Harrier vs XTrail vs Mazda CX5 vs Volvo XC60: It is that time of the year when most people are traveling to “shags”. The perfect blend a vehicle has to offer is sufficient ground clearance for rural roads; enough space to carry family and luggage, sufficient power to get you there and last but not least; reliability; to ensure that your vehicle does not break down on the road. All these factors make a mid sized SUV the perfect vehicle but; which one?
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The global motor trends have become rapidly dynamic in the last one decade. SUVs have evolved and the new breed of SUVs, the Compact Crossover SUVS (c-SUVs) have become more fitting for the urban lifestyle; business and family mobility providing a delicate balance between confidence strength and mobility.
With global car manufacturers downsizing engine sizes so as to meet emission standards and achieve better fuel economy , 2.0 Litre (2000cc) engines have become quite common in the c-SUV category. In Kenya where we largely consume pre-owned vehicles mostly from Japanese, Singapore, Thailand and UK markets, the most common 2 litre Petrol SUVs are;
The Toyota Harrier XU60
The Mazda CX-5
The Volvo  XC60
The Nissan X-TRAIL NT32.
Toyota Harrier XU60
The 2013 Toyota Harrier XU60 has the looks, It’s sleek, looks speedy, bold and executive at the same time.. The Japanese Domestic Market Harrier XU 60 is mostly powered by a 2000cc 2.0 L 3ZR-FAE mated to Toyota’s Super CVT transmission. The 3ZR powered Harrier is quite lazy;( personal opinion) especially when going uphill and overtaking..it’s quite slow for the money one spends to buy one..There is however a hybrid 2500 variant which is more robust. You can also import a Turbo charged 2000cc variant from Singapore or Thailand powered by an 8AR-FTS power plant. The major set back on the XU60 is the price tags .. with a tag starting from Ksh 3,000,000 there is no value for money.
The Mazda CX-5
Please note; if you are buying a Mazda CX-5 buy a petrol one. I love this car.. The well rounded yet refined looks based on Mazda’s KODO design language that is inspired by flow, and packed with Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology the c-SUV that is close to perfect. Its the most spacious compared to the Harrier, Volvo CX60 and the Nissan Xtrail NT32. It also adequately powered with very good fuel economy. Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology goes beyond just the engine, it involves even the chassis design and with it, it achieves a light weight c-SUV giving the CX-5 a good power to weight ratio and commendable fuel economy..
The other good thing about the CX-5 is that the 2000cc SKYACTIV G engine is mated to a 6 speed automatic that gives you a thrilling driving experience if you are a performance oriented driver..unlike the CVTs on the Harrier and the Xtrail.
Its well priced ,starting from Ksh.2,200,000. The turbo charged diesel 2200cc is cheaper but I would not advise one to buy it, the head gasket issue; remember?
The Volvo CX60
Volvo is a brand known for safety. However it’s looks are a bit conservative (for the 2013-2014) and so it’s interior. Its not as bold looking as it’s Japanese counterparts. Its performance is commendable too, mostly because of its 6 speed automatic transmission and with some variants coming with an 8 speed automatic made by Aisin Japan. Prices for the XC60 start at Ksh.2,350,000. However technical expertise for the XC60 is a bit scarce but gradually, it will be readily available since this vehicle is slowly becoming common.
The Nissan X-Trail NT32
The NT32 has greatly evolved from its counterparts, the NT30 and NT31 which had a boxy and more rugged look.
However most post 2012 Nissan’s are not reliable. Their X-tronic CVT transmission is crappy, to add salt to injury suspension issues (especially bushes) and poorly done interiors are common.
For the NT 32, looks can be deceiving…I would not advise one to buy it.. especially for long term use.
My verdict
The CX-5 is the perfect c-SUV! Spacious for family, thrilling for a driving experience, it has the looks for confidence, and most of all..it’s well priced..
We can engage more about this discussion on my Facebook Page. And by the way, Bizna Kenya will be setting up an Automart soon. You will be able to compare prices and get the best deals straight from Bizna Kenya in 2021. Happy holidays, take care, drive safe and follow the government directives on Covid 19.