Looking for a used family SUV with proven appeal? The second-generation Nissan Qashqai (2014-2021) offers practicality and comfort in a package that millions of British drivers have already embraced – but is it right for you?

What Is In The Review

• 1

  Overview

• 2

  Performance

• 3

  Reliability

• 4

  Ownership Costs

• 5

  Competitors

• 6

  Buying Guide

Overview

Quick Facts You Can Trust About this Model

• Award-winning design: Crowned What Car? Car of the Year in 2014 for its “low costs and first-class comfort”
• Family-friendly space: Spacious interior with flexible boot dividers on Acenta models and above
• Economical engines: The 1.5 diesel delivers an impressive 50+ mpg in real-world driving
• UK-developed handling: Specifically tuned on British roads for an ideal balance of comfort and control
• Strong safety credentials: Full five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating when tested as new
• Affordable entry point: Used examples start from just £5,000, with well-equipped mid-range models available in the £10-13k bracket.

How Does It Stand Out Compared To The Previous Models?

The 2014-2021 Qashqai delivers substantial improvements over the pioneering 2007-2013 model.

Interior quality and materials feel genuinely more premium, while ride comfort is noticeably better thanks to UK-specific suspension tuning.

The engines offer improved efficiency, particularly the 1.5 dCi diesel, and practical touches like the boot dividers in Acenta models make daily use easier.

Technology and safety features have also been significantly upgraded, making this second-generation model a much more refined and complete package than its groundbreaking but rougher-edged predecessor.

Potential Issues To Be Aware Of

Even the most popular family SUVs aren’t without their quirks, and knowing the Qashqai’s (2013-2021) common issues before you buy could save you thousands in unexpected repairs.

• CVT automatic (Xtronic) transmissions can develop problems in early models
• Diesel particulate filters may clog if used mainly for short journeys
• Electrical niggles including outdated sat-nav requiring dealer updates
• Recurring tyre pressure warning messages that frustrate many owners
• Air conditioning systems sometimes need regassing more frequently than expected
• Isolated reports of alternator failure after around 30,000 miles
• Interior trim quality doesn’t always stand the test of time, with rattles developing

Performance

The second-generation Qashqai’s engine lineup is thoughtfully designed to address common concerns about running costs while still delivering adequate performance for everyday driving:

• 1.2 DIG-T petrol (115bhp): Provides smooth, willing performance for urban driving with reasonable 47mpg economy, ideal for those concerned about diesel particulate filter issues on short journeys
• 1.3 DIG-T petrol (138/158bhp): Introduced after the 2017 facelift, offers noticeably punchier performance without significant economy penalties – a sweet spot for most family needs
• 1.5 dCi diesel (110bhp): The efficiency champion, regularly delivering 50+ mpg in real-world driving with sufficient pull for motorway journeys – perfect for high-mileage drivers concerned about fuel costs
• 1.6/1.7 dCi diesel (130/148bhp): Provides more relaxed motorway cruising and stronger overtaking ability while still maintaining impressive economy

While premium-badged rivals might offer more outright performance, they come with significantly higher insurance groups, fuel consumption, and maintenance costs. The Qashqai strikes a balance that prioritizes sensible running costs and reliability over performance figures that most family drivers rarely exploit.

For those seeking the most balanced option, the 1.3 DIG-T 140 petrol in Acenta trim offers the best compromise between performance, economy, and equipment without pushing into the higher tax brackets of more powerful alternatives.

Reliability

Why You Can Trust This Car?

The Qashqai has earned its reputation as a sensible choice by proving itself over millions of miles on UK roads. While it’s not without flaws, the fundamentals are remarkably solid – especially compared to premium-badge alternatives that cost far more to fix when things go wrong.

The 2014-2021 Qashqai demonstrates impressive durability in several key areas. The 1.5 dCi diesel engine, when properly maintained, routinely achieves high mileages without major mechanical issues – many examples comfortably surpassing 150,000 miles with only basic servicing needs.

The car’s basic structure holds up well, with minimal corrosion issues even in older examples, while interior materials generally resist wear better than budget-oriented rivals. The manual gearbox proves particularly robust, with few reports of significant problems even at higher mileages

The electrical system, while not entirely trouble-free, typically causes only minor annoyances rather than catastrophic failures. Regular maintenance costs remain predictable, with minor services around £229-£269 and major services between £309-£369 – significantly less than premium SUV alternatives that often exceed £500 for equivalent work.

What Rarely Goes Wrong?

Based on owner feedback and expert reviews, the manual transmission, basic electrical components, brake system, and suspension rarely experience significant issues when properly maintained. The diesel engines, particularly the proven 1.5 dCi unit, show excellent long-term durability when given regular oil changes.

The most commonly reported problems tend to be minor electrical niggles rather than expensive mechanical failures.

Is This The Most Reliable In This Generation?

The 2014-2021 Qashqai reliability varies significantly across its production run. Early models (2014-2016) experienced more issues with CVT transmissions and electrical systems.

The 2017 facelift models show marked improvement, with the 2018-2021 versions being the most dependable, especially those with the 1.3-litre petrol engine or the 1.5 dCi diesel with manual transmission.

For maximum reliability within this generation, later examples (2018-2021) are clearly the better choice, having benefited from Nissan’s continuous refinements to address earlier problems.

How does long term reliability compare?

Low-mileage examples typically face minor electrical issues, while higher mileage cars (100,000+) may need attention to diesel particulate filters (£300-600) or CVT transmissions (£1,500+ if problematic).

However, manual diesel variants often reach 150,000+ miles with minimal issues beyond routine maintenance, making well-maintained high-mileage examples excellent value.

Real Ownership Experience

Here is the total ownership cost breakdown for the Nissan Qashqai (2013-2021):

Holding Its Value?

“The Qashqai demonstrates respectable value retention for a mainstream family SUV – not exceptional, but certainly strong enough to protect your investment better than many rivals.”

The Nissan Qashqai proves to be a solid performer in the family SUV sector when it comes to holding its value. A well-maintained 2014-2021 Qashqai typically retains about 55-60% of its value after three years, which sits comfortably above many mainstream competitors though not matching premium badges like BMW’s X1 or Audi’s Q3.

Looking at specific examples: A 2018 Qashqai N-Connecta with the 1.5 dCi engine, originally costing around £24,000, still commands approximately £12,500-14,000 today – that’s roughly 55% value retention over five years. The diesel versions, particularly the economical 1.5 dCi models with reasonable mileage, tend to hold their value slightly better due to their popularity with high-mileage drivers.

The Cheapest Models To Maintain

The 2018-onwards 1.3 DIG-T 140 Acenta stands out as the most cost-effective Qashqai to run and maintain. It makes financial sense because of the following reasons:

• More reliable petrol engine avoids diesel particulate filter issues
• No AdBlue costs associated with diesel models
• Lower servicing costs than the larger-engined variants
• Widely available parts network keeps repair costs reasonable
• Avoids the expensive panoramic roof and electronics of higher trims that can develop faults

What are the most expensive common repairs reported by owners?

Drawing from real Qashqai owners’ experiences, there are several costly repairs to watch out for. As one owner put it,

“The Qashqai is generally reliable, but when things do go wrong, there are a few known weak spots that can be expensive to sort.”

The CVT Xtronic automatic transmission often tops the expense list, with repairs costing £1,200-1,800 if problems develop around the 70,000-mile mark. As a Reddit user noted,

“If you’re buying used, avoid the CVT unless it has comprehensive service history. When they fail, you’re looking at a four-figure bill.”

For diesel models, the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) can be a significant expense, particularly if the car has been used primarily for short journeys. Replacement costs typically run £600-900. One owner shared,

“Mine needed a new DPF at 65k miles because the previous owner never took it on the motorway. Cost me £750 at an independent garage – would’ve been over a grand at Nissan.”

Electrical issues can be another wallet-drainer, particularly with early (2014-2016) models. Several owners report infotainment glitches, faulty parking sensors and air conditioning problems that require specialist diagnostics costing £300-400 before repair work even begins.

As another owner candidly shared,

“They’re not German-car expensive to fix, but they’re definitely not Toyota-reliable either. Budget for at least one significant repair if buying a higher-mileage example.”

Which Model In This Generation Has The Lowest Depreciation?

The sweet spot for value retention in the second-generation Qashqai is surprisingly specific – the post-facelift 1.5 dCi N-Connecta represents the optimal balance of desirability, running costs and equipment that used buyers seek.

Ownership Cost And Price Value Assessment

Here is the total ownership cost breakdown for the Ford Fiesta (2017-2023):

Competitors

The Nissan Qashqai (from £30,135) occupies a central position in the UK’s fiercely competitive family SUV market.

As a mainstream offering, it faces direct competition from popular rivals like the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and the Skoda Karoq – all vying for the family SUV buyer on a reasonable budget.

For those comparing upmarket, the Qashqai is often cross-shopped against entry-level premium options like the Volvo XC40 or BMW X1, though it typically undercuts these by several thousand pounds while offering similar space and features.

Honest Strengths And Weaknesses

Strengths

• Impressively comfortable ride quality, especially on 17-18″ wheels
• Genuinely achieves 50+ mpg in real-world driving with the 1.5 dCi diesel
• Post-2017 models show markedly improved reliability
• Practical boot with clever divider system on Acenta models and above
• Lower insurance groups (14-21) than premium alternatives
• Excellent driving position with good all-round visibility
• Strong safety credentials with five-star Euro NCAP rating

Weaknesses

• CVT automatic transmission can be problematic in higher mileages
• Diesel particulate filter issues common with short-journey usage
• Interior quality falls short of premium alternatives
• Restricted rear visibility without parking sensors
• Higher trims with 19″ wheels compromise the ride comfort
• Infotainment system feels dated compared to newer rivals
• Less engaging to drive than some competitors

Living With the Car

How Is The Build Quality Of The Nissan Qashqai 2014-2021

The 2014-2021 Qashqai demonstrates Nissan’s commitment to improving build quality over the first-generation model, though results vary across the production run.

The cabin materials are generally good for the price point, with soft-touch plastics on the upper dashboard and door tops that wear reasonably well. Post-2017 facelift models show notable improvement, with better panel fit and more robust switchgear.

While not matching premium German brands in material quality, the Qashqai offers solid construction for a mainstream SUV.

Early examples (2014-2016) can develop minor interior rattles as they age, but the later models maintain their integrity better. The fundamental structure proves durable, with few serious body or chassis issues reported even in higher-mileage examples.

Owners consistently note that the British-built Qashqai feels more substantial than many similarly priced rivals, with doors that close with a reassuring thud and a general sense of solidity that contributes to its impressive safety ratings.

Most Comfortable Features

The Qashqai excels in everyday comfort, particularly in its balanced approach to the daily family grind. The standout feature is the well-judged suspension setup that was specifically tuned for UK roads, absorbing potholes and broken surfaces with impressive composure when fitted with the standard 17-inch or 18-inch wheels.

The “Zero Gravity” front seats, inspired by NASA research, provide excellent support for longer journeys, with N-Connecta models and above adding electrically adjustable lumbar support. The elevated driving position gives good visibility without the unwieldy bulk of larger SUVs, making urban navigation less stressful.

Cabin refinement is another highlight, with good insulation from road and wind noise at motorway speeds. The dual-zone climate control (standard on all but entry-level models) maintains a comfortable environment, while the panoramic glass roof on higher trims adds an airy feel, though it does reduce headroom slightly.

We asked our Qashqai customers to describe how comfortable their Qashqai is and they came up with the following:

Suspension And Ride Quality

The Tiguan’s suspension system shows good durability, though its ride quality can change noticeably as the miles stack up. Most owners report the first signs of suspension wear around 60,000-70,000 miles, typically starting with front shock absorbers becoming less effective at damping. The rear springs tend to last longer, often going beyond 100,000 miles without issues.

Common aging signs include increased road noise over bumps and a slightly bouncier ride, particularly noticeable on models with larger wheels. However, it’s worth noting that models with adaptive suspension (available on higher trims) may face more expensive repairs when components eventually wear.

Does It Deteriorate Over Time?

The suspension system is actually quite robust, but it’s the bushes and dampers that need attention first. Regular maintenance makes a huge difference – a well-cared-for Tiguan at 100,000 miles often rides better than a neglected one at half that mileage.

How Good Is It For Families?

The Tiguan excels as a family car, with several parent-friendly features that make daily life easier. The generous 615-litre boot easily swallows bulky pushchairs and weekly shopping, while the sliding rear seats offer valuable flexibility – perfect for switching between extra legroom and luggage space. The wide-opening doors and raised seating position make fitting child seats a breeze, with easily accessible ISOFIX points.

Our Recommendation And Buying Guide

Here are our buying and inspection tips for the Vauxhall Tiguan MK1.