The Nissan Qashqai is still one of the default SUV choices.
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 have 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 explained
Ever 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 – available 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-have 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 available
Mk2 – 2014-2021
- A great option for tighter budgets – plenty of low-mileage used examples available
- 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 available
Mk1 – 2007-2014
- Kicked off the massive popularity of road-focused SUVs
- Model code: J10
- Facelifted in 2010
- Seven-seat Qashqai+2 version available
- 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 available
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 have never had it so good.
Shop all of our fantastic used Nissan Qashqai cars for sale, or read our Nissan Qashqai review to see if it’s the family SUV for you.
