VS
At a Glance
Power
100 kW
110kW@4000
Torque
320 Nm
320Nm@2000
Fuel
5.0 l/100km
7.4
Towing
1650 Kg
1350
0-100 km/h
11.4 s
—
Engine
1598 cc
1995
Choosing between the KIA Sportage and the Nissan X-Trail is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The KIA Sportage delivers 100 kW while the Nissan X-Trail produces 110kW@4000. On fuel, the Sportage returns 5.0 l/100km while the X-Trail uses 7.4 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R716 995 for the Sportage and R481 900 for the X-Trail. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
100 kW
110kW@4000
Torque
320 Nm
320Nm@2000
0-100 kph
11.4 s
—
Top Speed
180 Km/h
178
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1598 cc
1995
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.0 l/100km
7.4
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
65
CO2 Emissions
129 g/km
198
Dimensions
Length
4515 mm
4635
Width
1865 mm
-1790
Height
1650 mm
1785
Wheelbase
2680 mm
2630
Ground Clearance
170 mm
203
Kerb Weight
1493 Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
571-1760 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1650 Kg
1350
Load Capacity
—
1773
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✗
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Sportage
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Sportage
Fuel Economy
Sportage
Value
X-Trail
Practicality
Sportage
Pros & Cons
KIA Sportage
Better fuel economy (5.0 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1650 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Nissan X-Trail
Lower starting price (R481 900)
Higher fuel consumption (7.4)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sportage or X-Trail?
The Sportage uses 5.0 l/100km and the X-Trail uses 7.4 on the combined cycle. The Sportage is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sportage or X-Trail?
The Sportage produces 100 kW and 320 Nm of torque while the X-Trail delivers 110kW@4000 and 320Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sportage and X-Trail?
The Sportage starts from R716 995 and the X-Trail from R481 900. The X-Trail is cheaper by R235 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sportage or X-Trail?
The Sportage has a braked towing capacity of 1650 Kg and the X-Trail can tow 1350. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sportage or the X-Trail?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.