X-Trail, CRV, or Sorento??

[Fubar]

Hi,

Im considering the x-trail as our next tow car and would like to hear anyone's experiences with it, the CRV or Sorento.

I did have a look through previous posts as I reckoned there would be lots, but didn't find much.

the Kia seems to come highly recommended, but I'm concerned about the residual values compaired to the x-trail and CRV.

also, is the 2WD x-trail any good? the only off-roading I would do would be on caravan sites!

cheers

Mark (",)

 

[Lol1]

Hi Brave-Fart, I'm not absolutely sure but I think I read a tow car test of the 2wd X trail recently and it got panned, so would suggest that you go for the all wheel drive version. Personally I don't see the point of a 2wd 4x4, it may be slightly cheaper to run, but if your paying for this sort of car why not have it all, particularly if your towing with it.

I have the Sorento, very pleased with it and find it great value. Recently I had to renew my insurance and thinking that I could reduce the premium a little if the value of the car was less, I told my insurance company that my 18 month example was worth approx

 

[Fubar]

Cheers Lol, much appreciated.

We do only have a small van (Eriba) which we tow with a Renault Scenic 1.4 (!) at the moment and, although it does the job we really need something more powerful just for the comfort factor.

The Sorento gets really good reviews in the caravan press, but What Car? seems to suggest it is dull and uninspiring inside - whats your view on this?

I really need to get to a car showroom soon for a look, I just do not like dealing with car salesmen - I almost got thrown out of Reg Vardy the other week for disagreeing with what the salesman was saying! my fault really, his sales "pitch" was winding me up.

cheers again,

Mark (",)

 

[Alan_5039810]

Hello Mark - I've had an X-Trail 2.2 Sport for just over 12 months and the residual value is about

 

[Lol1]

I would have to agree with you on the "sales pitch" front Mark, and the way they can avoid a straight answer puts them in the politician league. At the end of the day, they have a job and a living to do, so you can't blame them. The smaller independent garages seem better in this respect, where a good name and service means a customer will come back, unlike the nationals who just seem preoccupied with numbers.

Anyway, back to the Sorento, the dash is a little dark and plasticy on the XE, the XS having all the bells and whistles, if you need that sorta thing then fine, we have the XE and there are enough standard extras for us, for it to not feel bare. The seats are comfortable with a relaxed driving position, you feel cocooned in the driving seat, with places to rest both elbows. The manual gearbox is a little notchy to begin with but loosens up nicely with age, along with the engine. It's an old school type 4x4 drive where handling is concerned, the slightly stiff suspension helps in this respect, but don't expect to go tearing round a roundabout. To be honest, you don't feel the need to drive fast, so that again helps keep the mpg at a reasonable level. There is plenty of oddment storage space inside, the standard ICE is good, even the vanity mirrors are illuminated.

At the end of the day you will need to visit the Kia dealership for a test drive, they won't knock much off the price of an XE but will probably throw in a tow bar and electrics for free, however get that test drive first, something as big as the Sorento might not be your cup of tea, and as you say, you only tow a small van. If you need any more info let me know, only too pleased to welcome you to the world of 4x4's.

 

[Fubar]

I would have to agree with you on the "sales pitch" front Mark, and the way they can avoid a straight answer puts them in the politician league. At the end of the day, they have a job and a living to do, so you can't blame them. The smaller independent garages seem better in this respect, where a good name and service means a customer will come back, unlike the nationals who just seem preoccupied with numbers.

Anyway, back to the Sorento, the dash is a little dark and plasticy on the XE, the XS having all the bells and whistles, if you need that sorta thing then fine, we have the XE and there are enough standard extras for us, for it to not feel bare. The seats are comfortable with a relaxed driving position, you feel cocooned in the driving seat, with places to rest both elbows. The manual gearbox is a little notchy to begin with but loosens up nicely with age, along with the engine. It's an old school type 4x4 drive where handling is concerned, the slightly stiff suspension helps in this respect, but don't expect to go tearing round a roundabout. To be honest, you don't feel the need to drive fast, so that again helps keep the mpg at a reasonable level. There is plenty of oddment storage space inside, the standard ICE is good, even the vanity mirrors are illuminated.

At the end of the day you will need to visit the Kia dealership for a test drive, they won't knock much off the price of an XE but will probably throw in a tow bar and electrics for free, however get that test drive first, something as big as the Sorento might not be your cup of tea, and as you say, you only tow a small van. If you need any more info let me know, only too pleased to welcome you to the world of 4x4's.

Thanks for the info, all very useful.

Lol, is the XE the 2.5 Diesel engine? what MPG do you get?

I quite like the thought of bells and whistles, and have been looking at the some of the estates on the market from a practicality point of view - but a 4X4 does appeal.

many thanks for your time, I dip in and out of the Forum but will check any additional comments posted.

cheers

Mark (",)

 

[Lol1]

I would have to agree with you on the "sales pitch" front Mark, and the way they can avoid a straight answer puts them in the politician league. At the end of the day, they have a job and a living to do, so you can't blame them. The smaller independent garages seem better in this respect, where a good name and service means a customer will come back, unlike the nationals who just seem preoccupied with numbers.

Anyway, back to the Sorento, the dash is a little dark and plasticy on the XE, the XS having all the bells and whistles, if you need that sorta thing then fine, we have the XE and there are enough standard extras for us, for it to not feel bare. The seats are comfortable with a relaxed driving position, you feel cocooned in the driving seat, with places to rest both elbows. The manual gearbox is a little notchy to begin with but loosens up nicely with age, along with the engine. It's an old school type 4x4 drive where handling is concerned, the slightly stiff suspension helps in this respect, but don't expect to go tearing round a roundabout. To be honest, you don't feel the need to drive fast, so that again helps keep the mpg at a reasonable level. There is plenty of oddment storage space inside, the standard ICE is good, even the vanity mirrors are illuminated.

At the end of the day you will need to visit the Kia dealership for a test drive, they won't knock much off the price of an XE but will probably throw in a tow bar and electrics for free, however get that test drive first, something as big as the Sorento might not be your cup of tea, and as you say, you only tow a small van. If you need any more info let me know, only too pleased to welcome you to the world of 4x4's.

Same 2.5 engine as the XS, about 30mpg overall low to mid twenties when towing a twin axle.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

We are on our second X-Trail Dci Sport having done 28000 miles in the first one and 24000 miles in the present one.

We have never got better than 37mpg and I always brim the tank but 36 solo and 27 towing seem more the norm.We never do any long runs solo so maybe we could do better although we always observe speed limits (well usually).Our friends have a Freelander diesel and a smaller caravan and when we go to Spain together he uses about half a gallon or so less than us per fill up.

The intercooler has been replaced but that is all that the current one has had done under warranty.

The uprated engine is much cleaner than the earlier one which belted out black smoke like no other diesel I've owned (20 years)

The 4WD system in "Auto" is remarkable.You do not notice the drive going to all 4 wheels but we have had no wheel spin on grass when towing.

We stayed on a sloping grassy CL for the NEC show and had to pull the Ace Jubilee Statesman out on a very frosty field up the slope and it was awesome.No wheel spin just drove out a treat.

I like the practicality of the hatch with the full size spare wheel(so you've got a good tyre when the fronts need changing @

 

[BrianStAlbans]

We are on our second X-Trail Dci Sport having done 28000 miles in the first one and 24000 miles in the present one.

We have never got better than 37mpg and I always brim the tank but 36 solo and 27 towing seem more the norm.We never do any long runs solo so maybe we could do better although we always observe speed limits (well usually).Our friends have a Freelander diesel and a smaller caravan and when we go to Spain together he uses about half a gallon or so less than us per fill up.

The intercooler has been replaced but that is all that the current one has had done under warranty.

The uprated engine is much cleaner than the earlier one which belted out black smoke like no other diesel I've owned (20 years)

The 4WD system in "Auto" is remarkable.You do not notice the drive going to all 4 wheels but we have had no wheel spin on grass when towing.

We stayed on a sloping grassy CL for the NEC show and had to pull the Ace Jubilee Statesman out on a very frosty field up the slope and it was awesome.No wheel spin just drove out a treat.

I like the practicality of the hatch with the full size spare wheel(so you've got a good tyre when the fronts need changing @

 

[BrianStAlbans]

Sorry ,posted in wrong place.

 

[ray_5085832]

I would recommend the xtrail with the diesel 136 bhp engine.

I have the SVE version.

It has never lost a road test in the what car mag I subscribe too, or any other mag to my knowledge.

With 231 pound feet of torque at 2000 rpm it makes a great tow car.

Solo performance is effortless, pulling in 6th gear from 1500 rpm with no effort.

Economy is good, I get around 39mpg solo at 80 mph, towing around 30 mpg, and around town low thirties solo. Residuals run at 61% after 3 years. Nose weight runs to 100kg for the diesel version.

I tow a bailey senator Vermont, gross around 1330kg, which is around 85% of the xtrail kerb weigt. So an ideal match enabling me to load the nose weight to the recommended 7%, 85kg.

It really is a great tow car, I much prefer it to my previous car the Audi A4 1.8T Quattro avant, although it had 180 bhp and 173 pound feet of torque from 1950 to 4500 rpm, the down side was less economy and tram lining in the slow lane on the motor way, nothing beats the Audi for interiors however.

The only question mark concerns the diesel engine on the Nissan, I have just gone through a recall to have the air intake boost sensor replaced, some turbo's have failed apparently, however I have had no problems and the car runs just as good after the mod. While I was at the garage I had the hand brake taken up, it, previously required pulling much further up than I was us to, now its as it should be.

The Sorrento has a heavier kerb weight than the X so can tow a heavier van, to maintain the 85% rule.

The Honda crv has a side opening rear door with the spare fitted to it, inconvinent for towing, but has a great diesel engine 138bhp and around 250 pound feet of torque. I looked at all the competition before buying the X and after a year with it, still would not change it.

Regarding the front drive version of the x I cant see the point of it; cheaper versions only devalue the residuals of the entire range.

My first 4x4 was the Audi and also my first turbo car; having had both I will never buy a car with out both 4x4 and turbo.

Four wheel drive is a massive safety feature, it enables quick take offs at islands with no wheel spin, it gives traction in wet and slippery conditions, I always run the X in auto only using lock when I know I will get wheel spin i.e. on wet sites snow ect.

An engine fitted with a turbo, petrol or diesel has great torque, this makes the job of driving effortless dismissing gradients, enabling great flexibility with gear changes.

Yes the disco looks great, but performance with the diesel engine is no better than the X due to the near 2.5-ton the car weighs, unless you need this weight to obtain 85% what's the point? Personally I wouldn't buy any of the land rovers (I know they were not on your list) due to their poor reliability record.

 

[Lol1]

Hi Brave-Fart, I'm not absolutely sure but I think I read a tow car test of the 2wd X trail recently and it got panned, so would suggest that you go for the all wheel drive version. Personally I don't see the point of a 2wd 4x4, it may be slightly cheaper to run, but if your paying for this sort of car why not have it all, particularly if your towing with it.

I have the Sorento, very pleased with it and find it great value. Recently I had to renew my insurance and thinking that I could reduce the premium a little if the value of the car was less, I told my insurance company that my 18 month example was worth approx

 

[WatsonJohnG]

I would recommend the xtrail with the diesel 136 bhp engine.

I have the SVE version.

It has never lost a road test in the what car mag I subscribe too, or any other mag to my knowledge.

With 231 pound feet of torque at 2000 rpm it makes a great tow car.

Solo performance is effortless, pulling in 6th gear from 1500 rpm with no effort.

Economy is good, I get around 39mpg solo at 80 mph, towing around 30 mpg, and around town low thirties solo. Residuals run at 61% after 3 years. Nose weight runs to 100kg for the diesel version.

I tow a bailey senator Vermont, gross around 1330kg, which is around 85% of the xtrail kerb weigt. So an ideal match enabling me to load the nose weight to the recommended 7%, 85kg.

It really is a great tow car, I much prefer it to my previous car the Audi A4 1.8T Quattro avant, although it had 180 bhp and 173 pound feet of torque from 1950 to 4500 rpm, the down side was less economy and tram lining in the slow lane on the motor way, nothing beats the Audi for interiors however.

The only question mark concerns the diesel engine on the Nissan, I have just gone through a recall to have the air intake boost sensor replaced, some turbo's have failed apparently, however I have had no problems and the car runs just as good after the mod. While I was at the garage I had the hand brake taken up, it, previously required pulling much further up than I was us to, now its as it should be.

The Sorrento has a heavier kerb weight than the X so can tow a heavier van, to maintain the 85% rule.

The Honda crv has a side opening rear door with the spare fitted to it, inconvinent for towing, but has a great diesel engine 138bhp and around 250 pound feet of torque. I looked at all the competition before buying the X and after a year with it, still would not change it.

Regarding the front drive version of the x I cant see the point of it; cheaper versions only devalue the residuals of the entire range.

My first 4x4 was the Audi and also my first turbo car; having had both I will never buy a car with out both 4x4 and turbo.

Four wheel drive is a massive safety feature, it enables quick take offs at islands with no wheel spin, it gives traction in wet and slippery conditions, I always run the X in auto only using lock when I know I will get wheel spin i.e. on wet sites snow ect.

An engine fitted with a turbo, petrol or diesel has great torque, this makes the job of driving effortless dismissing gradients, enabling great flexibility with gear changes.

Yes the disco looks great, but performance with the diesel engine is no better than the X due to the near 2.5-ton the car weighs, unless you need this weight to obtain 85% what's the point? Personally I wouldn't buy any of the land rovers (I know they were not on your list) due to their poor reliability record.

Agree with you again Ray!

The handbrake seems to need the cable tightening (one bolt head under the lever) every few months or so.

My 24000 mile service is due shortly so I will ask about any recalls ??

 

[ProfJohnL]

I would recommend the xtrail with the diesel 136 bhp engine.

I have the SVE version.

It has never lost a road test in the what car mag I subscribe too, or any other mag to my knowledge.

With 231 pound feet of torque at 2000 rpm it makes a great tow car.

Solo performance is effortless, pulling in 6th gear from 1500 rpm with no effort.

Economy is good, I get around 39mpg solo at 80 mph, towing around 30 mpg, and around town low thirties solo. Residuals run at 61% after 3 years. Nose weight runs to 100kg for the diesel version.

I tow a bailey senator Vermont, gross around 1330kg, which is around 85% of the xtrail kerb weigt. So an ideal match enabling me to load the nose weight to the recommended 7%, 85kg.

It really is a great tow car, I much prefer it to my previous car the Audi A4 1.8T Quattro avant, although it had 180 bhp and 173 pound feet of torque from 1950 to 4500 rpm, the down side was less economy and tram lining in the slow lane on the motor way, nothing beats the Audi for interiors however.

The only question mark concerns the diesel engine on the Nissan, I have just gone through a recall to have the air intake boost sensor replaced, some turbo's have failed apparently, however I have had no problems and the car runs just as good after the mod. While I was at the garage I had the hand brake taken up, it, previously required pulling much further up than I was us to, now its as it should be.

The Sorrento has a heavier kerb weight than the X so can tow a heavier van, to maintain the 85% rule.

The Honda crv has a side opening rear door with the spare fitted to it, inconvinent for towing, but has a great diesel engine 138bhp and around 250 pound feet of torque. I looked at all the competition before buying the X and after a year with it, still would not change it.

Regarding the front drive version of the x I cant see the point of it; cheaper versions only devalue the residuals of the entire range.

My first 4x4 was the Audi and also my first turbo car; having had both I will never buy a car with out both 4x4 and turbo.

Four wheel drive is a massive safety feature, it enables quick take offs at islands with no wheel spin, it gives traction in wet and slippery conditions, I always run the X in auto only using lock when I know I will get wheel spin i.e. on wet sites snow ect.

An engine fitted with a turbo, petrol or diesel has great torque, this makes the job of driving effortless dismissing gradients, enabling great flexibility with gear changes.

Yes the disco looks great, but performance with the diesel engine is no better than the X due to the near 2.5-ton the car weighs, unless you need this weight to obtain 85% what's the point? Personally I wouldn't buy any of the land rovers (I know they were not on your list) due to their poor reliability record.

Hello Ray,

Nice report and I a glad you are happy with the Xtrail. I would point out one error, The 85% figure is only a guideline not a rule.

 

[Fubar]

Hi,

Thanks everyone for your comments, much appreciated.

kind regards

Mark (",)

 

[Keith_5068936]

I know you have had some comments but thought I would add mine anyway, hope this is of some help to you. I have owned a CRV Diesel since March and it tows absolutely fantastic. Nose weight is 100kg, quality is great as with all Hondas. It's great to drive and tow with and the engine is one of the quietest diesel engines on the market.

Regards Keith.

P.S. The diesel only came out in March 2005 so if you are looking for a second hand I would think that would be hard to find.

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Mark,

You may want to ask the Eriba owners what vehicle they use - post a message on http://groups.msn.com/EribaOwnersPhotoBoard

Nose-weight isn't a problem - most Eribas run between 35kg and 55kg - so basically anything that will accept a tow bar is OK.

Most Eriba owners use standard diesel engined family cars - something the size of a VW Golf TDI for the Puck / Familia or a Ford Mondeo Estate for Triton / Troll - without problems on grass fields.

A few owners have rear wheel drive cars for the Triton / Troll sized vans or 4WD versions of the Audi / Volvo estates.

I have seen a few Honda CRV petrol / Toyota Rav4 diesels tugging Trolls about.

Any modern 2 litre (or bigger) diesel vehicle would be fine for the heaviest Eriba.

Robert

 

[DAVID_5087383]

hi

What about trying a Terracan. I have just bought one and it towed great.

 

[DavidKlyne]

Mark

I have had an X-Trail 2.2DCi for the past 18 months and towed about 7000 miles with it. Excellent towcar. Personally would not entertain the 2 wheel drive only version for towing. The engine is so powerful that it tends to spin the front wheels unless you leave it in Auto Select mode which puts the power where it is needed.

David

 

[WatsonJohnG]

I find the same thing David

I had the 24000 mile service last week and the ECU etc were changed under warranty as part of a recall.

The recall consisted of me asking about it and being told that my car was one that should have been recalled.

A stroke of genius from the mechanic saw him put the two new tyres(7mm) off the front wheels onto the back and the rear tyres(3mm) onto the front to equalise wear !!

 

[AndrewWimborne]

I have owned a Diesel Sorrento since March 2004. At the time a lot of friends thought me a bit made to buy one but look what has happened over the last eighteen months. Kia have gone from strenght to strenght and the Sorrento has won a lot of awards. It really is a great towcar. I currentlt tow a Coachman VIP 520 but next weekend pick up my new Bessacarr which is also a heavy van The Kia will make light work of it. In my area Kia now have two big name dealers which also adds to there credability. I would have no hesitationn recommending one.

 

[DUNCAN_5062690]

I have owned a Diesel Sorrento since March 2004. At the time a lot of friends thought me a bit made to buy one but look what has happened over the last eighteen months. Kia have gone from strenght to strenght and the Sorrento has won a lot of awards. It really is a great towcar. I currentlt tow a Coachman VIP 520 but next weekend pick up my new Bessacarr which is also a heavy van The Kia will make light work of it. In my area Kia now have two big name dealers which also adds to there credability. I would have no hesitationn recommending one.

why not try santa fe i tow a compass magnum 534 with ease and is a lot better built than my freelander

 

[AndrewWimborne]

I have owned a Diesel Sorrento since March 2004. At the time a lot of friends thought me a bit made to buy one but look what has happened over the last eighteen months. Kia have gone from strenght to strenght and the Sorrento has won a lot of awards. It really is a great towcar. I currentlt tow a Coachman VIP 520 but next weekend pick up my new Bessacarr which is also a heavy van The Kia will make light work of it. In my area Kia now have two big name dealers which also adds to there credability. I would have no hesitationn recommending one.

Not man enough. The Coachman VIP is very heavy and the Bessacarr I am changing for this weekend is even heavier. I believe there is quite a bit of difference in the towing limits.

 

[Max_5063914]

Dear Mark,

We purchased a six month old 2.2 SVE diesel in June and have been very happy with it. My wife uses it every day to and from work, and it tows our Abbey Aventura (MPTLM 1350 KG's) comfortably. It returns around 38 - 42 solo and 32 towing.

Personally, I don't see the point of buying the two wheel drive version other than on purely financial grounds. I would rather buy a second hand four wheel drive version than the new two wheel drive version.

It is always interesting to couch the opinion of other users, but at the end of the day it comes down to personal choice. We liked the way it drove and have enjoyed Nissan reliability on our previous Nissan's (we also currently have a Primera Estate). Given that we only tow around 2 - 3000 miles p.a. (i.e less than 10% of our annual mileage), towing caperbility and the associated costs need to be factored in accordingly.

Good luck with the purchase which ever way you go.

Max.

 

[KeithM]

I have owned a Diesel Sorrento since March 2004. At the time a lot of friends thought me a bit made to buy one but look what has happened over the last eighteen months. Kia have gone from strenght to strenght and the Sorrento has won a lot of awards. It really is a great towcar. I currentlt tow a Coachman VIP 520 but next weekend pick up my new Bessacarr which is also a heavy van The Kia will make light work of it. In my area Kia now have two big name dealers which also adds to there credability. I would have no hesitationn recommending one.

Hi,

I am currently considering the Sorento, the latest Sportage or the Santa Fe (to tow circa 1400kg). The Caravan Club voted the Sorento 'Tow Car of the Year' and in their earlier test they gave a figure of 26mpg for towing. Do you have mpg figures (solo and towing) for your Sorento?

Regards

KDM