and engaging-to-drive options in its class³.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

Toyota Harrier Exterior Design and Dimensions

The Harrier flaunts a refined and modern exterior design with sleek lines and a bold grille that gives it a commanding presence on the road⁴. With dimensions of 4740mm length, 1855mm width, and 1660mm height⁵, the Harrier has an aerodynamic profile that contributes to its stylish appeal. Its wheelbase measures 2690mm⁵, providing a stable platform and generous interior space.

Nissan X-Trail Exterior Design and Dimensions

The Nissan X-Trail features a more rugged and versatile design appropriate for its positioning as a practical family SUV. It measures 4680mm in length, 1840mm in width, and stands 1725mm tall⁶, making it shorter but taller than the Harrier. The X-Trail's 2706mm wheelbase⁶ is slightly longer than the Harrier's, potentially offering more interior space. The X-Trail's design prioritizes visibility with large windows all around and relatively thin pillars⁷.

Mazda CX-5 Exterior Design and Dimensions

The CX-5 showcases Mazda's "Kodo" design language with smooth lines and an elegant profile⁸. It's the most compact of the three, measuring 4550mm in length, 1840mm in width, and 1670mm in height⁶. Despite its smaller footprint, the CX-5's 2700mm wheelbase⁶ is comparable to its competitors. The CX-5's styling is often praised for being more elegant and upscale than its price point might suggest³.

Performance and Powertrain

Toyota Harrier Performance and Powertrain

The Harrier comes equipped with a 2487cc engine producing 176 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque⁵. It utilizes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds⁵. The Harrier achieves a top speed of 180 km/h⁵. It's also available as a hybrid with a combined output of 215 PS¹, offering better fuel efficiency for urban environments.

Nissan X-Trail Performance and Powertrain

The X-Trail features a 2.5-liter (2490cc) engine generating 184-188 horsepower and 244 Nm of torque⁶⁹. Like the Harrier, it uses a CVT transmission but takes slightly longer to accelerate, requiring approximately 10 seconds to reach 100 km/h from standstill⁶. However, it achieves a higher top speed of 200 km/h⁶. The X-Trail is also available with Nissan's innovative e-Power hybrid system, which uses the gasoline engine primarily as a generator to power electric motors that drive the wheels⁷.

Mazda CX-5 Performance and Powertrain

The CX-5 offers a 2.5-liter engine producing 187-188 horsepower and 251-252 Nm of torque⁶¹⁰, giving it the highest torque output among the three. Unlike its competitors, it uses a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT¹¹. The CX-5 is the quickest accelerator of the group, reaching 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds⁶, and achieves the highest top speed at 210 km/h⁶. Mazda also offers a turbocharged engine option for those seeking more power³.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

The Toyota Harrier achieves approximately 13.5 km/liter overall, with 12 km/liter in city driving and 15 km/liter on highways¹⁰⁹. Its 55-liter fuel tank⁵ provides decent range between refills.

The Nissan X-Trail delivers around 11 km/liter overall, with 10 km/liter in city driving and 12 km/liter on highways⁹. It features a larger 60-liter fuel tank⁶. The e-Power hybrid version would likely offer significantly better fuel economy, especially in urban environments.

The Mazda CX-5 offers comparable efficiency to the X-Trail at approximately 11.5 miles/liter overall, with 11 km/liter in city driving and 12 km/liter on highways¹⁰. The EPA rates the base engine at 26 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, while the turbocharged option achieves 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway³.

Interior Quality and Comfort

Toyota Harrier Interior Quality and Comfort

The Harrier's interior matches its premium exterior with high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and a user-friendly infotainment system⁴. Some models feature maroon leather finishing on the dashboard, seats, and door panels⁸. The cabin is designed to provide a luxurious experience, though some reviewers note that certain aspects of the interior arrangement appear somewhat dated⁸¹.

Nissan X-Trail Interior Quality and Comfort

The X-Trail offers a classy interior that feels posher than previous generations¹². It features a practical "floating" center console design that provides additional storage space⁷. The driving position offers excellent visibility, with plenty of adjustability in both the seat and steering wheel⁷. The X-Trail's suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps and rough road surfaces effectively⁷.

Mazda CX-5 Interior Quality and Comfort

The CX-5 stands out with what many consider a "luxury-adjacent" interior featuring first-rate materials and a fabulous layout³. It employs soft-touch plastics on door panels and dashboard, designed to resemble leather⁸, and features genuine leather seats in higher trims. The CX-5's ergonomics are particularly driver-focused, with a floor-hinged accelerator pedal and perfectly positioned steering wheel³. This attention to detail gives the CX-5 an upscale feel that exceeds expectations for its price point.

Space and Practicality

All three SUVs offer 5-seat configurations, though the X-Trail is also available with a 7-seat option in some markets¹³.

For cargo capacity, the Mazda CX-5 offers the most generous trunk space at 872-965 liters⁶¹⁰, significantly more than the Nissan X-Trail's 550 liters⁶ and the Toyota Harrier's modest 396 liters⁵¹⁰. However, the CX-5's rear seating is described as "adequate for adults, but far from roomy"³, suggesting it may be less comfortable for rear passengers on longer journeys.

The Harrier emphasizes passenger comfort with a spacious cabin¹, while the X-Trail balances passenger space with cargo capacity. The X-Trail's versatility is enhanced by its available third-row seating, though these seats are best suited for occasional use by smaller passengers¹³.

For maximum utility, the X-Trail can carry the most weight in its trunk at 1773 kg¹⁴, while the Harrier has the highest overall weight capacity at 2700 kg¹⁴.

Driving Experience

Toyota Harrier

The Harrier delivers a smooth and comfortable ride that excels in both city driving and long road trips⁴. Its focus is clearly on comfort and refinement rather than sporty handling. The Harrier's limited off-road capability is noted as a drawback for those seeking adventure beyond paved roads¹.

Nissan X-Trail Driving Experience

The X-Trail offers good visibility and light steering, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments⁷. Its suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively absorbing bumps and uneven surfaces⁷. While not the most agile SUV in corners, showing some body lean when turning⁷, the X-Trail compensates with strong four-wheel drive capabilities for off-road excursions¹⁵. Its comfort-oriented approach makes it ideal for family use.

Mazda CX-5 Driving Experience

The CX-5 distinguishes itself as "one of the most engaging to drive in the compact-crossover class"³. It features sportier suspension settings that limit body roll in corners and deliver sharp, responsive controls¹¹. The CX-5 is described as "quite a bit of fun to drive along a challenging stretch of backroad"¹¹, appealing to those who value driving dynamics. However, its firmer suspension may not appeal to buyers prioritizing comfort over handling¹¹.

Technology and Safety Features

The Toyota Harrier comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, along with front and rear parking sensors, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a twin sunroof on certain models¹. Some reviewers mention the infotainment system as being somewhat dated¹.

The Nissan X-Trail offers ProPilot on higher trims, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance⁷. It also features parking sensors and cameras on higher-spec versions, plus excellent visibility with large windows⁷. Safety features include lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking⁷.

The Mazda CX-5 comes standard with parking sensors front and rear¹¹, and higher trims are well-equipped with advanced features¹³. It provides numerous storage spaces for small items and a flat load floor in the cargo area for improved practicality³.

Key Strengths and Weaknesses

Toyota Harrier Key Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Stylish modern design
• Spacious and comfortable cabin
• Refined ride quality
• Good build quality

Weaknesses:

• Limited off-road capability
• Dated infotainment system
• Higher price point compared to competitors
• Smallest cargo capacity of the three

Nissan X-Trail Key Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Strong four-wheel drive capabilities
• Available with 7 seats
• Good visibility and comfortable ride
• Advanced driver assistance with ProPilot

Weaknesses:

• Engine can be noisy under hard acceleration
• Not as engaging to drive as some competitors
• Less refined than premium alternatives
• Slower acceleration than rivals

Mazda CX-5 Key Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Engaging driving dynamics
• Upscale interior quality
• Elegant styling
• Best cargo capacity of the three

Weaknesses:

• Less rear passenger space than rivals
• Limited towing ability (2000 pounds)
• Firm ride might not appeal to comfort-oriented buyers
• Oldest design of the three models

Conclusion: Which SUV Is Right For You?

The choice between these three capable SUVs ultimately depends on your priorities and preferences:

Choose the Toyota Harrier if you value premium feel, refined comfort, and are willing to pay more for a stylish, upscale SUV experience. Its smooth ride and high-quality interior make it ideal for those who prioritize comfort and luxury over sportiness or maximum utility.

Select the Nissan X-Trail if versatility, practicality, and value are your main concerns. Its available seven-seat configuration, strong off-road capabilities, and comfortable ride make it an excellent family vehicle for those who occasionally venture beyond paved roads.

Opt for the Mazda CX-5 if driving engagement, upscale interior quality, and value are important to you. Despite being the oldest design of the three, it continues to impress with its premium feel, responsive handling, and generous cargo space, making it perfect for drivers who don't want to sacrifice enjoyment behind the wheel.

Each of these SUVs represents a different approach to the midsize crossover formula, and all three have earned their place among the top contenders in this competitive segment.