Nissan Qashqai Review 2025

Nissan helped to create the family SUV segment with the original Qashqai, and the current third-generation model – on sale since 2021 and updated in 2024 – keeps it at the forefront of the class. The latest version improves on practicality, comfort and cabin quality, and now offers a choice of efficient full-hybrid and mild-hybrid petrol engines.

Nissan helped to create the family SUV segment with the original Qashqai, and the current third-generation model – on sale since 2021 and updated in 2024 – keeps it at the forefront of the class. It’s a more comfortable, practical and refined car than the previous Qashqai (2014 - 2021), and comes with a choice of efficient full-hybrid and mild-hybrid petrol engines.

Whether you’re buying new or used, the Qashqai stands out for its refinement, safety technology and ease of use. The 2024 update brought sharper styling, upgraded materials and a new infotainment system with Google built-in software, while earlier versions already offered strong safety equipment and a well-judged balance between comfort and handling.

Cabin space is generous, with wide-opening rear doors and plenty of room for passengers, while the 504-litre boot (479 litres in some trims) is among the largest in the class. Interior quality is very solid, with high-grade materials and an upmarket feel that rivals the likes of the Peugeot 3008 and Mazda CX-5.

Rivals include the excellent Skoda Karoq, the well-equipped Ford Kuga, the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage and the Peugeot 3008, all offering similar space and hybrid efficiency. The Qashqai’s advantage lies in its user-friendly layout, extensive safety kit and competitive running costs.

The list of trims available on the Qashqai have been tweaked since it was introduced. Early cars were available in Visia, Acenta Premium, N-Connecta, Tekna, and Tekna+ versions, as well as a Premiere Edition to celebrate its launch. The Premiere Edition was dropped for 2022, and the entry-level Visia was ditched for the 2024 facelift, while a new N-Design model was added.

Even the (now) entry-level Acenta Premium includes 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch touchscreen and a rear-view camera, while higher-spec models add features such as a 12.3-inch driver display, head-up display, panoramic sunroof and Bose audio.

Engine choices include a revamped version of the old 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol, now with 12v mild-hybrid technology in order to improve economy. It’s a decent engine, if not a remarkable one, while it’s a sign of the times that there is no diesel version offered any more. However, from 2022 Nissan introduced the Qashqai with a hybrid option, badged e-Power.

This uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine as a generator for the electric motor and battery, without a direct line between the combustion engine and the wheels. It’s a smooth and refined system that makes the car feel a bit like an EV most of the time, and it costs an awful lot less than rival plug-in hybrids. 

The latest Qashqai is a versatile SUV, with its larger boot than earlier models and clever storage compartments making it apt for family car buyers who need an affordable but upmarket SUV. Just avoid models with 20-inch wheels, as these make the ride quality rather harsh on rough roads. 

Nissan’s engineers have tuned the Qashqai’s suspension for comfort first, but it still feels composed and secure through corners. It’s not as composed as a SEAT Ateca, but it feels safe and reassuring to drive with plenty of grip on offer.

It’s easy to drive around town, helped by the genuinely high seating position (not something you can take for granted in all SUVs). There’s a rear view camera standard across the range, while N-Connecta models and above get a 360-degree Around View Monitor. This makes parking a doddle. Tekna and Tekna+ versions go a step further with ProPILOT Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-centring to make long motorway drives considerably less stressful.

Nissan has developed a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension for models with 20-inch wheels (the rest of the range gets a torsion-beam set-up).

As a result, it’s simply firm rather than bone-shakingly uncomfortable on uneven road surfaces, but we’d still steer clear. The 17- or 18-inch wheels fitted to the mid-range models strike a sweet spot in terms of ride comfort and handling. 

The e-Power hybrid model weighs around 200kg more than the standard petrol variant. That sounds like a lot, but in reality it doesn’t make a noticeable difference to the way the Qashqai rides and handles. 

All versions of the Nissan Qashqai has been electrified. In the first instance, that means the old 1.3-litre petrol engine has been updated with a 12v mild-hybrid system.

In plain English, that means it turns the engine off a fraction of a second earlier as it rolls to a stop, plus there’s a small power boost when accelerating.

It’s nothing special, but it does the job with adequate acceleration and acceptable noise levels. Buyers get a choice between a six-speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox.

Surprisingly, we actually prefer the latter in the Qashqai. It’s civilised for a CVT, and the car feels a bit sprightlier than with the manual gearbox – the latter also has a bit of a notchy shift.

If you want a properly efficient Qashqai, look at the e-Power hybrid model, which offers diesel-like official economy and the ability to run in electric-only mode for short distances. 

Unlike some hybrids, where both engine and battery power reaches the wheels via a CVT gearbox, the e-Power system uses the three-cylinder petrol engine as a generator to provide power for the electric motors and charge the battery. 

Basically, it means that when you’re cruising around town it feels much like an electric car. It’ll only actually do a couple of miles on electric power before the engine fires up, but when it does it’s impressively smooth and quiet. Only when you mash your foot on the throttle does it make itself known, but it’s definitely quieter than a Toyota RAV4 hybrid.

It also offers better performance than the pure petrol Qashqai thanks to 190PS and 300Nm of torque, yet it’s also more efficient. For that reason it would be our pick of the range. 

Independent safety organisation Euro NCAP awarded the Qashqai a maximum five-star score when it was tested in 2021, with a strong 91 per cent score for adult and child protection.

It’s fully loaded with technology to help you avoid a collision in the first instance. Highlights include an automatic emergency braking system, capable of detecting other vehicles and pedestrians and bringing the car to a stop if required. Best of all, such features are standard across the range. These features have gradually been improved with the 2024 facelift, benefitting from higher-resolution cameras and radar sensors.

There’s also a range of airbags, including a central airbag between the driver and front passenger.

The Qashqai’s towing capacity depends on engine and drivetrain. The 1.3-litre mild-hybrid with manual gearbox can tow up to 1500 kg (braked), while automatic and four-wheel-drive versions increase that to 1800 kg. The e-Power hybrid is rated lower, with a 1000 kg braked capacity, because of the way its powertrain is laid out. These figures are competitive for a small family SUV, and every model includes trailer sway control as standard.

The Nissan Qashqai is a family car through and through – and it’s absolutely loaded with clever ideas to make your life easier. For a start, the rear doors open 85 degrees, which sounds like a car park door ding waiting to happen, but it makes getting in and out of the back seats much easier. Anyone who’s tried to strap a child into a car seat with limited room will also appreciate this.

There are plenty of handy storage features inside, while Isofix points are fitted to the outer rear seats. The interior feels light and airy, with a good view out of the side windows for those in the back. Sportier alternatives sometimes feel a bit claustrophobic back there, so this is something to consider if you plan to use the rear seats regularly.

Unlike the Citroen C5 Aircross (with its three individual rear seats), the middle seat passenger might find it a little cramped compared to those on the outer seats. And the Qashqai is strictly a five-seater – look at the Nissan X-Trail if you need seven seats.

With 504 litres of luggage space, the Qashqai’s boot isn’t quite as spacious as the Peugeot 3008 or Skoda Karoq on paper. It’s very usable, though, while a false floor reduces the lip and makes access easier. Higher-spec models come with an electric tailgate, too, and the rear seats fold completely flat. The e-Power hybrid model doesn’t lose any boot space either, which is good.

The Nissan Qashqai measures 4425mm long (facelift models are 4mm longer due to revised bumpers), 1835mm wide and 1625mm high – a bit shorter than something like the Ford Kuga and closer in footprint to a Kia Sportage. 

The Qashqai isn’t quite in the same league as a premium rival like the Mercedes-Benz GLA for a high-end feel, but the top-spec Tekna+ with its quilted leather seats, contrast stitching and soft-touch dashboard is certainly comparable with the Mazda CX-30. The 2024 facelift brought upgraded soft-touch materials, new seat fabrics and improved ambient lighting.

Only when you start poking around will you start to find slightly cheaper-feeling materials (the plasticky knobs on the media system, for example), but nothing that's unacceptable in a family SUV at this price point.

Of course, more affordable models will perhaps feel a bit more basic, so you’ll have to be prepared to splash the cash if you want a premium vibe to your interior.

From Acenta Premium upwards, every Qashqai includes a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Entry-level models use an eight-inch screen, while N-Connecta upgrades to a 12.3-inch unit (replacing the old nine-inch system) introduced as part of the 2024 facelift. This latest display is brighter, quicker to respond and runs Google built-in, offering native Google Maps, Assistant and Play Store integration.

High-spec versions also feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that can show navigation, driver-assist data or hybrid energy flow information. Tekna models and above add a 10.8-inch head-up display projected onto the windscreen – still one of the largest in the segment.

Earlier (2021–2023) cars feature a different infotainment setup without Google integration. These models use older NissanConnect software and offer Amazon Alexa voice control instead of Google.

Whichever version you choose, there are physical shortcut buttons and separate climate controls, meaning you don’t have to dive through on-screen menus to change simple settings.

At the time of writing, prices start from £30,615 for the Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium with the 1.3-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine and manual gearbox. The more powerful 156PS version with the Xtronic automatic starts from around £32,000, while adding four-wheel drive lifts the price to roughly £34,000.

The full-hybrid e-Power range begins at £34,860 in Acenta Premium trim. Mid-spec N-Connecta versions are priced from about £36,500, rising to around £43,200 for the flagship Tekna+. The e-Power’s price premium over an equivalent petrol automatic is relatively modest, and its lower running costs and stronger residual values make it an appealing option.

On the used market, more recent mild-hybrid examples (2023 to 2025) are showing up from roughly £22,000 to £28,000 depending on spec, mileage and condition. Facelifted 2024-on cars are beginning to appear from the low-£30,000s

Because the Qashqai has a range of trim levels, there’s a wide spread in what buyers pay depending on features and drivetrain.

Thanks to its mild-hybrid techn, the 1.3-litre DIG-T petrol engine is decently efficient for a family SUV. Official WLTP figures range from 44.8mpg with the six-speed manual gearbox to 45.6mpg for the Xtronic automatic. Opting for four-wheel drive brings that down slightly to around 40.9 mpg. These figures make the Qashqai comparable with many petrol rivals and better than some similarly sized SUVs that don't have hybrid assistance.

The e-Power full-hybrid model is a good chunk more efficient, officially returning up to 62.8mpg. This puts it on par with the old diesel Qashqai and ahead of several full-hybrid competitors. Unlike plug-in hybrids, its economy doesn’t rely on regular plugging in to charge, making it a good option for both short commutes and longer motorway journeys.

Service intervals were extended from 9000 to 12000 miles (or 12 months) at the 2024 update, which should help to keep annual maintenance costs reasonable. Regenerative braking on the full hybrid system also reduces brake wear, although the added complexity of its hybrid components could increase repair costs once the Qashqai is out of warranty.

Most Qashqais come in under the £40,000 expensive car surcharge for Vehicle Excise Duty, although top-end models will tip over and attract an extra annual tax. The flat rate will be £195, but cars that cost over £40,000 new will be charged an extra £425 a year between years two and six after registration.

The Qashqai range has remained broadly similar over the years, albeit with a few tweaks.

When it was first introduced the entry-level model was the Nissan Qashqai Visia, which was discontinued in 2024. It included:

• 17-inch steel wheels with covers
• LED headlights and rear lights
• Intelligent cruise control
• Rear parking sensors
• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Lane-departure warning
• Manual air-conditioning
• Front electric windows only
• DAB radio with Bluetooth connectivity

Building on the Visia, and taking the role of the entry-level model from 2024, the Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium adds:

• 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch on e-Power models)
• Eight-inch NissanConnect infotainment display (12.3-inch system from 2024)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Rear-view camera
• Dual-zone climate control
• Keyless entry and start
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic wipers and headlights
• Front and rear electric windows

The mid-range Nissan Qashqai N-Connecta features:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
• Nine-inch infotainment system with navigation (12.3-inch from 2024)
• Around View Monitor 360° camera
• Front parking sensors
• Privacy glass
• Interior ambient lighting
• Leather steering wheel and gear knob
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from 2024

Available only from 2021 to 2022, the Nissan Qashqai Premiere Edition was effectively an early Tekna-spec car, and came fitted with:

• 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
• ProPILOT with Drive Assist
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 10.8-inch head-up display
• Panoramic glass sunroof
• Two-tone paintwork
• Wireless smartphone charging pad
• Power-folding mirrors

Introduced at the 2024 facelift, the Nissan Qashqai N-Design adds a sportier look and premium interior styling cues over the N-Connecta. Standard features include:

• 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels
• Black exterior detailing and contrast lower body trim
• Synthetic leather and cloth upholstery
• Illuminated treadplates
• Ambient interior lighting
• Colour-coded wheel arch and bumper trim

The Nissan Qashqai Tekna moves the Qashqai into premium territory with a luxurious spec that includes:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Adaptive LED headlights
• ProPILOT Assist with Navi-Link
• Powered tailgate
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Wireless phone charging
• Roof rails
• Traffic jam assist and blind-spot intervention

The range-topping Nissan Qashqai Tekna+ features:

• 20-inch alloy wheels (revised design from 2024)
• Quilted leather upholstery with front-seat massage
• Electric front seats with memory function
• Bose 10-speaker sound system
• Advanced i-Key with driver seat and mirror memory
• Tilting mirrors on reverse
• Panoramic glass roof
• Enhanced ambient interior lighting (from 2024)