X-Trail T31 vs Forester III (SH): which is better?
Nissan X-Trail T31 (2007–2015) vs Subaru Forester III (SH) (2008–2013): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Nissan X-Trail T31
Subaru Forester III (SH)Specifications
| Nissan X-Trail T31 | Subaru Forester III (SH) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2007–2015 | 2008–2013 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Power, up to | 169 hp | 172 hp |
| Torque, up to | 233 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Gearbox | CVT | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 635 mm | 4 560 mm |
| Width | 1 785 mm | 1 780 mm |
| Height | 1 685 mm | 1 700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 630 mm | 2 615 mm |
| Ground clearance | 200 mm | 215 mm |
| Fuel tank | 65 L | 64 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 29 450 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Nissan X-Trail T31
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- High ground clearance: 200 mm
- Local assembly: Russia
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Nissan QR25DE (2.5): oil consumption
- Gearbox Jatco JF011E (CVT): pressure valve and pump wear
Engine (Nissan QR25DE (2.5)): oil consumption; timing chain stretch; catalytic converter breakdown.
Gearbox (Jatco JF011E (CVT)): pressure valve and pump wear; belt and pulley wear; overheating when wheels spin.
Subaru Forester III (SH)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- High ground clearance: 215 mm
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Subaru EJ (2.0–2.5) engine: head gasket leaks
Engine (Subaru EJ (2.0–2.5)): head gasket leaks; oil consumption; head gasket on the EJ253.
Which one to choose
- X-Trail T31 — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- Forester III (SH) — if you care more about: power, ground clearance.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: X-Trail T31 or Forester III (SH)?
X-Trail T31: up to 169 hp, Forester III (SH): up to 172 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
X-Trail T31: 200 mm, Forester III (SH): 215 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: X-Trail T31 — about 29 450 ₸, Forester III (SH) — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.