Name: Nissan Qashqai (2021 – present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Nissan Qashqai
Rating: 75.0

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 March 2025, the third-generation Nissan Qashqai holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 75%. It has an excellent safety rating and low average CO₂ emissions, while its media review scores are also good. However, its running costs are only average while its reliability record is poor.

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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 £30,135 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2021
Last updated: Summer 2024
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.

The Car Expert+

Model reviewed: e-Power N-Design
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The updates to the Nissan Qashqai are not extensive, but they do improve the experience for both driver and passengers.”
Author: Stuart Masson
Read review

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
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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
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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

Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
“The new Qashqai looks modern but is still recognisable as the iconic model it has evolved from. I really like the look of it. I’d definitely get the 156hp model, though.”
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.”
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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

Clean Air Index: 7 / 10
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.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 947
Average repair cost: £678.46
Last updated: October 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of October 2024 (our most recent data point), the Nissan Qashqai has a reliability rating of 59%, which is below average 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 £680. 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.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	44 mpg	C	40 – 46 mpg	C – D
Hybrid models	54 mpg	B	53 – 54 mpg	B – B

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	146 g/km	B	141 – 158 g/km	B – C
Hybrid models	121 g/km	A	117 – 122 g/km	A – A

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	22	A	15 – 38	A – C

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£230	B
Year 2	£587	B
Year 3	£919	B
Year 4	£1,101	B
Year 5	£1,442	B
Overall	£4,279	B

The Nissan Qashqai is very good in terms of servicing, insurance and road tax costs, which are all better than average. The e-Power models (Nissan’s unique hybrid petrol/electric power unit) also score well for fuel consumption.

The regular petrol models are only average for fuel consumption, however. It’s not too bad for a mid-sized SUV/crossover, but some rivals are better.

Awards

Significant UK trophies and awards that the Nissan Qashqai has received

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

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.