I am contemplating between the Nissan X-Trail ST-L with 7 seats and Nissan Pathfinder ST-L. If you can put down your general opinion about two the cars (considering my needs) would be great!
Needs are as follows:
Mostly used by two adults and two young kids/toddlers
Car with enough room for couple of baby seats and prams etc
Ability to accommodate occasional extra adults passengers (In-Laws or Parents)
High driving position and leather seats
Plan to keep the car for at least 7-8 years
Don't mind a demo or used car in factory warranty
Based in Sydney
Might be able to novate lease and or get fleet pricing (haven't explored these yet)
Positives about X-trail STL are
Small enough to find parking anywhere and big enough for most needs
About 10k cheaper (I hoping to pick one around 37k on road for a demo)
Negatives about X-Trail STL are
No AWD/4WD option (not a big deal but thought it would nice to have on a rainy day)
3rd row seats are very small and getting in and out is a bit of problem
When all seats are in use there is no cargo space (even for prams)
Positives about Pathfinder STL are
7 adults can sit comfortably
Enough cargo space even when using all seats
Moon and Sun roof (Always wanted one, never really needed one though)
Negatives about Pathfinder STL are
10+k more than the X-Trail STL
car is too big to find and park in most Sydney car parks (I might get used to it)
Petrol consumption is relatively high compared to X-Trail
Thanks in advance for your opinion
Looked at both recently when we were looking for an SUV, the Pathfinder has one of the best 3rd row seats of the ones we looked at (xtrail/Kluger/Sorrento/Santa Fe/Outlander),
Had a good range of gadgets for the price, seating position was good, and overall spacious, and the styling looked good from outside.
Inside a little bit plasticy but not as bad as the Kia or Hyundai for that point of view. Driving was average, a little sluggish and handling ok not amazing.
Xtrail smaller space, but decent on the other aspects.
However looking into review and people's experiences with Pathfinder especially there were lots of complaints, and problems with the transmission esp. Put us off, and when we asked the dealer about these he just avoided answering. Xtrail has a bit better rep and a decent car for the price, but generally feel a little bit suspicious of the after care from Nissan. This is a possible biased view as have had 3 toyotas and been lucky with very good sales and post sales exp with them.
From the Toyota point of view the Kluger is a great 7 seater to drive a family around good spaced boot, but small 3rd row seats ( so if reg 3rd row usage may not be great), decent power, not amazing but a bit of a fuel guzzler. Very comfortable ride and great for long trips. The interior one of the better out of the mentioned cars, though Pathfinder may be similar or even better. Price wise a bit more then the others. But good after service care generally and reliable. (possible a boring choice though).
Sorento and Santa Fe - both a little plastic insice, outside nice enough, Sorento esp looks good, good driving, better then I'd expected, but small interior and very small 3rd row. After sales care mixed reviews. Generally a little poor, but good warranties with the car.
Outlander - just didn't enjoy the drive, felt a bit unresponsive, and didn't look much more into it, but may be an option for you.
Discovery Sport is also a new car in the 7 sea bracket, but it is a bit on exp side, and reliability with Land Rover has been very poor in past ( they apparently are improving that) - good looking car with good specs though.
Out of the two mentioned I'd go Xtrail. But check out the other options before you do so if not fixed on Nissan.
Also if SUV is not as imp - maybe something like the 7 seater Prius. (assuming 7 seats more imp)