Three SUVs, three personalities, share a segment but each one has its peculiarities. We face the Nissan X-Trail vs Mazda CX-5 and Skoda Kodiaq
The new Nissan X-Trail has a more upright format: at 4.68 meters long, it rises 1.72 meters. 18-inch wheels are installed on our test Nissan.
The Mazda CX-5, which recently received a fourth facelift, is the shortest car in comparison: it measures 4.57 meters and between the two axles it reaches 2.70 meters. The Skoda Kodiaq is the longest and most voluminous of the trio.
There is a lot of space here in a length of 4.70 m with a wheelbase of 2.79 m, so the second row of the Skoda is the most comfortable, with air on all sides. The amount of space it offers surpasses even many SUVs in the next largest category.
In the Nissan we find an equally attractive rear bench with an adjustable backrest angle. Unfortunately the seat upholstery is very slippery. The rear of the Mazda is a bit narrower than the other two, but it’s still family-friendly.
The leatherette seats in the CX-5 have too small a range of adjustment. Kodiaq’s front seat leather is also available in a dark color. Well solved: adjustment button directly on the headrests. The X-Trail seats have a wide range of adjustment.
Interior design
The Nissan X-Trail Mild Hybrid is clearly a 2023 car: the 12.3-inch screen dominates the interior, but it’s complemented by real dials and buttons for drive mode, climate, and audio volume—everything is You can operate intuitively.
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Alexa voice control, which answers questions about the traffic situation, is also modern. However, it does not respond to temperature and close commands.
Real round clocks, the same knobs and rotary controls, one-knob infotainment operation (touch operation only when stationary): the CX-5 is a feast for those of us who don’t like overly digital interiors. Voice control, yes, is quite precarious.
The Kodiaq cockpit has been ergonomically impeccable since the 2021 facelift. The Skoda is the only one in this test that does not have a head-up display.
For voice control you have to say “Hi Laura!” (A reference to Skoda founder Václav Laurin), then you give it commands for audio, navigation, and various settings.
Engines of the three SUVs
The 2.0-liter direct injection engine is sufficient for Skoda’s large SUV. The 150 hp and 250 Nm have to move here 1618 kilos. A 1.5-liter three-cylinder with variable compression works in the Nissan. The unit mobilizes 163 CV and 300 Nm and revolves amazingly cultivated.
The slightly rough-running two-litre four-cylinder engine is a Mazda signature with high compression rather than turbo, and it offers just 213Nm of torque, so it pays to run it high on revs.
Behavior
The CX-5’s chassis is firm, but it rolls less harshly on cobblestones than the Nissan. The steering is more damped than usual for the brand, but in curves it is the most precise of the trio. Without a doubt, it is the sports car of this comparison.
In slalom, the ESP shows restraint, so it doesn’t restrict driving pleasure too much. Our test car came with a Michelin Pilot Sport with a high level of grip. Consequence: In the avoidance test, the CX-5 can sometimes lift the rear wheel on the inside of the corner, but it always remains safe.
Designed to be more understeering, with an ESP that kicks in early, the X-Trail is ideal for a calmer type of rider. This is especially true for our example with low-grip Falken tires and a long braking distance of 38 meters.
The chassis shows high safety reserves. The only thing that disturbs the general impression is the lack of harmony between the jerkily jumping chassis (manhole covers are noticeable inside) and the steering, too focused on comfort. It works linearly, but very smoothly in the mid zone. I have lacked feedback on the evasion test.
The Skoda Kodiaq, which has been in production since 2017, scores points for its particularly short stopping distances and for the smoothness of the chassis and steering.
It was the only one with optional adaptive dampers, which can be individually adjusted, just like the steering and throttle response. From neutral to mild understeer, it’s the easiest to control in slalom. In the Skoda, too, the ESP regulates safety early, similar to the Nissan.
Factors to decide the purchase
Place 3: Mazda CX-5 e-Skyactiv G 165 FWD. It shows his age. The strengths: reliable atmospheric, interior operability, economical.
Place 2: Nissan X-Trail 1.5 VC-T mild hybrid. It is the most modern car. More solid than the previous one, generous connectivity. The brakes should be stronger.
Position 1: Skoda Kodiaq 1.5 TSI ACT. The most space, the best chassis, the best brakes and the best steering: the most polished, but also the most expensive.