Nissan Qashqai (2014 – 2021) Review

Nissan Qashqai (2014 – 2021) At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Qashqai isn't the best crossover on the market by a long way, but it remains popular. Key to its success are efficient engines, the excellent level of equipment and the amazingly cheap finance deals

+Comfortable to drive with a robust interior, good engines, popularity means lots of choice on the used market.

-Many other crossovers do it better, dull to drive, harsh ride on larger wheels, lots of problems reported.

Insurance Groups are between 13–20
On average it achieves 80% of the official MPG figure

The Nissan Qashqai is the nation’s favourite SUV. The original version spawned countless imitators, but the second-generation model picked up where the old Qashqai left off, cementing a prime position in a fiercely competitive segment. Launched in 2013, and facelifted in 2017, the Qashqai is certainly showing its age. Rivals such as the Renault Kadjar, Skoda Karoq and Peugeot 3008 are actually more appealing, but the Qashqai remains popular..

The chances are somebody in your street owns a Nissan Qashqai. If not, somebody at work does. Maybe you’ve owned a Qashqai at some point. It’s the most popular crossover in the UK. As ubiquitous on the high street as a discarded Costa cup and vaping smoke from outside a pub.

Launched in 2013, the second-generation Qashqai takes all that was good about the old Qashqai and makes it better. The styling is even more SUV-like, there’s more space inside, it’s safer, more upmarket and even more efficient. No wonder it’s Britain’s number one.

Only it isn’t. Although the Qashqai still tops the sales chart, in most other respects it has been overtaken by its rivals. The platform-sharing Renault Kadjar is larger and more spacious, the Skoda Karoq offers better value for money, while the SEAT Ateca is almost the perfect family SUV.

So why does the Nissan Qashqai hold such strong appeal? Partly because nothing attracts a crowd like a crowd, but also because Nissan has adopted a DFS-style approach to sales and marketing. Low monthly repayments, zero percent finance and low deposits put the Qashqai within reach of just about every car buyer.

In fairness, there’s more to it than that. Glance at the spec sheet for the mid-range N-Connect and N-Tec models and you’ll see an impressive list of equipment. Indeed, even the Acenta Premium model is well-equipped, while the range-topping Tekna and Tekna+ look and feel almost premium. The entry-level Visia is the only trim we wouldn’t recommend.

Then there are the engines. The 1.5 dCi diesel is one of the best all-rounders, offering a terrific blend of performance and economy. Meanwhile, the 1.3 TCe petrol engine is a great choice if you spend most of the time in the city, with economy to rival a diesel. There’s also a choice of transmissions and the option of four-wheel drive.

The driving experience is perfect for non-car people. That’s to say it has been configured to be safe, predictable and comfortable. In the town or on a motorway, the Qashqai never seems out of place. The ride suffers on 19-inch alloy wheels, but not to the extent that it becomes uncomfortable. Does it matter that the handling is vague and uninspiring? Of course it doesn’t.

Second-hand prices have dropped below £7000, which makes this a terrific used SUV to buy. There are some question marks over its long-term reliability, so we’d recommend buying a later version that’s still covered by the original three-year warranty.

It’s not the most exciting car in the world, and you won’t win any points for originality for buying a Qashqai, but tens of thousands of people can’t be wrong. Follow the crowd to see what all the fuss is about. Or go your own way. Whatever, you won’t be too far from a Nissan Qashqai.

If you're looking for the newer version, you need our Nissan Qashqai review

Ask Honest John

My parking sensors stop working in the rain, how can I fix this?

"I have a 2020 Nissan Qashqai, the front parking sensors would buzz on and off in the rain and show I was close to something even when on the road. Is there a fix to stop this happing like Vaseline or a water proof sealant that could be used? Once it was dry they were fine."
It may be possible to seal the exterior of the parking sensors with a waterproof sealant but it may just be the case the the seals around them have failed. A quick look online suggests that replacement seals are easy to get hold of, so this would be a better option than using a sealant.
Answered by David Ross

Can you recommend a garage to fix my Nissan Qashqai?

"My 2015 Nissan Qashqai has a problem. The valve on the cylinder head is causing problems. Cylinder 3 has no compression. I’m looking for an inexpensive mechanic who can give me a price to repair the car. Can you recommend anyone? "
The Honest John Good Garage Guide should be able to help in this regard, it lists thousands of businesses that are recommended by our readers: https://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/
Answered by Dan Powell

Nissan Qashqai DRL failure - is this common?

"I have a 2017 Nissan Qashqai. I have noticed the left side daytime running light is not working but all other light on the same side (left) work with no problem. Driving around London, I have noticed other Nissan Qashqai drivers with 2017/2018, also driving around with the left daytime running light not working. Please can you confirm if this is a known manufacturer fault? I contacted Nissan and they tell me I will need to get a whole light unit, costing in excess of £800 pounds."
That's an outrageous amount of money to replace a failed DRL (daytime running light). We're not aware of it being a common issue on the Qashqai, but I have added your report here: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/nissan/qashqai/2014/good We'd recommend seeking a second opinion - an auto electrician might be able to fix the issue (it could be something as simple as a fuse) or source a secondhand unit.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Premature rust, what are my rights?

"I have 2019 Nissan Qashqai. All four doors have small spots of rust at the top and bottom. Whilst being serviced they also said a door isn’t aligned properly. They’ve said they can touch the rust spots up but I’m concerned that they will just rust again. Do I have the right to ask for the doors to be replaced fully or are there any other options legally open to me?"
Every new Nissan in the UK is sold with a 12-year perforation from corrosion warranty. This covers you against a manufacturing defect that results in rust. Your vehicle may also be within its three-year paintwork warranty. If the rust spots are caused by a manufacturing defect then I would expect the dealer to respray the doors. However, if the rust spots are caused by damage (stone chips, for example) then it'll be classed as damage and you'll need to pay for the doors to be repaired.
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions

What does a Nissan Qashqai (2014 – 2021) cost?