Used Nissan Qashqai cars for sale

Nissan Qashqai buying guide

Here, we’ll tell you a bit more about the Qashqai, from what it’s like inside to which is the most popular engine choice. It’s worth a read if you’re considering a Qashqai, or indeed any of its numerous rivals. Almost every carmaker has a car like this, so rivals include the Ford Kuga, Vauxhall Grandland, Volkswagen Tiguan and Kia Sportage.

What Nissan Qashqai trim levels are there?

Kicking off the 2017-2021 Qashqai crew is Visia, which gets chrome trim, air conditioning, cruise control and DAB radio. Acenta is next, adding alloy wheels, parking sensors and climate control, but the slightly better-specced Acenta Premium trim is much more popular.

The main addition on Acenta Premium is a touchscreen media system, complete with sat nav and a reversing camera. Over Visia, Acenta Premium also comes with useful extra driver assistance features like high-beam assist, emergency braking and a lane-departure warning system.

N-Connecta provides even more equipment, with 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, push-button start,a 360-degree camera, keyless entry and rear USB sockets. You also get additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, while roof rails and configurable boot space improve practicality.

Tekna piles on the kit, featuring a glass roof, LED headlights, a Bose sound system, heated front seats and a heated windscreen. At the very top of the range is Tekna+, with its sports body kit and electrically adjustable nappa leather seats.

The trim levels are broadly the same on the newer Qashqai, although there’s a little more equipment fitted as standard. For example, Visia now includes LED headlights, adaptive cruise control and rear parking sensors. More recent Tekna models get a powered tailgate, a head-up display and wireless phone charging, on top of what’s mentioned above.

Nissan Qashqai interior and technology

Okay, so the Qashqai isn’t likely to win any interior design awards, but there are no surprises when you come to use it. Everything’s where you expect it and there are lots of physical buttons and controls, which are easy to use while you’re driving. The touchscreen isn’t the fastest or the most technologically advanced, but that won’t be too much of an issue if you tend to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for your connectivity.

Material quality is as good as it needs to be at this price point. It feels more premium inside than a Dacia Duster or some Vauxhall models, and most buyers shouldn’t have any complaints regarding the fit or finish.

Nissan’s ProPilot system is a catch-all name for its wide range of safety features. On higher-spec cars it allows the Qashqai to almost drive itself in some situations – it’ll keep you in your lane on the motorway, stay a set distance from the car in front and brake for you if you encounter an unexpected object or person. But, to make sure you’re still paying attention, it also includes a driver alertness monitor that’ll stop you dozing off.

Nissan Qashqai engine range explained

(Most popular!) Nissan Qashqai 1.3 DiG-T petrol

The Nissan Qashqai’s 1.3-litre engine might sound small, but it’s more than capable of powering this family SUV. There are two power outputs: 140hp and 160hp, and the latter is a little brisker off-the-line without sacrificing fuel economy. Both manage around 40mpg, and are the best choice if you’re going to be doing plenty of local journeys to work or to the supermarket.

A six-speed manual gearbox was the standard option on both engines, while the 160hp engine is also available with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. This takes the strain out of changing gears, and you don’t suffer in terms of fuel economy.

The latest-generation Qashqai comes with a ‘MH’ (mild hybrid) version of this 1.3-litre powerplant. Again, two power outputs are available, while the small battery and electric motor help to improve fuel economy by about 10% compared to the older car. The automatic gearbox has changed to a ‘CVT’ setup with no fixed gear ratios – this is smooth to operate but can sound thrashy under heavy acceleration.

Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi 115 diesel

Higher-mileage drivers and those wanting great fuel economy will be drawn to diesel Qashqais. The 1.5-litre Renault engine delivers 53mpg – it could save you money compared to a petrol engine and you’ll get more miles to a tank of fuel. Like the petrol, manual or automatic gearboxes can be had.

Nissan Qashqai 1.7 dCi 150 diesel

The vast majority of diesel Nissan Qashqais use the 1.5-litre engine, but a more powerful 1.7-litre unit has also been available. If you’re planning to use a Qashqai to tow a caravan or large trailer, it’s worth hunting out one of these more powerful diesels for its 2,000kg towing capacity. This engine is the only one that has been offered with four-wheel drive, too.

Nissan Qashqai e-Power hybrid

A new Nissan Qashqai e-Power hybrid engine was introduced in the latest-generation car. This promises diesel-like fuel economy and a driving experience that feels like an electric car, without ever having to plug in. The petrol engine acts as a generator for the electric motor, which drives the wheels for a smooth drive. It’s more powerful than any other Qashqai engine, too, with 190hp.