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The Nissan Qashqai is a great option if you want a practical, well-equipped SUV that’s not as big and bulky as some similar cars. It’s large enough for the needs of most families but doesn’t take up much space and is easy to park. There are lots of models to choose from and it’s great value.
The current Qashqai has been sold since 2021 when it replaced an older version sold from 2014 to 2021. The current version is completely new with different styling, more technology and new engines. Those engines use petrol and have mild-hybrid assistance, which improves fuel economy and reduces CO2 emissions.
You can choose between two power outputs – 136bhp or 154bhp – the higher giving you quicker acceleration up to motorway speeds. Most models are front-wheel drive, but you can also have a four-wheel-drive Qashqai, and you can choose between manual or automatic gearboxes. There’s a broad choice of trims called Visia, Acenta Premium, N-Connecta, Tekna and Tekna+.
An older version of the Qashqai was sold from 2014 and updated with refreshed styling details and improved tech in 2017. This model gives you the choice of petrol or diesel, again with manual or automatic gearboxes and four-wheel drive on some models. The main trim and equipment packages have the same names as those of the current version and there are several special-edition models too, with names like N-Motion and Black Edition.
Even the entry-level version of the current Qashqai, called Visia, is well-equipped, with air con, Bluetooth and electric windows as standard. You’ll also get cruise control and rear parking sensors. The popular Acenta Premium model adds a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, climate control and a rear-view camera. The top-spec Tekna+ is lavishly kitted out, giving you electrically adjusted, heated and massaging leather seats, as well as sat nav, a powerful Bose stereo and a wireless mobile phone charger.
Older Qashqais are similarly well-equipped, although they don’t have some of the more modern features (no wireless chargers, for instance). The infotainment system is also older tech – it’s easy enough to use but isn’t as slick as the system in the latest Qashqai.
According to official figures, the current Qashqai can give you an average fuel economy of 40-44mpg. Petrol models of the old version of the Qashqai can reach 39-50mpg and diesels can give 48-70mpg. Exactly what fuel economy your Qashqai can give you depends on which engine and gearbox is fitted.
It’s also worth noting that in 2017, the way official fuel economy figures are calculated in lab tests was changed to reflect more ‘real world’ driving. That means cars sold new after 2017 have lower official numbers, and can appear to be less efficient even though the engines often perform the same.
If you’re looking at mid-size SUVs like the Qashqai, you might want to consider rivals such as the Kia Sportage, the Renault Kadjar or the Skoda Karoq. The Kia comes with a very long warranty and is a great all-rounder, while Renault gives you a more comfortable ride and the Skoda is more spacious. All said, whichever version of the Qashqai you get, it’s practical, feels light to drive and has lots of useful tech.
Both versions of the Qashqai scored full five-star ratings from safety organisation Euro NCAP. The cars are very well stocked with driver safety features including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning and traffic-sign recognition.
The latest Qashqai is very roomy in the front, and you’ll get enough room for two adults in the back, though it’s more generous for children, with room for three teenagers. It’s particularly good if you have young children who need help getting in and out, because the back doors open almost to right angles, giving you a lot of space to work in. The boot is big enough for a couple of pushchairs plus shopping, or four large suitcases, and you can fold down the back seats to carry bigger loads.
The older version of the Qashqai is slightly shorter and narrower than the current car, so you’ll get a bit less interior space. There’s still lots of room in the front seats but adults may find back-seat legroom and headroom on the tight side. Children shouldn’t have any complaints though. The boot is also smaller which may mean you have to pack a bit more carefully.
The Qashqai slots into the middle of Nissan’s SUV range, between the smaller Juke and bigger, seven-seat X-Trail. Compared to non-SUV Nissans, it’s closest in size to the Leaf hatchback, which is slightly longer, narrower and lower.
There are no hybrid versions of the older Qashqai, but the latest version is only available with mild-hybrid power. That means it has a petrol engine with an extra electrical system that improves fuel economy and reduces CO2 emissions, but unlike a full hybrid, it can’t drive on electric power alone.