Nissan X-Trail vs Toyota RAV4 vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Which has the lowest running costs?

Nissan recently launched a new version of its X-Trail, and it appears to be a solid entrant into the mid-size SUV segment. How does it compare with two key rivals in terms of running costs?

Nissan has found great success with its SUVs, such as the Qashqai and X-Trail, and since both of the current-generation versions of these products are still new to the local market, they are more relevant than ever! Today we will compare the X-Trail in flagship Acenta Plus 4WD guise with two similarly priced rivals: the Toyota RAV4 and the Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace. All three models feature petrol engines and automatic gearboxes. The question today is, which has the lowest running costs?

The figures

*Claimed fuel consumption

Comparing the trio

Purchase price

The models we have chosen for this comparison are competitors from a pricing and body-style perspective, with petrol engines and automatic gearboxes. Monthly instalments are calculated throughout 72 months with a 10% deposit and no balloon or residual. The interest rate is set at 12%.

Nissan X-Trail 2.5 Acenta Plus 4WD

The X-Trail will work out at R13 639 monthly over 72 months with the instalment parameters.

Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid GX-R E-Four

With the instalment parameters, the RAV4 will work out at R12 585 per month over 72 months.

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2.0TSI 132kW 4Motion Style

With the instalment parameters, the AllSpace will work out at R13 727 monthly over 72 months.

Fuel consumption

Our contenders all feature petrol engines. However, the Nissan makes do with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine and a CVT. At the same time, the Toyota features a 2.5-litre engine, an electric motor, and a CVT, while the Volkswagen has a turbocharged unit with a dual-clutch gearbox. Therefore, with its hybrid powertrain, Toyota is the most efficient product.

Service plans

Our trio have 90 000 service plans. However, each project has a different duration, with Toyota and Volkswagen sharing the spoils with six services for the RAV4 and five years for the Volkswagen, with the X-Trail only offering three years.

Verdict

Looking at the data, in the first five years of ownership, we feel that the Toyota RAV4 will have the lowest running costs thanks to its compelling service plan and superior fuel consumption.

Keyword: Nissan X-Trail vs Toyota RAV4 vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Which has the lowest running costs?