Nissan Qashqai Review 2024

Nissan Qashqai At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
Hybrid power and increased practicality mean the new Nissan Qashqai can proudly fight it out against the Hyundai Tucson, Citroen C5 Aircross and Skoda Karoq.

+Extremely versatile cabin with a large boot and plenty of space, improved cabin quality, hybrid version is refined and relatively affordable.

-Not as enjoyable to drive as a SEAT Ateca or as comfortable as a Skoda Karoq, firm ride quality on biggest 20-inch wheels.

New prices start from £24,555, brokers can source from £23,886
On average it achieves 0% of the official MPG figure

Nissan was there right at the start of the family SUV craze with the Qashqai, but the previous model lost ground to talented rivals towards the end of its life. Happily, as our Nissan Qashqai review will explain, the latest model is a greatly improved car with enhanced practicality, comfort and cabin quality, as well as efficient engine options. 

The family SUV sector is bursting at the seams with talented and desirable models, but the third-generation Nissan Qashqai is now right up there with the best again. It excels in terms of practicality and comfort, with a bigger boot and lots of useful touches all around the cabin.

Ride comfort is much better than the old Qashqai (2014 - 2021), too, while the fit and finish of the cabin also feels more upmarket. A greater distance between the front and rear wheels translates to more space for rear-seat passengers, while the rear doors open a full 85 degrees. That’s a very neat party trick, especially if you regularly have to strap a little one into a car seat. 

As well as being more spacious than before, the new Nissan Qashqai is also considerably classier inside. The cabin of the old model was slightly depressing, with lots of dark-coloured materials and sub-par plastics. The new one is now on a par with the brilliant Peugeot 3008 and Mazda CX-5, if not quite at the same level as premium German competition. 

Further key rivals include the excellent Skoda Karoq, the well equipped Ford Kuga and the recently updated (and much better) Vauxhall Grandland. There’s also the Hyundai Tucson and its Korean stablemate, the Kia Sportage, both of which are among our favourite mainstream SUVs

There’s a range of trim levels to choose from, starting off with the rather basic Visia model. We’d recommend looking for an Acenta Premium at the very least (standard kit includes 17-inch alloys, an eight-inch media system and a rear-view camera), while the N-Connecta adds desirable features like 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a nine-inch media system.

The high-spec Tekna is loaded with kit, including 19-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display system and a panoramic sunroof, while the top-of-the-range Tekna+ builds on this with 20-inch alloys, a Bose sound system and quilted leather seats with massage function (in the front). No one needs their family crossover to be that well-equipped and, priced upwards of £34,000, you'd have to really want a lavishly kitted out Qashqai.

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 you can get 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 leagues ahead of the old model when it comes to comfort and quality. It’s a versatile SUV, too, with its larger boot 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. 

Looking for a second opinion? Why not read heycar's Nissan Qashqai review

Ask Honest John

I bought a £41k for £35k - am I liable for the premium tax?

"I read with interest your answer about a car which although listed at above £40k, was purchased below the tax premium limit. I have recently purchased a Nissan Qashqai which is listed at over £41,000. Through a good car buying service I managed to reduce this to around £35,000. According to your answer I could pay less tax as I have a receipt for the amount I paid. The log book however states that as the list price is over £40,000 I am eligible to pay the extra amount?"
The premium rate of VED is based on the list price plus options at the time of purchase, so although you paid less than this, at the time of purchase the list price was in excess of £40,000 so unfortunately it qualifies for the premium rate. This avoids dealers being able to offer discounts in order to avoid the premium rate. The difference with the previous question you're referring to is that at the time of purchase the list price was below £40,000, but the list price had passed this before the order was completed.
Answered by David Ross

Are there any new electric cars with petrol generators like the Vauxhall Ampera?

"Are there any new cars electric drive with petrol to charge the battery like the Vauxhall Ampera?"
Electric cars with petrol generators have been something of a rarity, with cars like the Vauxhall Ampera being one of the few examples. BMW also offered its i3 electric car with a range extending battery, but this car had been discontinued. However, Nissan have recently introduced e-POWER versions of its Qashqai and X-Trail which use this functionality, although it remains something of a niche option at present as most manufacturers focus their efforts on pure EVs.
Answered by David Ross

What's the best SUV to buy?

"I've been offered either a Nissan Qashqai or a Citroenn C5 Aircross on similar finance. I'm not sure which one to go for can you help?"
We rate both cars highly. The Citroen C5 Aircross has the edge in terms of seating flexibility (with three individual rear seats) - which might be important if you regularly carry rear-seat passengers. The latest Nissan Qashqai is newer, though, and does feel a little more modern - particularly the infotainment (although the Citroen was updated last year). We'd also recommend looking at a Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage, if you haven't already.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Why is the engine in the Nissan Qashqai ePower so big?

"Why is the ICE in the Nissan ePower so big, if it is only required to charge the battery? Couldn’t it be much smaller and lighter?"
Depending on how much acceleration you ask for the engine in the Qashqai e-Power either idles along charging the battery or raises its revs to directly power a 190PS electric motor connected to the front wheels. The engine needs to be able to deliver enough power to ensure that quick acceleration. It is not the same as the tiny range extender petrol engine in, say, a BMW i3 REx electric car, because that simply exists to charge up a much larger battery pack.
Answered by Lawrence Allan
More Questions

What does a Nissan Qashqai cost?

Buy new from £23,886(list price from £27,130)