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In-depth reviews

Nissan Qashqai review

The Nissan Qashqai is a big seller, and the revised E-Power variant only improves things further

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Our opinion on the Nissan Qashqai

In its current form, the Nissan Qashqai has been with us since 2021, with a mid-life update in 2024. But age has done little to dent its popularity, because it’s regularly among the top sellers in the UK; and on the many occasions that we’ve become reacquainted with one, it’s easy to see why buyers still snap the Qashqai up. 

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There’s no doubt that this mid-size SUV, built in the north east of England, is a more inviting proposition following its mid-life facelift. The Qashqai now has sharper looks, better tech and a higher-quality feel in the cabin following the most recent changes, and there wasn’t a whole lot wrong with the rest of the package to start with.

Few sectors of the car market are more competitive than the one where the Qashqai plies its trade, but Nissan’s effort (the UK’s third best-selling car in 2024) stands out by offering consistency across the board. It’s fine to drive, efficient, practical, well equipped and tightly priced, so despite not being a class leader, the lack of weaknesses gives it an edge.

About the Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is probably what you’d see in the encyclopedia today if you turned to the “car” page. It’s one of the best-sellers in an enormously popular segment (mid-size SUVs like this don’t just sell well in the UK or Europe, but globally too), and offers five doors, five seats and a decent-sized boot, plus a range of in-vogue mild-hybrid and hybrid powertrains. While it’s not cheap, it’s also not priced like a premium vehicle, putting it within the reach of plenty of customers.

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Used - available now

Qashqai

2015 Nissan

Qashqai

83,000 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £4,999
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Qashqai

2022 Nissan

Qashqai

48,908 milesManualPetrol1.3L

Cash £14,849
View Qashqai
Qashqai

2016 Nissan

Qashqai

17,079 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £22,649
View Qashqai
Qashqai

2022 Nissan

Qashqai

31,893 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £17,299
View Qashqai

It isn’t the largest mid-size SUV around, which puts a bit of a squeeze on passenger space. However, the latest models have a high-quality interior that doesn’t put too much emphasis on distracting touchscreens. You do get an infotainment system, but most of the major controls are still operated outside of it via easy-to-use buttons and dials.

Economy starts at around 44mpg from the front-wheel-drive mild hybrids, to low-60s for the revised e-Power full-hybrid – which is one of an increasing number of hybrids where the combustion engine is used as a generator of electricity to supply power to the electric motor that powers the wheels. Driving this model is a little like driving an electric car in terms of smoothness, although it can’t go too far on electric power alone before the engine needs to switch on. If you want a true electric car driving experience, you’ll need to look towards the Nissan Ariya.

Nissan Qashqai prices and latest deals

How much does the Nissan Qashqai cost? Well, official ‘on the road’ prices range from £30,335 to £43,005 but you can currently save an average of £6,416 through the Auto Express Find A Car service, where prices start at £25,013. You can lease a Nissan Qashqai from £267 per month or buy a used model at prices starting from £13,600.

Check out our latest new car deals, leasing deals and used car deals for the top offers available now on Auto Express. And don't forget we can help you sell your car, too.

Pricing for the Nissan Qashqai spans from just over £30,600 for a mild-hybrid Acenta Premium model, to £43,210 for a top-spec Tekna+ with the full-hybrid system, or the 154bhp mild hybrid with four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox. Because pricing of the top models trips past the £40,000 mark, these versions can be expensive to tax, but otherwise the Qashqai is in the same ballpark as its rivals for essential metrics such as price, fuel efficiency, tax and performance.

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Alternatively, you can save over £6,500 on a brand-new Qashqai by ordering through the Auto Express Buy a Car service. You can use this to spec your ideal car or choose from a wide selection of in-stock examples. If you’re considering a used car, there are over 1,000 Qashqais available that are ready to hit the road

Performance & driving experience

(Short summary of the verdict from this section - 20 words) The Qashqai is comfortable and quiet, but not the most exciting mid-size SUV to drive and performance is only adequate

Pros

  • Comfortable and refined driving experience
  • Performance is plenty for most buyers
  • A four-wheel-drive version is available

Cons

  • The CVT can be a little unresponsive at low speeds
  • Models with big wheels can ride a little firmly
  • Some rivals are more engaging to drive

At its launch in 2021, the third-generation Nissan Qashqai was an impressive 60kg lighter than its predecessor, despite being stiffer and safer. While it’s a little more dynamic than its predecessor, it’s not one of the more entertaining or involving SUVs in this class to drive – but for most customers, the Qashqai’s comfort and refinement will be of greater importance.

Most cars in the Qashqai line-up use a torsion-beam rear suspension layout, although a more sophisticated multi-link set-up is fitted to top-spec models equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels. The standard set-up we’ve tried fidgets a little over smaller bumps, but generally, the Qashqai rides very well, and the more sophisticated suspension on top-spec cars offsets the potential downsides of the larger wheels. It’s better at dealing with bumps and potholes than many rivals, and feels more responsive than a Skoda Karoq.

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Push on a bit, and there’s some body roll, but it's quite gradual and controlled. The steering is light (unless you select sport mode, which adds some extra heft) and devoid of feel, but it's direct enough and makes the car feel pretty nimble through quick direction changes. For most buyers the Qashqai is all about getting from A to B in a relaxing, safe and easy-going manner. From that point of view, it's hard to fault. It’s competent across the board without being poor – or indeed truly outstanding – in any one area.

Model Power0-62mphTop speed
1.3-litre DiG-T mild-hybrid petrol 2WD138bhp10.2s122mph
1.3-litre DiG-T mild-hybrid petrol 4WD154bhp9.9s123mph
1.5-litre e-Power full-hybrid petrol 2WD201bhp7.9s105mph

Performance, 0-60mph acceleration and top speed

Nissan has given the Mk3 Qashqai a range of mild and full-hybrid powertrains. This starts with a 1.3-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid petrol making 138bhp and 240Nm of torque, which via its six-speed manual gearbox, provides a 0-62mph time of 10.2 seconds. 

However, given that the step up to a 156bhp version of the same mild-hybrid powertrain is less than £1,000, it’s the one we’d go for. It’s not only the 0.7-second drop in the 0-62mph time that’s welcome, but also the extra 20Nm of peak torque – running from 1,600 to 4,000rpm – making it more flexible in everyday driving. However, it still feels lethargic below that point, most noticeably when pulling out of a junction. For £1,600, the more powerful option can be combined with an automatic gearbox, while four-wheel drive is available with both manual and automatic versions.

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The six-speed manual variant is a touch slower than the optional Xtronic CVT, needing 9.5 seconds to get to 62mph. Neither of these engines makes the Qashqai feel particularly fast, but they deliver good refinement and don’t sound bad when revved harder. 

Qashqais with the e-Power moniker use a full-hybrid system. Here, a 1.5-litre petrol engine acts like a generator for the electric motor, which drives the front wheels directly. This setup means the e-Power’s acceleration is almost as instantaneous as a fully-fledged EV’s. 

Key to the 2025 update is the introduction of a new e-Power hybrid. Think of Nissan’s hybrid tech as an electric car that uses a petrol engine to provide energy rather than a big battery; the 1.5-litre, three-cylinder unit never drives the front wheels directly - instead sending its energy to an electric motor which rotates the wheels. In its latest edition, this engine has been optimised for its generator role, with improved intake flow thanks to cold-sprayed valve seat coatings making the engine’s 42 per cent thermal efficiency among the best ratings of any production internal combustion engine.

The electric element has been improved, too. It borrows much of the electrical tech - including the motor and inverter - from the latest Nissan Leaf, and houses all of the important hardware in a single “five-in-one” unit. Nissan says that by grouping these all together, it has resulted in a stiffer, lighter unit, which helps to reduce noise, improve refinement, and boost efficiency compared to the previous-gen e-Power.

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At 201bhp, overall power is up 13bhp from before, though this figure can only be accessed in Sport mode - Standard and Eco offer the same 188bhp as before. Maximum torque remains the same at 330Nm.

The overall result is very impressive. Like before, the e-Power behaves more like an EV than a petrol car, with smooth, responsive and lively acceleration making it very easy to drive in all conditions. What is more impressive, though, is the boost in refinement - a previous downside of the tech. Nissan claims the average noise when accelerating from 50-75mph has dropped by 5.6 decibels, but in reality the new setup is quieter throughout almost the entire rev range. In many situations, you can barely notice the engine switching on and off at all. It’s significantly more refinened, and more responsive, than the hybrid rivals from Renault, Kia, Hyundai and the Stellantis group of rivals, and is even more than a match for Toyota’s best hybrid tech.

Town driving, visibility and parking

There are some cars in this class with suspension that offers a little more compliance over big bumps, but the Qashqai remains fairly comfortable overall. 

The slight exception comes at the top of the range, where the larger alloy wheel options add a touch of fidget to the ride. But this isn’t a sensation that’s unique to the Qashqai, and the overall ride is still less unsettled than rivals such as the Dacia Bigster or Peugeot 3008. At low speeds, a tight turning circle and light steering make the Nissan easy to manoeuvre.

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The manual version is easy enough to drive in town, and is preferable to the regular 1.3-litre petrol engine when equipped with an Xtronic CVT automatic transmission, which can dither when moving away from a stop – not ideal for entering a busy roundabout.

Country road driving and handling 

Family cars such as the Qashqai aren’t designed to be thrilling to drive, so while we consider it a bonus if they are fun, it’s not a big issue if they’re not. The Nissan is safe, predictable and stable through corners, with plenty of grip and reasonable body control. The steering doesn’t have much feedback, but it is accurate.

The suspension competently deals with the worst road surfaces, but we’d like it if the springs and dampers could provide a little more give. We’d advise you to stick with the smaller 17 or 18-inch wheels fitted to Acenta Premium and N-Connecta in order to get a more comfortable ride. 

Motorway driving and long-distance comfort

We haven’t yet been able to try the updated Qashqai side by side with its predecessor to determine whether the additional sound deadening has made a difference, but we can say that the latest Qashqai remains a quiet car at speed.

There’s some engine noise to be heard when accelerating hard in all versions, but it isn’t intrusive and settles into the background once you’re up to cruising speed. Tyre roar is the most noticeable noise at higher speeds, although the Qashqai is still marginally more hushed than a Volkswagen Tiguan in this area. That aside, wind noise is relatively well contained. Comfort and stability at high speed are great too.

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“The Qashqai’s steering remains fairly relaxed on the move, so it’s a car that doesn’t need too many corrections to the wheel to keep things on the right track. Of course, this can be made even more relaxing with the on-board driver-assist technology.” – Alex Ingram, chief reviewer.

MPG & running costs

Nissan Qashqai buyers seeking lower day-to-day running costs will appreciate the more efficient e-Power models

Pros

  • Frugal engines across the range
  • No economy penalty for the more powerful hybrid or CVT models
  • Relatively low insurance for most of the range

Cons

  • No plug-in hybrid for lower company car tax rates
  • Top trim versions cost over £40,000 and incur the extra cost of the luxury car tax
  • e-Power insurance groups are higher than some rivals

The Nissan Qashqai 1.3-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine provides either 138bhp or 156bhp. The lower-powered unit returns up to 44.8mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 142g/km. Opting for the 156bhp version doesn’t significantly reduce fuel economy, but adding four-wheel drive sees a fall to 40mpg and a CO2 figure of 157g/km. All models come with stop/start tech, along with an Eco drive mode to help eke out extra miles from a tank of fuel.

The Qashqai isn't offered with plug-in hybrid power like the Hyundai Tucson. Instead, the brand sees e-Power as the stepping stone from mild-hybrid to a full EV. 

As well as a boost in refinement, that third-generation of e-Power tech has improved the Qashqai’s efficiency. Nissan claims a 15 per cent uplift in fuel economy, taking the official WLTP figure to as much as 62.8mpg, depending on trim level. CO2 levels are also down 12 per cent. A large focus has been placed on improving efficiency at motorway speeds, too. 

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We found these claims to stand up very well in the real world; during our time behind the wheel, we achieved 52.5mpg, which put it 8.7mpg clear of a Kia Sportage hybrid we tested in the same conditions. 

Model MPGCO2Insurance group
1.3-litre DiG-T mild-hybrid petrol 2WD44.8mpg142g/km12
1.3-litre DiG-T mild-hybrid petrol 4WD40.4mpg157g/km21-22
1.5-litre hybrid e-Power 2WD62.8mpg102g/km24-30

Insurance groups

Buying an entry-level Qashqai Acenta Premium means that you won’t be forking out too much cash to insure your new wheels, but prices rise as you climb the range. The cheapest 138bhp version sits in group 12, and the extra power of the 156bhp Acenta Premium Xtronic CVT car puts it in group 22, with top-spec Tekna+ versions in group 23.

In comparison, the Hyundai Tucson range starts from group 18 and climbs to group 24 for the plug-in hybrid in the posh Ultimate specification. The Qashqai e-Power hybrid models will be more expensive to insure, starting in group 24 and rising to group 32 for a top-spec Tekna+ model.

Tax

Business users won’t be hugely motivated by the Qashqai’s numbers. With the basic Acenta Premium car, they’ll be paying a 34 per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) compnay car tax rate, while a top-spec mild-hybrid model is in the 37 per cent bracket. The revised e-Power’s reduced emissions cuts the BIK rate down to 26 per cent, but it can’t match a plug-in hybrid or electric car for company car tax efficiency. 

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The bulk of the range sits below the £40,000 mark – only certain versions of the top-spec Tekna+ breach that limit before options – which means that most models aren’t subject to the luxury car tax VED surcharge.

Depreciation

Buy a brand-new Qashqai today, and it’s predicted to hold on to between 44 and 49 per cent of its original value after three years or 36,000 miles. 

The four-wheel-drive mild-hybrid models are at the lower end of those residual values, while the manual, front-wheel-drive N-Design is the model estimated to be most resistant to depreciation.

For comparison purposes, the Ford Kuga is expected to hold on to 48 to 50 per cent of its value over the same period, while the Kia Sportage range is between 47 and 49 per cent. However, the Hyundai Tucson is predicted to maintain more of its value than any of the cars mentioned here, hanging on to between 52 and 56 per cent of its value over the same period.

To get an accurate valuation for a specific model, check out our free car valuation tool...

Interior, design & technology

Nissan has sharpened the Qashqai’s looks, top-end versions feature plenty of kit, and the Google-based infotainment is first class

Pros

  • Distinctive looks inspired by the electric Ariya
  • Soft-touch plastics and leather trim inside
  • Surround camera system is effective at covering blind spots

Cons

  • Some of the cabin layout looks a bit dated
  • The camera system doesn't offer the highest-resolution images
  • Hard plastics can be found in places

Through each generation of the Qashqai, its cabin has become gradually more loaded with tech, but Nissan hasn’t compromised on the sound ergonomics that make it so easy to live with.

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When the Mk3 Nissan Qashqai was launched, its exterior design wasn’t that far removed from the previous model. The 2024 facelift added a more distinctive front end, similar to the Ariya electric car, that helps Nissan’s offering stand out next to more adventurously styled rivals like the Peugeot 3008 and the Toyota C-HR.

The technology highlight is probably Nissan’s Around View Monitor system, which generates a 360-degree view of the car when manoeuvring to help avoid shunts. There’s now a 3D function that renders an external image of the car and its surroundings from eight different angles, and an ‘invisible hood view’ – as seen on Land Rover models – which generates an on-screen image of what the wheels are doing ahead of you. Nissan says it’s good for avoiding kerbs and positioning the car in car washes, which seems like a more probable use case than hardcore off-roading. Also potentially useful is a T-junction view, which uses a camera on the Qashqai’s nose to help you check for oncoming traffic when pulling out of blind junctions.

Nissan Qashqai prices now open at just over £30,500, and all cars get the impressive 12.3-inch touchscreen. Base Acenta Premium models don’t have the Google-powered infotainment features, and make do with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher spec models offer wireless connections. They also miss out on all the body-coloured exterior trim, which spoils the look of the Qashqai to an extent.

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With this in mind, the £2,000 premium for an upgrade to N-Connecta trim feels worthwhile. You get the improved Around View Monitor system, ambient lighting and a wireless charging pad, among other things, but the exterior trim is only partially body-coloured. You’ll have to find another £2,500 for an N-Design if you want full body-colouring on the lower bumpers, and this also adds LED lights with 20-inch wheels. For the same price as the N-Design, Tekna models forego some of the styling add-ons but get the full suite of ProPilot driver-assistance tech, a head-up display, and a lot more besides.

Tekna+ is the height of mid-size SUV luxury with quilted, massaging leather seats and a Bose stereo. Unfortunately, it’s £4k more than a Tekna, which feels a bit rich, in our opinion. N-Connecta is a good value, unless you really want to make a statement with the sharpened looks of the N-Design.

Interior and dashboard design

There are more glamorous cabins in this segment, but the Qashqai keeps things very simple, with a sensible dash layout that places the touchscreen infotainment system at the top (with a couple of physical shortcut keys at its base), air vents in the middle, and physical dials for the climate control system just below them. The layout is logical, and we approve that all the easy-to-use physical buttons and dials remain, which is a big plus point in our book over rivals like the Ford Kuga, which has gone all in on touchscreens.

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Opting for the N-Design trim gets you a large panoramic glass sunroof, letting a huge amount of light into the interior to help brighten things up, which might be useful if you plan on tackling a number of long trips in your Qashqai.

Materials and build quality

The changes inside the Qashqai included some nicer materials on higher-spec cars and many new or enhanced tech features. The posher models get a very large helping of Alcantara fabric (on N-Design cars) or soft leather (on Tekna models). These upmarket materials coat the dash, door inserts, and armrests, and they really add an air of quality – we’re just unsure how well the Alcantara will stand up to regular encounters with sticky-fingered kids. There’s also some very fetching metallic-effect plastic trim around the gear selector.

Overall fit and finish is right on the money for a car in this segment. It’s not quite as plush as the more pricey Peugeot 3008, but it feels more than competitive with the Vauxhall Grandland, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. The main dash feels fairly substantial and well screwed together, but some of the plastics closer to the back-seat passengers are a little hard and scratchy. This isn’t unusual to find among the Qashqai’s competition, though. 

Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo

For the past decade or so, Nissan has felt a step or two behind its rivals for infotainment tech, but the Qashqai’s latest system has a much sharper display and quicker loading times. Using Google has improved parts of the system – particularly the nav – massively, but base Acenta Premium models don’t benefit. While the infotainment has improved, the digital driver’s display hasn’t, and it looks conspicuously low-res beside the touchscreen.

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The Google Maps navigation functionality from N-Connecta and above is first class (especially if you’re an Android user familiar with the interface), and all bar the base models get it along with the ability to sign-in to your car with your Google account – transferring favourite locations and other information in the process. There’s ‘Hey Google’ voice assistant control, too, significantly reducing the need to connect your phone to the car.

Modern cars are loaded with safety and driver-assistance tech, and some of these systems are more intrusive than others. The Qashqai’s lane-keep tech gently tugs on the steering wheel once you begin to cross over a white line, but it’s not as aggressive as some rivals’ systems.

“The speed-limit alert is quite loud and relentless – not ideal when so many of these systems can inadvertently read the wrong speed limits – or miss limit changes altogether. Fortunately, with a little up-front homework, it’s very easy to turn these off.” – Alex Ingram, chief reviewer.

Boot space & practicality

There’s a lot to like about the Qashqai’s practicality, but it lags behind some rivals for interior space

Pros

  • Wide-opening rear doors for easy access
  • Comfortable seats front and rear
  • The e-Power battery doesn’t compromise boot space

Cons

  • The boot isn’t as large as in some rivals
  • Interior space is also a little smaller than rivals
  • Small towing capacity of e-Power models

Overall, the Qashqai is well thought out for families. There are several alternatives in this class that offer a touch more room – especially in the boot – but that is in part because the Nissan is slightly more compact on the outside than some of its closest rivals. This is worth bearing in mind if you have a tight garage or frequently need to parallel park.

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Family buyers will be impressed by the practical touches of the Nissan Qashqai. The rear doors open to 85 degrees, which means – provided that there isn’t a car parked close next to you – that fitting a child seat (and even putting a child into their child seat) is a lot easier. A reversible boot floor with a wipe-clean surface is another thoughtful addition.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with all Qashqai models featuring a steering wheel with reach and rake adjustment. Storage in the cabin is quite limited, with the main options being the small glovebox, slim door pockets, a deep cubby under the armrest, and a pair of cup-holders in the centre console. There’s also a shelf for your phone that becomes a wireless charging pad in higher-spec models.

Dimensions and size

The latest Qashqai is a bigger car than the second-generation model it replaced, at 4,425mm in length, 1,625mm in height, and 1,835mm (2,084mm including mirrors) in width. A 35mm increase in length, and 32mm of extra width mean it’s still a little smaller than a Ford Kuga, but pretty much the same size as a Peugeot 3008.

Dimensions comparison 
ModelNissan QashqaiFord KugaKia Sportage
Length4,425mm4,626mm4,540mm
Width 1,835mm1,882mm1,865mm
Height1,625mm1,690mm1,645mm
Wheelbase2,665mm2,710mm2,680mm
Boot space 479-1,415 litres412-1534litres591-1,780 litres

Seats & passenger space

There’s little to fault about the Qashqai’s driving position. The driver’s seat lines up nicely with the pedals and the wheel, and the wide range of adjustment in both the seat and wheel allows drivers of many shapes and sizes to find an ideal set-up. Two cup-holders, an enclosed central bin plus deep and wide door pockets means that there’s plenty of storage space up front, too.

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The front seats are comfortable, offering good support, but there’s no question that rivals such as the Dacia Bigster are roomier inside. Buyers considering the panoramic sunroof option (standard on Tekna and above) should be aware that this eats into the available headroom.

Even before you get in the back, it’s clear that Nissan has designed the Qashqai with family life in mind. The back doors open to 85 degrees, giving excellent access to the rear seats. That makes loading a child seat – and then youngsters after that – a much easier job, and the ISOFIX points are simple to reach behind removable plastic covers.

Once you’re inside, the Qashqai has just about enough space. It’s not class leading – the Kia Sportage offers more headroom, and the Dacia Bigster is far more spacious for less money – but it’s still more than good enough. The back seats are fairly firm and a little short of under-thigh support, though, and while the centre seat is wide, it is slightly perched. 

During our own tests, we found the Qashqai to have less headroom when compared with the Peugeot 3008 and Hyundai Tucson, nor is it as roomy inside as a Vauxhall Grandland or Skoda Karoq. There's still plenty of space for passengers under six feet, and overall, it’s roomy enough for daily use.

Boot space

The Qashqai’s boot has a 504-litre maximum capacity with the rear seats in place. That’s a generous volume, if not quite on the level of the Dacia Bigster, Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage. In fact, models equipped with the boot floor divider see that capacity reduced to 479 litres. Whether you choose the mild-hybrid or full-hybrid e-Power models, the volume remains the same.

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We have measured the Qashqai’s boot lip height at 765mm – slightly higher than the Kia Sportage’s and the fully electric Skoda Elroq’s, but largely similar to other alternatives. Nissan has missed a trick by not fitting levers in the boot to let you release the rear seats quickly, but once down they do fold flat. However, the overall volume falls behind its rivals; there’s just 1,447 litres available compared with the roughly 1,800 litres you get in a Sportage, Tucson or Skoda Karoq.

Towing

The towing capacity of the Nissan Qashqai depends on which engine you choose, but all petrol versions should provide enough capability for most buyers’ needs. The maximum braked trailer towing capacity ranges from 1,400kg for the front-wheel-drive 138bhp model, to 1,800kg for the more powerful 156bhp version. Don’t pick the e-Power model if you plan to pull a caravan, because it only has a towing capacity of 750kg.

“A six-foot-tall passenger can sit behind a driver of similar dimensions if they don’t mind pushing their knees into the padded seat back a little.” – Alex Ingram, chief reviewer.

Reliability & safety

Standard safety kit is excellent, and helped the Nissan Qashqai achieve a five-star Euro NCAP rating

Pros

  • A strong five-star Euro NCAP safety score
  • Excellent ratings for safety-assistance systems
  • Customer satisfaction for the Nissan brand is slowly improving

Cons

  • The three-year, 60,000-mile warranty period is only average
  • The Qashqai isn’t a high-finisher in Driver Power
  • Relatively short e-Power service intervals

The Nissan Qashqai finished in a middling 28th place out of the 50 cars surveyed in the 2025 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. While this does place it ahead of the Kia Sportage (45th) and Toyota RAV4 (31st), it fails to trouble the Vauxhall Grandland (2nd), Ford Kuga (4th), Citroen C5 Aircross (8th), and Hyundai Tucson (13th).

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It’s similar news for the Nissan brand, which placed 15th (out of 31) in our 2025 Driver Power best car manufacturer ratings. The brand did well for child-friendly features, but was criticised for its cars’ overall quality and road handling.

Family buyers will at least be impressed by the Qashqai's five-star safety rating from industry body Euro NCAP in 2021. Both adult and child occupant safety are rated at 91 per cent, with Safety Assist systems scoring an outstanding 95 per cent.

The standard kit is comprehensive, with Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility tech including a blind spot warning to alert you to cars approaching beside you on the motorway, a rear cross-traffic system to alert to cars crossing from behind when reversing, traffic-sign recognition to let you know of the speed limit, and an Autonomous Emergency Braking system with pedestrian and cyclist recognition to prevent collisions with vulnerable road users. 

There’s also a forward-collision warning to alert you if it thinks you’re about to collide with something, Intelligent cruise control to keep you a safe distance from the car in front, and a high beam assist function to automatically put the main beam on when there’s no oncoming traffic.

Many drivers will be disappointed to learn that, to meet EU rules and appease the Euro NCAP crash testing body, safety-assist features like the speed-limit and lane-departure warning systems now reactivate automatically every time you start the Qashqai. Nissan has addressed this by adding a new Driver Assist Custom Mode that lets you choose your preferred settings for these aids and activate them at the touch of one button on the steering wheel.

Euro NCAP safety ratings
Euro NCAP safety rating Five stars (2021)
Adult occupant protection91%
Child occupant protection91%
Vulnerable road user protection70%
Safety assist95%

Buying and owning

  • Best buy: Nissan Qashqai e-Power (FHEV) N-Connecta
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Thanks to recent revisions to the powertrain, the Qashqai e-Power is now a noticeably improved offering and is our pick of the engine line-up. While you do have to spend a bit more to get into an e-Power model, its additional refinement, efficiency, and performance over its mild-hybrid siblings is worthwhile forking out for.

We recommend avoiding the higher-spec models because they exceed the £40,000 mark and incur the luxury car tax burden. The mid-range N-Connecta trim is our choice because it provides all the equipment you'll need while keeping the price well below this tax surcharge limit.

Nissan Qashqai alternatives

If you’re in the market for a mid-size SUV, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. Some of our current favourites include the impressive Hyundai Tucson, its Kia Sportage sister car and the Dacia Bigster, which offers more space and a generous kit list for prices that undercut the Qashqai across the range. The revitalised Ford Kuga and the stylish Peugeot 3008 are also worth seeking out, as are the VW Group trio of the SEAT Ateca, Skoda Karoq, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

If you’re sold on the Qashqai, you certainly won’t be alone. Hundreds of thousands of UK buyers have seen it as a good idea since 2007. The appeal of the current car revolves around its comfort, quality and impressive Google-based infotainment tech. Keen drivers may want to look elsewhere, though, because neither the driving experience nor the level of performance from the engines is terribly exciting.

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Nissan has tailored its mid-size SUV to deliver the goods for family buyers in this competitive market and succeeded in ticking most of the boxes that matter. The most recent changes give it a more distinctive appearance to help it stand out in a crowded marketplace, but it is still the Qashqai’s more prosaic qualities that give it an edge.

Nissan Qashqai Tekna+: long-term test

In 2022, our Web producer, Pete Baiden, spent nearly a year behind the wheel of a top-of-the-range pre-facelift Nissan Qashqai Tekna+ and was left with mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, it was a very practical car, with thoughtful touches such as the rear doors that opened to nearly 90-degrees, which made putting children into car seats easy, and a split-height boot with no loading lip that helped when transporting a buggy.

However, the driver’s seat left him with backache after every long trip he took in it, whereas previous long term test cars such as the SEAT Tarraco had not. Even the massage function on his high-spec Qashqai didn’t help, with Pete likening the sensation to being kicked in the back by one of his children. You can read the full long term test here...

Nissan Qashqai history

Nissan Qashqai Mk2: 2014-2020

Used Nissan Qashqai Mk2 - front

The Mk2 Nissan Qashqai range offers reasonably efficient engines and decent levels of kit, although the base cars can are sparse. There has been mixed feedback regarding the Qashqai's overall reliability, so check over the car's history and ensure any recall notices have been attended to. Both front- and four-wheel-drive models are available, along with manual and CVT auto versions, so buyers should be well catered for. Read our Nissan Qashqai Mk2 buyer's guide here...

Nissan Qashqai Mk1: 2007-2013

Nissan Qashqai Mk1 - front static

The Mk1 Nissan Qashqai still provides great family transport. Its crossover-style good looks and useful practicality mean it will still appeal to buyers seeking a capable SUV. Of course, time has marched on, but the first-generation Qashqai is becoming more affordable, and its low running costs will suit those on a budget. Look out for the reasonable mid-spec Acenta models, which include parking sensors and climate control, while if you're after a little more luxury, then the top-spec Tekna versions, boasting leather upholstery heated seats and a panoramic glass roof, could hit the spot. Read our Nissan Qashqai Mk1 buyer's guide here...

Frequently Asked Questions

Nissan offers a standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty for the Qashqai, although if you pay an extra £350 or so, you can extend that for an additional 12 months, but the 60,000-mile limit still applies. You also get three years of free roadside assistance with the Qashqai.

Deals on the Qashqai and alternatives

Nissan Qashqai
Ford Kuga
KIA Sportage
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Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.3 DiG-T MH Acenta Premium 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £30,335
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.5 E-Power Acenta Premium 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £34,630
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    1.5 E-Power 205 Acenta Premium 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £34,655
Select car

Shane is responsible for looking after the day-to-day running of the Auto Express website and social media channels. Prior to joining Auto Express in 2021, he worked as a radio producer and presenter for outlets such as the BBC.

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £6,416 off RRP*Used from £13,600
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,514 off RRP*Used from £11,195
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £6,795
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,030Avg. savings £3,183 off RRP*Used from £30,799
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
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