New Nissan Qashqai vs Seat Ateca vs Skoda Karoq: verdict
It’s been a while since the Nissan Qashqai was the pick of the family SUV crop, but now there’s a brand new one. Can it beat tough rivals from Seat and Skoda?...
Our verdict
The previous Qashqai was starting to look and feel dated by the end. We think this new one looks great, but we’ll leave you to make up your own minds about that. What we can say is that, objectively, it’s a far better proposition than its predecessor.
It retains a decent level of comfort, and has made big strides in interior quality and rear seat space. It should hold on to its value well, and it’s extremely well equipped. The promise of added sportiness hasn’t materialised, but it still handles well enough.
All of this means it beats the Ateca, despite that being one of the best family SUV to drive. If that’s your thing then it’s well worth a look, but you pay for its sportiness with a firm ride, and it also lags behind for refinement.
The Karoq still rules the roost, though. It offers the best compromise of ride and handling, it’s lovely inside, very reliable (according to our latest data) and it has the most room for the family. The fact that it’s by far the cheapest on PCP finance seals the win.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
1st – Skoda Karoq
For Best ride and handling balance; cheapest PCP finance; biggest boot; great visibility; best reliability score; best MPG
Against So-so child occupancy safety; lack of seating flexibility on SportLine trim
Recommended options Heated windscreen (£380), variable-height boot floor (£195)
What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5
Read our full Skoda Karoq review >>
Find Skoda Karoq deals >>
2nd – Nissan Qashqai
For Comfy ride; good resale values; relatively quiet at speed; great driving position; very well equipped; smart interior
Against Weak performance at low revs; uninspiring handling; can’t add many options
Recommended options Bose sound system (£500), metallic paint (£575)
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
Read our full Nissan Qashqai review >>
Find Nissan Qashqai deals >>
3rd – Seat Ateca
For Most enjoyable handling; relatively strong performance; cheapest cash buy after discounts
Against Noisiest at speed; firmest ride; middling reliability score; can’t add many options
Recommended options Spare wheel (£120)
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
Read our full Seat Ateca review >>
Find Seat Ateca deals >>
Specifications: Nissan Qashqai
Engine 4cyl, 1332cc, turbo, petrol
Peak power 156bhp at 5500rpm
Peak torque 192lb ft at 1800-4000rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 9.8sec
30-70mph 9.1sec
Top speed 128mph
30-0mph 10.9m
70-0mph 56.8m
Noise at 30mph 59.5dB
Noise at 70mph 67.1dB
Kerb weight 1460kg
Wheels/tyres (std) 235/50 R19
Test fuel economy 36.9mpg
Official fuel economy 44.1mpg
Fuel tank 55 litres
CO2 emissions 145g/km
Specifications: Seat Ateca
Engine 4cyl, 1498cc, turbo, petrol
Peak power 148bhp at 5000-6000rpm
Peak torque 184lb ft at 1500-3500rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 8.9sec
30-70mph 9.4sec
Top speed 124mph
30-0mph 10.6m
70-0mph 58.9m
Noise At 30mph 61.5dB
Noise at 70mph 68.5dB
Kerb weight 1408kg
Wheels/tyres (std) 235/40 R19
Test fuel economy 36.7mpg
Official fuel economy 42.2mpg
Fuel tank 50 litres
CO2 emissions 153g/km
Specifications: Skoda Karoq
Engine 4cyl, 1498cc, turbo, petrol
Peak power 148bhp at 5000-6000rpm
Peak torque 184lb ft at 1500-3500rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 9.5sec
30-70mph 9.6sec
Top speed 129mph
30-0mph 10.9m
70-0mph 58.3m
Noise at 30mph 60.5dB
Noise at 70mph 67.7dB
Kerb weight 1404kg
Wheels/tyres (std) 225/40 R19
Test fuel economy 38.6mpg
Official fuel economy 43.4mpg
Fuel tank 50 litres
CO2 emissions 148g/km
Test weather conditions Wet
Cars pictured
Nissan Qashqai 1.3 DIG-T 158 Tekna with Magnetic Blue metallic paint (£745) and contrasting roof (£400)
Seat Ateca 1.5 TSI Evo 150 Xperience Lux with Velvet Red paint
Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI 150 4x4 SportLine DSG with Velvet Red exclusive metallic paint (£380), Canton sound system (£580, including space-saver spare wheel), Virtual Cockpit (£480) and Park Assist (£345)
