2025 Kia Sportage L vs Nissan X Trail Comparison: See Price, Features, Safety, Engine Differences
Key Highlights
- The 2025 Nissan Sportage L has recently debuted in the UAE
- Nissan X Trail competes directly with the Sportage L
- Learn all differences between both SUVs including their price, specifications, features, safety
If you are out and looking for a used SUV in UAE that offers you power, luxury, safety, and big size, then it is impossible that you have not seen a used Nissan X Trail or a used Kia Sportage. The popularity of both these SUVs is top-notch as these compete with each other head-on. However, Kia has recently made a move by launching an extended wheelbase version of the Sportage in UAE. Read below what else has changed with the 'L' badge on the 2025 Kia Sportage L and how it stands against the Nissan X Trail in our detailed comparison review.
Also Read: Nissan Sunny vs Toyota Yaris Comparison: Which Car To Buy In UAE?
2025 Kia Sportage L vs Nissan X Trail: Design and Features
The new Sportage L and the Nissan X Trail, both belong to the mid-size urban SUV segment. With their respective design language, both SUVs are highly popular among car buyers in the UAE. Read below the differences among their design, size, and features.
Kia Sportage L
The new 2025 Sportage L is an extended wheelbase version of the standard Sportage SUV. Kia has elongated its length by 155 mt, making it a luxurious SUV in the segment. With the added length, the wheelbase of the car has also increased and so has the space inside. The overall design on the outside is unchanged but the added length definitely shows its huge dimensions on the road. To differentiate it from the standard model, Kia has also provided slight changes to its rear bumper.
Being a Korean brand, Kia never fails to load its cars with the latest tech. A similar case can be seen with the Sportage L which is loaded with numerous features. Some of these features are mentioned below:
- Curved 12.3-inch dual connected screens for infotainment and speedometer
- Wireless phone connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay mirroring
- Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
- Electrically adjustable front seats with seat ventilation and heating options
- Remote-folding second-row seats for increased cargo capacity
- Multiple drive modes with shift-on-fly rotary dial, All-wheel-drive option
- Dual-zone climate control with rear AC vents
- Electronic parking brake button
- Electric powered tailgate with handsfree gesture control
- Wireless phone charging, Alexa voice-control integration, and more
Nissan X Trail
Present in the UAE's car market for a long period, the Nissan X Trail offers the true panache of a Japanese urban SUV. While its design might not look as intimidating as the Sportage L, the X Trail is surely a smart-looking SUV. In terms of length, it is only 20mm shorter than the new Sportage L, which makes it an equally spacious and comfortable rival.
The X Trail follows the sharp yet elegant design language of Nissan, and it comes loaded with an impressive features list as well. Some of its highlighted features are mentioned below:
- LED headlights
- 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument console
- Wireless phone connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Wireless phone charging
- Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear AC vents
- 10.8-inch head-up-display for driver assistance
- Electrically powered tailgate with motion gesture controls
- Intelligent rear-view mirrors for better rear traffic display
- Divide-N-Hide cargo space management system with 6 different layouts for better luggage carrying capacity
Design and Features Verdict
Both SUVs come loaded with connected features and luxurious highlights. The 2025 Kia Sportage L has a better second-row space due to the additional wheelbase and its interiors look more modern. The Nissan X Trail, however, offers true luxury with a sorted cabin layout and some intelligent features that the Sportage L misses out on.
Also Read: Top 5 Used Nissan Cars In UAE To Look Out For
2025 Kia Sportage L vs Nissan X Trail: Engine, Hardware, and Performance
Another important aspect while buying an SUV is its engine, performance, and solid hardware that makes it utility-friendly. Both of these SUVs here, come loaded with different hardware but these are equally capable off-road and over the road too. However, a detailed comparison of the drivetrain, their real-world performance, and fuel efficiency are mentioned below.
Kia Sportage L
Kia Sportage L is offered with two different powerful turbo-petrol engine options. The first is a 1.5L turbo-petrol that produces 200PS of peak power, while the latter is a bigger 2.0L turbo-petrol engine that makes 236PS of peak power. Both of these engine options come mated to a quick 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission that uses ride-by-wire technology for fast performance. Additionally, buyers also get an option to choose from a front-wheel-drive configuration, as well as an all-wheel-drive configuration. The Sportage L is a quick highway performer due to its powerful turbo engines and it can easily do more than 200 km/h of top speed.
The performance of both these engines is quick and very smooth. The 8-speed gearbox feels seamless while driving. Moreover, the NVH (noise-vibration-harshness) levels are very well controlled on the new Sportage L SUV. With its 19-inch alloy wheels and AT tyres, the AWD version of the Sportage can easily maneuver over sand or rocky terrains. However, the all-wheel-drive option is only available with the 2.0L engine option. The downside of the Sportage L is its fuel economy, as it delivers around 10-13 km/l depending on the engine chosen and the driving conditions. In fact, the fuel economy figure drops to a single digit inside the city traffic. Moreover, the paddle shifters enhance the enthusiastic driving experience and lead to moderate fuel efficiency.
Nissan X Trail
Unlike Kia, the Nissan X Trail comes loaded with a single 2.5L petrol engine option. Being a naturally aspirated engine, it develops a modest 183.5PS of peak power output. This power is mated to a very smooth and reliable CVT automatic transmission. However, one should not go by the numbers as it is a really quick performer. The X Trail can easily touch 180 km/h of top speed and it can also deliver a fuel economy in the range of 15.4-16.1 km/l. Moreover, the base variant 'S' comes with a front-wheel-drive while the rest of the variants are equipped with an all-wheel-drive system.
Nissan also offers 6 different drive modes that include - Snow, Sand, Eco, Sport, Auto, and Off-road modes. These different drive modes can be changed on the go while driving by using a rotary dial provided on the center console. The all-wheel-drive system of the X Trail is widely appreciated by users for its off-road capabilities. Being an urban SUV, it can do better off-roading than its rivals like the Sportage L. While the X Trail might not be a very quick SUV, the paddle shifters come really handy while doing overtakes and driving on mountain roads.
Engine and Performance Verdict
In terms of engine and performance, the Kia Sportage L is a superior SUV with powerful engines that offer fast performance and a very smooth driving experience. However, the Nissan X Trail is more reliable in the long run with a bigger and sorted engine and a capable off-road drivetrain. The X Trail is also more fuel-efficient in the city.
Also Read: 2025 Kia Sportage L: Top 5 Highlights To Know Before Buying
2025 Kia Sportage L vs Nissan X Trail: Driving and Comfort
Another major area of conflict between these two popular SUVs is the driving experience and comfort. Buyer wants their SUV to be comfortable, usable for family, and equally enjoyable behind the steering wheel. There is a reason why so many used Kia Sportage SUVs in UAE and used Nissan X Trail SUVs in UAE are in demand. And that reason is their superb comfort and driving experience. Learn below the in-depth difference between both these SUVs and the way they drive.
Kia Sportage L
Kia is known for making very comfortable and smooth cars worldwide. In fact, their smoothness is one of the top reasons why people prefer used Kia cars in UAE. The new Sportage L is no different either, as it has a very silent driving experience. At low speeds, its steering feedback is light and easy to use, while it gains weight and precision at higher speeds. The suspension has been tuned to provide the utmost comfort to the passengers. It absorbs the road undulations calmly and remains stable. However, it is not a very enthusiastic vehicle to drive, given the fact that it now has an additional wheelbase. Around the corners, its body roll is evident and not very confidence-inspiring. Lastly, the braking performance is top-notch on the Sportage, as it gets all four-wheel disc brakes as standard.
Nissan X Trail
The X Trail has been a solid vehicle to drive, and that too a comfortable one. Maybe that is the reason why UAE buyers prefer the used Nissan cars so much, because of their comfortable cabin. The steering response of X Trail is very engaging and it is a fun-to-drive SUV for its size. It has a shorter turning radius which helps in easy city driving. Also, the slim A-pillar helps eliminate blind spots for the driver. The suspension tuning on the X Trail has been done for very stable ride quality. The car remains composed over the highways at higher speeds, as well as, it remains comfortable inside the city while crossing speed bumps and potholes.
Driving and Comfort Verdict
If you are a keen driver who will spend the majority of your time behind the steering wheel, it is the Nissan X Trail that will feel more rewarding to drive. However, as a passenger, the comfortable ride quality of the Kia Sportage L is unbeatable.
Also Read: 2025 Nissan Patrol SUV: 5 Reasons Why It Is Popular In UAE
2025 Kia Sportage L vs Nissan X Trail: Safety
The strict safety laws and rules of the UAE ensure that every manufacturer provides the latest safety features on their models. However, it is the brand that is responsible for additional safety measures to keep the passengers safe in unforeseen circumstances. The Sportage L and the X Trail, both SUVs are equipped with the latest safety features as explained below.
Kia Sportage L
Being the latest of the lot, the Sportage L comes equipped with multiple safety features. Some of the highlights are as follows:
- 8 airbags (top variant) with front seatbelt pre-tensioners
- 3-point seatbelts for all passengers (standard)
- Automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers
- Auto-dimming IRVM
- 360-degree parking camera with haptic lines for guided safety
- Electronic parking brake
- High-beam assist
- Blind spot monitoring and camera integration
- Parking-collision avoidance assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Front-collision avoidance assist
- Lane departure and lane keep assist
Nissan X Trail
Likewise to Kia, the Nissan X Trail also comes loaded with all of the bells and whistles for enhanced safety of passengers. Below are the top key safety features that the X Trail offers:
- Smart rear-view mirror camera assist
- Intelligent emergency brake assist
- 360-degree camera with moving object detection assist
- Blind spot warning and intervention
- Lane departure warning and lane keep assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert system
- Forward collision warning and intervention with auto brakes
- ProPilot with adaptive cruise control system
- 8 airbags
- ABS, EBD, and BA
- Hill-descent assist button
- Electronic parking brake button
- Head-up-display and driver alert assistance system
Safety Verdict
In terms of passenger safety, both SUVs are equally capable and loaded with the latest autonomous safety technology integration as well. However, it is the Nissan X Trail that comes loaded with better autonomous safety features and it also has a 91 percent score in the Euro NCAP crash tests, which is 4 percent higher than the Kia Sportage.
2025 Kia Sportage L vs Nissan X Trail: Price
No comparison is complete without comparing the prices and the variants head-on. With multiple specs available in the UAE, both SUV models come at competitive pricing as shared below.
Kia Sportage L
The Sportage L has launched recently, and its pricing in the UAE car market is as follows:
Nissan X Trail
Nissan offers the X Trail SUV in 5 different variants with the prices as below:
*prices shown here are subject to change and exclude VAT
Our Verdict
Since both these SUVs are available at relatively similar prices in the new car market, it is the Nissan X Trail that makes sense overall. With its strong build quality and robust engine, the X Trail is a more family-friendly SUV. But, if you prefer road presence, luxury, and modern features with fast highway performance, the new Kia Sportage L does the job just fine.
In the end, buying a new car is a costly affair, may it be a Nissan or a Kia. Hence, a lot of buyers tend to purchase second-hand cars in the UAE. We at CARS24 have a plethora of used SUV cars in UAE & used sedan cars in UAE that you must check out before making your decision.
Key Highlights
- The 2025 Nissan Sportage L has recently debuted in the UAE
- Nissan X Trail competes directly with the Sportage L
- Learn all differences between both SUVs including their price, specifications, features, safety
If you are out and looking for a used SUV in UAE that offers you power, luxury, safety, and big size, then it is impossible that you have not seen a used Nissan X Trail or a used Kia Sportage. The popularity of both these SUVs is top-notch as these compete with each other head-on. However, Kia has recently made a move by launching an extended wheelbase version of the Sportage in UAE. Read below what else has changed with the 'L' badge on the 2025 Kia Sportage L and how it stands against the Nissan X Trail in our detailed comparison review.
Also Read: Nissan Sunny vs Toyota Yaris Comparison: Which Car To Buy In UAE?
2025 Kia Sportage L vs Nissan X Trail: Design and Features
The new Sportage L and the Nissan X Trail, both belong to the mid-size urban SUV segment. With their respective design language, both SUVs are highly popular among car buyers in the UAE. Read below the differences among their design, size, and features.
Kia Sportage L
The new 2025 Sportage L is an extended wheelbase version of the standard Sportage SUV. Kia has elongated its length by 155 mt, making it a luxurious SUV in the segment. With the added length, the wheelbase of the car has also increased and so has the space inside. The overall design on the outside is unchanged but the added length definitely shows its huge dimensions on the road. To differentiate it from the standard model, Kia has also provided slight changes to its rear bumper.
Being a Korean brand, Kia never fails to load its cars with the latest tech. A similar case can be seen with the Sportage L which is loaded with numerous features. Some of these features are mentioned below:
- Curved 12.3-inch dual connected screens for infotainment and speedometer
- Wireless phone connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay mirroring
- Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
- Electrically adjustable front seats with seat ventilation and heating options
- Remote-folding second-row seats for increased cargo capacity
- Multiple drive modes with shift-on-fly rotary dial, All-wheel-drive option
- Dual-zone climate control with rear AC vents
- Electronic parking brake button
- Electric powered tailgate with handsfree gesture control
- Wireless phone charging, Alexa voice-control integration, and more
Nissan X Trail
Present in the UAE's car market for a long period, the Nissan X Trail offers the true panache of a Japanese urban SUV. While its design might not look as intimidating as the Sportage L, the X Trail is surely a smart-looking SUV. In terms of length, it is only 20mm shorter than the new Sportage L, which makes it an equally spacious and comfortable rival.
The X Trail follows the sharp yet elegant design language of Nissan, and it comes loaded with an impressive features list as well. Some of its highlighted features are mentioned below:
- LED headlights
- 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument console
- Wireless phone connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Wireless phone charging
- Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear AC vents
- 10.8-inch head-up-display for driver assistance
- Electrically powered tailgate with motion gesture controls
- Intelligent rear-view mirrors for better rear traffic display
- Divide-N-Hide cargo space management system with 6 different layouts for better luggage carrying capacity
Design and Features Verdict
Both SUVs come loaded with connected features and luxurious highlights. The 2025 Kia Sportage L has a better second-row space due to the additional wheelbase and its interiors look more modern. The Nissan X Trail, however, offers true luxury with a sorted cabin layout and some intelligent features that the Sportage L misses out on.
Also Read: Top 5 Used Nissan Cars In UAE To Look Out For
2025 Kia Sportage L vs Nissan X Trail: Engine, Hardware, and Performance
Another important aspect while buying an SUV is its engine, performance, and solid hardware that makes it utility-friendly. Both of these SUVs here, come loaded with different hardware but these are equally capable off-road and over the road too. However, a detailed comparison of the drivetrain, their real-world performance, and fuel efficiency are mentioned below.
Kia Sportage L
Kia Sportage L is offered with two different powerful turbo-petrol engine options. The first is a 1.5L turbo-petrol that produces 200PS of peak power, while the latter is a bigger 2.0L turbo-petrol engine that makes 236PS of peak power. Both of these engine options come mated to a quick 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission that uses ride-by-wire technology for fast performance. Additionally, buyers also get an option to choose from a front-wheel-drive configuration, as well as an all-wheel-drive configuration. The Sportage L is a quick highway performer due to its powerful turbo engines and it can easily do more than 200 km/h of top speed.
The performance of both these engines is quick and very smooth. The 8-speed gearbox feels seamless while driving. Moreover, the NVH (noise-vibration-harshness) levels are very well controlled on the new Sportage L SUV. With its 19-inch alloy wheels and AT tyres, the AWD version of the Sportage can easily maneuver over sand or rocky terrains. However, the all-wheel-drive option is only available with the 2.0L engine option. The downside of the Sportage L is its fuel economy, as it delivers around 10-13 km/l depending on the engine chosen and the driving conditions. In fact, the fuel economy figure drops to a single digit inside the city traffic. Moreover, the paddle shifters enhance the enthusiastic driving experience and lead to moderate fuel efficiency.
Nissan X Trail
Unlike Kia, the Nissan X Trail comes loaded with a single 2.5L petrol engine option. Being a naturally aspirated engine, it develops a modest 183.5PS of peak power output. This power is mated to a very smooth and reliable CVT automatic transmission. However, one should not go by the numbers as it is a really quick performer. The X Trail can easily touch 180 km/h of top speed and it can also deliver a fuel economy in the range of 15.4-16.1 km/l. Moreover, the base variant 'S' comes with a front-wheel-drive while the rest of the variants are equipped with an all-wheel-drive system.
Nissan also offers 6 different drive modes that include - Snow, Sand, Eco, Sport, Auto, and Off-road modes. These different drive modes can be changed on the go while driving by using a rotary dial provided on the center console. The all-wheel-drive system of the X Trail is widely appreciated by users for its off-road capabilities. Being an urban SUV, it can do better off-roading than its rivals like the Sportage L. While the X Trail might not be a very quick SUV, the paddle shifters come really handy while doing overtakes and driving on mountain roads.
Engine and Performance Verdict
In terms of engine and performance, the Kia Sportage L is a superior SUV with powerful engines that offer fast performance and a very smooth driving experience. However, the Nissan X Trail is more reliable in the long run with a bigger and sorted engine and a capable off-road drivetrain. The X Trail is also more fuel-efficient in the city.
Also Read: 2025 Kia Sportage L: Top 5 Highlights To Know Before Buying
2025 Kia Sportage L vs Nissan X Trail: Driving and Comfort
Another major area of conflict between these two popular SUVs is the driving experience and comfort. Buyer wants their SUV to be comfortable, usable for family, and equally enjoyable behind the steering wheel. There is a reason why so many used Kia Sportage SUVs in UAE and used Nissan X Trail SUVs in UAE are in demand. And that reason is their superb comfort and driving experience. Learn below the in-depth difference between both these SUVs and the way they drive.
Kia Sportage L
Kia is known for making very comfortable and smooth cars worldwide. In fact, their smoothness is one of the top reasons why people prefer used Kia cars in UAE. The new Sportage L is no different either, as it has a very silent driving experience. At low speeds, its steering feedback is light and easy to use, while it gains weight and precision at higher speeds. The suspension has been tuned to provide the utmost comfort to the passengers. It absorbs the road undulations calmly and remains stable. However, it is not a very enthusiastic vehicle to drive, given the fact that it now has an additional wheelbase. Around the corners, its body roll is evident and not very confidence-inspiring. Lastly, the braking performance is top-notch on the Sportage, as it gets all four-wheel disc brakes as standard.
Nissan X Trail
The X Trail has been a solid vehicle to drive, and that too a comfortable one. Maybe that is the reason why UAE buyers prefer the used Nissan cars so much, because of their comfortable cabin. The steering response of X Trail is very engaging and it is a fun-to-drive SUV for its size. It has a shorter turning radius which helps in easy city driving. Also, the slim A-pillar helps eliminate blind spots for the driver. The suspension tuning on the X Trail has been done for very stable ride quality. The car remains composed over the highways at higher speeds, as well as, it remains comfortable inside the city while crossing speed bumps and potholes.
Driving and Comfort Verdict
If you are a keen driver who will spend the majority of your time behind the steering wheel, it is the Nissan X Trail that will feel more rewarding to drive. However, as a passenger, the comfortable ride quality of the Kia Sportage L is unbeatable.
Also Read: 2025 Nissan Patrol SUV: 5 Reasons Why It Is Popular In UAE
2025 Kia Sportage L vs Nissan X Trail: Safety
The strict safety laws and rules of the UAE ensure that every manufacturer provides the latest safety features on their models. However, it is the brand that is responsible for additional safety measures to keep the passengers safe in unforeseen circumstances. The Sportage L and the X Trail, both SUVs are equipped with the latest safety features as explained below.
Kia Sportage L
Being the latest of the lot, the Sportage L comes equipped with multiple safety features. Some of the highlights are as follows:
- 8 airbags (top variant) with front seatbelt pre-tensioners
- 3-point seatbelts for all passengers (standard)
- Automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers
- Auto-dimming IRVM
- 360-degree parking camera with haptic lines for guided safety
- Electronic parking brake
- High-beam assist
- Blind spot monitoring and camera integration
- Parking-collision avoidance assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Front-collision avoidance assist
- Lane departure and lane keep assist
Nissan X Trail
Likewise to Kia, the Nissan X Trail also comes loaded with all of the bells and whistles for enhanced safety of passengers. Below are the top key safety features that the X Trail offers:
- Smart rear-view mirror camera assist
- Intelligent emergency brake assist
- 360-degree camera with moving object detection assist
- Blind spot warning and intervention
- Lane departure warning and lane keep assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert system
- Forward collision warning and intervention with auto brakes
- ProPilot with adaptive cruise control system
- 8 airbags
- ABS, EBD, and BA
- Hill-descent assist button
- Electronic parking brake button
- Head-up-display and driver alert assistance system
Safety Verdict
In terms of passenger safety, both SUVs are equally capable and loaded with the latest autonomous safety technology integration as well. However, it is the Nissan X Trail that comes loaded with better autonomous safety features and it also has a 91 percent score in the Euro NCAP crash tests, which is 4 percent higher than the Kia Sportage.
2025 Kia Sportage L vs Nissan X Trail: Price
No comparison is complete without comparing the prices and the variants head-on. With multiple specs available in the UAE, both SUV models come at competitive pricing as shared below.
Kia Sportage L
The Sportage L has launched recently, and its pricing in the UAE car market is as follows:
Nissan X Trail
Nissan offers the X Trail SUV in 5 different variants with the prices as below:
*prices shown here are subject to change and exclude VAT
Our Verdict
Since both these SUVs are available at relatively similar prices in the new car market, it is the Nissan X Trail that makes sense overall. With its strong build quality and robust engine, the X Trail is a more family-friendly SUV. But, if you prefer road presence, luxury, and modern features with fast highway performance, the new Kia Sportage L does the job just fine.
In the end, buying a new car is a costly affair, may it be a Nissan or a Kia. Hence, a lot of buyers tend to purchase second-hand cars in the UAE. We at CARS24 have a plethora of used SUV cars in UAE & used sedan cars in UAE that you must check out before making your decision.
