And that’s not by accident. The Qashqai is seen as kicking off the crossover craze, and a long line of steady developments and evolutions he kept Nissan’s biggest-seller up with the best in class. The Nissan Qashqai is spacious, simple to use, comfortable, decently economical and great value. Here’s how to choose the best Nissan Qashqai model.
Nissan Qashqai models explainedEver since its launch, the Nissan Qashqai has stuck with the same formula. Take a family hatchback, give it a larger body and a higher ride height, and profit. Almost all Qashqai models are two-wheel drive – all-wheel drive is very rare – but there is a choice of automatic and manual gearboxes, as well as a couple of engine options.
The latest Qashqai doesn’t offer diesel power, but there’s a mild-hybrid petrol engine and a clever E-Power hybrid, which is designed to drive like an electric car but without the need to plug in.
The Nissan Qashqai has always been built in Britain, at Nissan’s Sunderland plant.
Nissan Qashqai trim levels Visia – ailable until 2022, this was the cheapest way into Qashqai ownership. It gets some surprising luxuries, such as adaptive cruise control, but misses out on a touchscreen Acenta Premium – an affordable and popular trim level that unlocks must-he equipment and the E-Power hybrid N-Connecta – midrange Qashqai trim level gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Newer models add built-in Google mapping for always-up-to-date traffic info N-Design – essentially a style pack. It takes N-Connecta trim and adds body-coloured lower bumpers, two-tone paint and massive 20-inch alloy wheels Premiere Edition – a launch edition model that offers most of the goodies from the Tekna trim level Tekna – a high-end trim level with features such as a panoramic sunroof, head-up display and additional driver assistance tech Tekna+ – a luxurious top-spec model that boasts massaging quilted leather seats, but it’s possible to spend over £40,000 on this model – thus incurring the luxury car tax Nissan Qashqai generations Mk3 – 2021-present Current model with bolder styling than ever before Model code: J12 Facelifted in 2024 Increased rear-seat space and bigger boot Petrol (with mild-hybrid assistance) and E-Power hybrid engines ailable Mk2 – 2014-2021 A great option for tighter budgets – plenty of low-mileage used examples ailable Model code: J11 Facelifted in 2017 Seat shape and comfort inspired by NASA Rare 1.7-litre diesel has 2,000kg towing capacity Petrol and diesel engines ailable Mk1 – 2007-2014 Kicked off the massive popularity of road-focused SUVs Model code: J10 Facelifted in 2010 Seven-seat Qashqai+2 version ailable Nissan’s Around View Monitor, which knits together all the car’s camera views to create a bird’s eye image, makes its debut on ‘360’ trim Replaced both the Almera and Primera Petrol and diesel engines ailable What is the best Nissan Qashqai model?While all Qashqais are fine in isolation, the newest model is definitely the best. Increased fuel economy is thanks to the mild-hybrid tech – essentially a beefed-up stop/start system – while the dash-mounted touchscreen looks vastly more modern than the screen in the previous-shape Qashqai. Add in the clever E-Power hybrid engine, bold styling – necessary to keep up with the likes of the Peugeot 3008 and Hyundai Tucson – and improved practicality, and it’s clear that Qashqai buyers he never had it so good.
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Nissan Qashqai video reviews Nissan Qashqai model FAQsThe main Nissan Qashqai models are Acenta Premium, N-Connecta and Tekna trim levels. All are well equipped, with N-Connecta and Tekna in particular adding luxury features to make daily journeys more soothing. Look out for special-edition models, such as Premiere Edition, N-Design and N-Tec.
Tekna+ is the highest rung of the Qashqai ladder, with high-end features such as massaging front seats, quilted leather upholstery, a Bose sound system and advanced keyless entry.
On an automatic Nissan Qashqai, the D is the normal driving mode, while DS stands for Drive Sport. This is best for sporty driving or for overtaking, although using it does slightly increase fuel consumption as the engine holds onto gears for longer.
Without a doubt, the latest Nissan Qashqai (the J12, produced from 2021) is the best. It’s bigger and posher, more interesting to look at and has a much more modern infotainment screen. That’s before we get to the better fuel economy of the petrol engine and the clever E-Power hybrid engine that relegates the engine to a generator for the electric motor – making it feel like an electric car without needing to plug in to recharge.