Nissan Qashqai
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a family SUV that delivers on all fronts? The Nissan Qashqai might be exactly what you need. This popular crossover has been a UK favourite since 2007, offering the perfect blend of practicality, comfort, and modern technology in a package that’s easy to live with every day. It’s the car for families who want space and versatility without the bulk of a larger SUV.

From the outside, the Qashqai presents a confident, modern appearance that stands out in car parks. Its bold front grille and sculpted body lines give it a premium feel that rivals like the Kia Sportage or Volkswagen Tiguan work hard to match. But it’s the practical benefits that really shine through. The raised driving position gives you excellent visibility, while the generous interior space means everyone travels in comfort.

On the road, the Qashqai prioritises refinement and ease of driving over sporty thrills. The latest e-Power hybrid system delivers smooth, quiet performance that makes both city driving and motorway cruising feel effortless. It handles predictably and rides comfortably, absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease. While it may cost more than some alternatives, the Qashqai’s combination of reliability, practicality, and that reassuring Nissan build quality makes it a smart choice for busy families.

How Does the Nissan Qashqai Drive?

The Nissan Qashqai focuses on smooth, refined driving rather than outright excitement. The standout powertrain is the innovative e-Power system, which combines a 1.2-litre petrol engine with electric motors to deliver 190 horsepower. This clever setup means the wheels are always driven by electric power, with the petrol engine acting as a generator. The result is smooth, silent acceleration around town and adequate performance for motorway driving.

Where the Qashqai truly excels is in its composure and comfort. The steering is light and precise at low speeds, making parking and manoeuvring simple in tight spaces. On faster roads, it weights up nicely to give you confidence. The suspension setup prioritises comfort over sharp handling, soaking up potholes and speed bumps effectively. This makes it an ideal compact SUV for family duties. You won’t find the razor sharp responses of a sports car, but that’s not what the Qashqai is about.

Inside the Nissan Qashqai: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Qashqai and you’re greeted by one of the most user friendly interiors in its class. The dashboard layout is intuitive and modern, dominated by a crisp touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The materials feel solid and well put together, with soft touch surfaces where you need them most. Everything from the climate controls to the gear selector operates with a satisfying precision that speaks to good build quality.

The front seats are supportive and comfortable, with plenty of adjustment to help you find the perfect driving position. One of the Qashqai’s standout features is how quiet the cabin is. Excellent sound insulation keeps road and wind noise to a minimum, creating a peaceful environment for all passengers. Rear seat passengers get generous legroom and headroom, making longer journeys comfortable for adults. The premium feel extends to details like ambient lighting and quality door handles that reinforce the upmarket atmosphere.

The Nissan Qashqai succeeds because it focuses on the things that matter most to family buyers. It’s refined, comfortable, practical, and surprisingly efficient thanks to its clever e-Power hybrid system. The interior feels premium and well built, while the driving experience prioritises comfort over thrills. It’s a car that makes every journey pleasant, whether you’re navigating busy city streets or cruising on the motorway.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Nissan Qashqai?

The Qashqai’s running costs are competitive for a family SUV, particularly with the efficient e-Power system. Real world fuel economy typically sits between 45-50 MPG, which is impressive for a car of this size and weight. The hybrid system means lower CO2 emissions, helping with company car tax if you’re a business user. Insurance groups are reasonable, typically falling in the middle ranges that won’t break the bank.

The main consideration is the initial purchase price, which reflects the Qashqai’s position as a premium family SUV. However, strong residual values mean it holds its value well, making it a sensible choice if you plan to change cars every few years. Reliability has improved significantly with recent models, and Nissan’s warranty coverage provides peace of mind. Service costs are reasonable for the class, and with car finance options available, the monthly payments can be more manageable than you might expect.

Nissan Qashqai Practicality & Boot Space

The Qashqai hits the sweet spot for family practicality. The 479-litre boot is generous enough for most needs, easily accommodating the weekly shopping, sports equipment, or holiday luggage for four people. The rear seats split and fold flat when you need to carry larger items like furniture or bikes. Inside the cabin, you’ll find plenty of useful storage spaces including door pockets, cup holders, and a decent sized centre console.

Where the Qashqai really shines is in everyday usability. The high seating position makes getting in and out easy for all ages, while the wide opening doors help with child seats. The rear seats offer genuine space for three adults on shorter trips or two in comfort for longer journeys. For families considering used Nissan cars, the Qashqai represents excellent value. Its compact dimensions make it easy to park in town, yet it feels spacious inside where it matters most.

The Nissan Qashqai stands out in the crowded family SUV market by delivering exactly what most buyers actually need. It combines excellent practicality with genuine refinement, efficient hybrid technology, and a premium feeling interior that makes every journey more pleasant. While it may not be the sportiest or cheapest option available, it excels in the areas that matter most for daily family life.

You choose the Qashqai because you want a stress free ownership experience. Its reliable reputation, excellent fuel economy, and comfortable ride quality make it ideal for everything from school runs to weekend adventures. The innovative e-Power system offers a glimpse of the future while delivering real world benefits today. For families seeking a well rounded SUV that won’t disappoint, the Qashqai represents a smart, sensible choice that delivers on its promises, particularly with Best Used Cars Under £5000 options available for budget conscious buyers.