Introduction
What Car? says...
The Nissan Qashqai is the car that started the trend for mainstream family SUVs and, with millions of them now the road, it's still going strong, and has evolved to meet changing tastes – notably when it comes to engine options.
Indeed, it needed to evolve. This is the third-generation car, and while the original Qashqai had the market to itself, it now faces tough competition as rival manufacturers roll out their own takes on the successful SUV format.
So, how does the Nissan Qashqai compare with the best family SUVs in all the important areas, and which version should you buy? Over the next few pages of this review, we'll rate it for performance, interior quality, running costs and other important factors to help you work out whether it's the right car for your needs.
Once you've decided which make and model is right for you, check out our free What Car? New Car Deals pages to potentially save a small fortune off the list price of your chosen car.
More on the Qashqai
Nissan Qashqai vs Seat Ateca vs Skoda Karoq >>
Why the Qashqai is one of the best cars in What Car? history >>
FAQs
While the Nissan Qashqai was too new to be included in the 2021 What Car? Reliability Survey, Nissan as a manufacturer didn’t fare well. In a field of 30 brands, Nissan managed to claim joint 27th place, alongside Ford and above only Land Rover and Fiat. Every Qashqai comes with a three-year (60,000 mile) warranty. Read more here
Almost every version of the Nissan Qashqai features mild-hybrid technology that can use the starter motor as a generator, to harvest energy as the car slows down and improve fuel economy. Then there’s the e-Power version, which is a halfway house between a normal car and an electric car, using a petrol engine as a generator to power the front wheels through an electric motor. Read more here
We think the Nissan Qashqai’s entry-level DIG-T 140 engine and the N-Connecta trim is the best combo. That way you get good performance and efficiency but also plenty of standard equipment, including 18in alloy wheels, a larger infotainment screen, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and privacy glass. Read more here
Our chosen Nissan Qashqai trim is N-Connecta, as it gives you plenty of standard equipment, including 18in alloy wheels, a larger infotainment screen and dual-zone climate control. If you fancy a few more luxuries, think about upgrading to Tekna because it adds 19in alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel and windscreen, electronically-adjustable and heated front seats, wireless phone-charging and more. Read more here
Infotainment isn’t one of the Nissan Qashqai’s strengths. You see, the current system doesn't have the best graphics and isn’t all that intuitive to use. That, however, is set to change due to an updated system that’s currently only available with the e-Power version. That new system is much clearer, faster and easier to use. Read more here
The Nissan Qashqai’s boot space (455 litres to 504 litres, depending on the version) isn’t as generous as the boots in the Seat Ateca or Skoda Karoq, but we still managed to fit seven carry-on suitcases below the parcel shelf. That means there should be enough space for a large weekly shop or a couple of buggies. Read more here
| RRP price range | £26,045 - £40,980 |
|---|---|
| Number of trims (see all) | 5 |
| Number of engines (see all) | 3 |
| Available fuel types (which is best for you?) | petrol, hybrid |
| MPG range across all versions | 40.2 - 53.3 |
| Available doors options | 5 |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Company car tax at 20% (min/max) | £1,649 / £2,794 |
| Company car tax at 40% (min/max) | £3,299 / £5,588 |
| Available colours |
