Summary
The Nissan Qashqai was not the first urban SUV-style car (the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V both pre-dated it by many years) but it’s widely regarded as the car that started the crossover craze in 2007.
A sales success from the very beginning, it has remained the class best-seller against ever more rivals. And it was officially the UK’s best-selling new car in 2022 – the first time that a British-built car has topped the sales charts since 1998, almost a quarter of a century ago.
This is the third-generation version, which was launched in the second half of 2021. Like both of its predecessors, it was designed and developed by Nissan here in the UK, and is built in Nissan’s giant car plant in Sunderland.
The engine options are a 1.3-litre petrol unit with mild hybrid support, and a 1.5-litre petrol/electric ‘e-Power’ version. Unlike a conventional hybrid, the e-Power’s petrol engine doesn’t directly drive the car; it is used purely as a generator for the electric motor that sends drive to the wheels – so it’s basically a petrol-powered electric car, described by The Car Expert’s editor Stuart Masson as “much nicer than a conventional petrol/electric hybrid”.
Testers generally mark up the Qashqai for the same reasons they did the original – it doesn’t excel in one area but is more than competent in all. “The Qashqai is the establishment and no longer a clear leader, but it’s also hard to argue against,” says Top Gear.
The limited powertrain options jar with some – Simon Harris of Business Car argues the lack of a diesel engine and an ultra-low emission option will lose the car fleet customers, though adding that the Qashqai “is a much more polished performer than before”.
Otherwise, significant minus points are few; some testers find the ride a bit firm, especially on the optional 20-inch wheels; Fleetworld‘s Martyn Collins describes the six-speed manual gearbox as slick but surging between gears “making smoother changes harder than they should be.”
Finally, the car also attracts some positive jingoism, summed up by Andrew English of The Telegraph: “Designed, engineered and built in Britain, the Qashqai is about as close to a British car as it gets.”
A facelifted version of the Qashqai will hit UK roads in summer 2022. The most noticeable aspect of this will be revised headlight and grille styling, while inside there will be upgraded infotainment technology.
As of October 2025, the third-generation Nissan Qashqai holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 69%. It has an excellent safety rating, while its average CO2 emissions are low and its media review scores are good. However, its running costs are only average, while its reliability record and Nissan’s new car warranty coverage are poor.
- Nissan Qashqai (2014 to 2021) – Expert Rating
- More Nissan Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
Qashqai highlights
- Complete and effective package
- More interior space
- Impressive safety kit as standard
- e-Power version is simple yet clever
- Effectively an all-British car
Qashqai lowlights
- No plug-in hybrid or full electric versions
- Entry-level models miss out on niceties
- Firm ride on 20-inch wheels
- Sometimes irritating manual gearbox
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol (mild hybrid), petrol/electric (e-Power)
Price: From £30,615 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2021
Last updated: Summer 2025
Next update due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“The updates to the Nissan Qashqai are not extensive, but they do improve the experience for both driver and passengers.”
Model reviewed: e-Power N-Design
Score: 7.6 / 10
Read full review
The Car Expert
Stuart Masson
“The Nissan Qashqai is a handsome, easy-driving family SUV. It has a more luxurious interior than before, but its boot still isn’t the largest.”
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
Read full review
Carwow
Tom Wiltshire
More reviews
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual N-Connecta
Score: 7 / 10
“The Nissan Qashqai is a great all-round performer that will serve most households in a most satisfactory manner, and the mid-spec N-Connecta is a good choice if your budget allows for it. The mid-sized SUV class is a part of the market where you’re certainly spoilt for choice. Several of these rivals are outstanding in a particular area, but few are as complete a package as the Qashqai.
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Nissan Qashqai is not particularly revolutionary but it does what Nissan claims it wanted to do – keep all the good bits and add some new and better bits. It drives well, offers lots of space and a quality of fit and finish that compares with most of the competition. The technology additions are generally useful and the safety package top-notch.”
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Few sectors of the car market are more competitive than the one where the Nissan Qashqai plys its trade, but Nissan’s effort stands out by offering consistency across the board rather than excelling in any one area. Good to drive, efficient, practical, well-equipped, and tightly priced, despite not being a class leader, the lack of weaknesses gives it an edge.”
Author: Steve Walker, Ellis Hyde
Read review
Model reviewed: e-Power N-Design
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s easy to see why the Nissan Qashqai is so popular with UK buyers, and this mid-life update does just enough to see it keep pace with a huge pool of extremely talented rivals. The e-Power hybrid is the perfect amuse-bouche for those not ready for a full EV, and this sporty-looking N-Design model looks to represent decent enough value, too. It throws in plenty of cool kit, for less than you’d pay for a top-spec Tekna+ car.”
Author: Richard Ingram
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric e-Power
Score: 8 / 10
“This is the most appealing variant in the Qashqai line-up. Nissan’s e-Power tech has addressed our issues with the Qashqai’s lacklustre engine line-up, and while the car still falls short in some areas, the extra refinement, efficiency and performance e-Power brings seems worth the cash to us given the potential to recoup running costs. Not to mention the improved driving experience.”
Read review
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Nissan Qashqai is an eminently usable and usefully practical family SUV. It might only be so-so to drive, but it nails the basics that some family SUVs don’t, making it an affordable and relatively successful evolution of the Qashqai formula for this third generation.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Designed, developed and built here in Britain, the Qashqai is a deserved family favourite, this new one set to continue Nissan’s top ranking in the crossover field.”
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: Qashqai 1.3 138hp N-Connecta
Score: 7 / 10
“Excellent practicality, equipment and easy to drive. Although, fleets might get turned off with no diesel or PHEV models.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Despite the onslaught of more than 20 C-segment crossover rivals, the Qashqai Mk2 was the class best-seller. This slicker, thoughtfully engineered, handsome and more rewarding to drive version has the capabilities to stay there.”
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Nissan has really moved the game forward with the new Nissan Qashqai, with a range of big advancements in the key areas that matter – how it drives, the technology on offer and its practicality. Though it doesn’t quite rival the class best, it’s a very appealing crossover nonetheless that deserves all the success it will likely get.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The new Nissan Qashqai improves on the old model in all the right areas.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol manual Tekna+
“An intelligent evolution rather than a revolution. New hybrid model will provide a much-needed efficiency boost, but the driving experience, cabin quality, improved kit levels and sharper front-end are all evidence of the big advances over the second-generation Qashqai.”
Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: Qashqai 1.3 DiG-T Tekna+
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re upgrading from the current Qashqai you will find yourself in a hugely improved new model.”
Read review
Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The latest version of the big-selling family SUV is now on sale, with sharp new look and hybrid-only engine range.”
Read review
Eurekar
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Bigger, better all round and with ultra-modern technology the mild hybrid powered model is a car of our times and comes as the company gears up to take the Qashqai into the mainstream electric age.”
Read review
Fleetworld
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Better-looking, with higher levels of standard equipment and it’s keener to drive. The original crossover should keep its crown, despite keen rivals.”
Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s practicality where the 2021 Nissan Qashqai shines the most. From the generous stowage areas to the rear seats that fold flat, doors that open incredibly wide and extensive list of standard safety equipment, there’s no doubt that this is a car designed with families in mind.”
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“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.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The all-new Qashqai is good to drive and a very polished performer.”
Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed:
“Nissan has moved the game on massively. Qashqai is posh, practical, hybrid, hi-tech and still sensibly priced from £23k.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: e-Power Tekna
Score: 8 / 10
“The Nissan Qashqai is not a battery electric car, but it’s lighter and less expensive, and filling the 55-litre tank takes a couple of minutes. This gives a range, according to our test, of 624 miles, so stick that in your charging port. You won’t be able to boast about how you’re saving the planet at parties, but if you want a smart, reliable, thoroughly competent car that’s designed and engineered in Britain, look no further.” (Andrew English)
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol manual Tekna+
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Nissan Qashqai has a workmanlike, tough-as-boots quality, with software systems that are well thought through and simple to operate; the model has a track record for longevity and reliability, too. Oh, and it’s built in Britain.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: e-Power
Score: 7 / 10
“The e-Power drivetrain is around two grand more than an equivalent ‘normal’ Qashqai. Given the extra performance and economy on offer, it feels like good value and it’s probably safe to assume it’ll be more desirable second-hand, boosting its future value. If you’re keen to dip your toe into the world of EVs but have no ability to charge one, perhaps the ubiquitous Qashqai has just gained an increasingly vital USP.
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Into generation three, the Qashqai remains, like even its best rivals, a car for owners rather than drivers. If you want fun, spend the same money on a hatch or estate.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 91%
Vulnerable road users: 70%
Safety assist: 95%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 1.3-litre DIG-T 158 Mild-hybrid Petrol FWD CVT
Overall score: 2.5 stars
Date tested: October 2022
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 3.9 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 2.1 / 10
The Nissan Qashqai had its emissions tested by Green NCAP in October 2022 – achieving a two-and-a-half star rating. This rating only applies to 1.3-litre petrol unit versions with mild hybrid support, and does not cover ‘e-Power’ versions.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score |
| Petrol models | 44 mpg | C |
| Hybrid models | 54 mpg | B |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 146 g/km | C | ||
| Hybrid models | 121 g/km | B |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 22 | B |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £230 | C |
| Year 2 | £587 | C |
| Year 3 | £919 | C |
| Year 4 | £1,101 | C |
| Year 5 | £1,442 | C |
| Overall | £4,279 | C |
The Nissan Qashqai is pretty average in terms of its running costs, according to five-year service and maintenance data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
The e-Power hybrid models are good in terms of fuel consumption, while the regular petrol models are only average. Across the board, the Qashqai scores consistent B and C grades for running costs.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 1023
Average repair cost: £691.71
Last updated: April 2025
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), the Nissan Qashqai has a reliability rating of 55%, which is poor according to warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner MotorEasy. This score applies to both the current Qashqai and the previous (pre-2021) generations.
Average repair costs for the Qashqai are reasonably high, at about £700. This is obviously more than the price of a used car warranty, which is worth keeping in mind if you are considering a used Qashqai.
Gearbox problems are particularly expensive to fix, at an average repair of £2,300, while engine repairs are also quite costly at an average repair cost of more than £1,000.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Nissan Qashqai
| Overall rating | D | 31% |
| Petrol or diesel models | E | 17% |
| Electric or hybrid models | C | 56% |
| New car warranty duration | 3 years |
| New car warranty mileage | 60,000 miles |
| Battery warranty duration | 8 years |
| Battery warranty mileage | 100,000 miles |
Vauxhall’s new car warranty is pretty much the bare minimum offered in the UK, with a duration of three years and a limit of 60,000 miles. Other rivals in the price bracket do better (and in some cases, much better).
In addition to the standard new car warranty, the e-Power hybrid versions of the Qashqai have an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.
Warranty on a used Nissan Qashqai
- If you are purchasing an ‘Approved Used’ Qashqai from an official Nissan dealership, you will get a minimum 12-month warranty included.
- If you are buying a used Qashqai from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
- If you are buying a used Qashqai from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.
If you’re looking to buy a used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Nissan Qashqai
Date: February 2024
Recall number: R/2024/021
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2021 to 09/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 9,536
Defect: The capacitive mat for hand-on detection may have been damaged during manufacture of the steering wheel. The steering wheel may falsely detect the driver has their hands on the wheel with ProPilot engaged and not give a warning to place hands back on the wheel.
Remedy: Inspect the steering wheel serial number and replace with a new countermeasure part where necessary.
Date: July 2023
Recall number: R/2023/232
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 4
Defect: The child lock function on the rear door locks may be out of specification. The child lock may become disengaged when the inside door handle is operated.
Remedy: Replace the rear door lock assemblies on both sides with a countermeasure part.
Date: November 2021
Recall number: R/2021/386
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 7
Defect: Some steering rack trial parts were reintroduced into the normal production process.
Remedy: Replace the steering rack with a countermeasure part.
As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been three DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the current Nissan Qashqai to address different issues.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Nissan dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Qashqai, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Awards
Significant UK trophies and awards that the Nissan Qashqai has received
2023
- News UK Motoring Awards – Best Hybrid
2023
- 4×4 Magazine Awards – Best Crossover
2021
- News UK Motoring Awards – The Sun Car of the Year + Best Small SUV/Crossover
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Nissan Qashqai, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Current models: Chery Tiggo 7 | Dacia Bigster | Ford Kuga | Honda ZR-V | Hyundai Tucson | Jeep Compass | KGM Korando | Kia Sportage | Mazda CX-5 | MG HS | Peugeot 3008 | Renault Austral | SEAT Ateca | Skoda Kamiq | Skoda Karoq | Subaru Crosstrek | Suzuki S-Cross | Toyota C-HR | Vauxhall Grandland | Volkswagen Tiguan
Discontinued models: Citroën C5 Aircross (2018 to 2025) | Ford Kuga (2013 to 2019) | Honda CR-V (2018 to 2023) | Kia Sportage (2015 to 2021) | MG HS (2019 to 2024) | Peugeot 3008 (2017 to 2024) | Renault Kadjar (2015 to 2022) | Subaru XV (2018 to 2023) | Suzuki S-Cross (2013 to 2021) | Toyota C-HR (2016 to 2023) | Vauxhall Grandland (2017 to 2024) | Volkswagen Tiguan (2016 to 2024)
The mid-sized SUV class is one part of the market in which you’re really spoilt for choice. Amongst the many comparisons, the closest to the Qashqai are the likes of the Peugeot 3008, Citroën C5 Aircross, Skoda Kamiq, Volkswagen Tiguan and Ford Kuga. Several of these rivals are outstanding in a particular area – the Peugeot has an excellent-quality cabin, for example. But few are as complete a package as the Nissan.
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Nissan Qashqai at The Car Expert
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