Review - 2023 Nissan Qashqai

Headlining the Qashqai’s upgrades is a brand new engine and transmission combination, updated suspension and a generous approach to safety and entertainment features.

Just how well has the latest generation Nissan Qashqai asserted itself within the overcrowded world of compact SUVs? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

Nissan Qashqai Competition

Starting Price: $33,890

OnlineAuto Savings: Enquire now

How Much Does It Cost?

The all-new Nissan Qashqai range is priced from $33,890 for the entry-level Qashqai ST, with prices rising to $37,890 for the Qashqai ST+ and up to $42,190 for the Qashqai ST-L.

Finally, Nissan’s range-topping Qashqai Ti is priced at $47,390.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change, and do not include on-road costs.

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You?

Using OnlineAuto’s car buying service, you could save by letting one of our car specialists help you find the best value model for you.

Nissan QASHQAI (ST) Specifications

What Features Does the Nissan Qashqai Have?

Nissan’s entry-level Qashqai ST comes riding on a set of 17-inch alloys, and receives LED lights, cloth upholstery, a rear-view camera with parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

Stepping up to the Qashqai ST+ adds a set of 18-inch alloys, LED fog lights, a surround-view camera, an upgraded 12.3-inch infotainment system, while the Qashqai ST-L picks up adaptive LED headlights, and an upgraded leather interior with heated front seats.

Finally, the range-topping Qashqai Ti comes fitted with a powered boot lift, panoramic sunroof, a 10.8-inch head-up display, quilted leather upholstery with a black headliner, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an upgraded 10-speaker Bose sound system.

For a more detailed rundown of the Nissan Qashqai’s features, reach out to one of our specialists who can run you through the perks of each variant.

Nissan Qashqai Range Features:

• 17-inch alloys 

• LED head & tail lights 

• Adaptive cruise control 

• Rear-view camera with parking sensors 

• 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• 18-inch alloys (ST+)

• Surround-view camera (ST+)

• 12.3-inch infotainment system (ST+)

• 19-inch alloys (ST-L)

• Adaptive LED headlights (ST-L)

• Cloth/leather upholstery with leather steering wheel (ST-L)

• Powered boot lift (Ti)

• Panoramic sunroof (Ti)

• Head-up display with 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (Ti)

• Quilted leather upholstery (Ti)

Is the Nissan Qashqai Comfortable to Drive?

User-friendliness is a key priority for compact SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai, and in this respect, Nissan has made a series of impressive improvements to the overall package with the third-generation Qashqai.

Power for the Qashqai range comes supplied by a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque, which is pretty much on-par with power figures on offer from its main rivals.

“While the driving experience is fairly bland, the Qashqai feels like a much more premium affair than its predecessor.” Glynn - OnlineAuto Car Buying Specialist

Power is thrown to the front wheels via Nissan’s X-Tronic CVT automatic, which behaves well around town and eliminates any sudden movements from a traditional gear shift, though can cause the engine to hold onto higher revs as you pick up speed.

Having said that, the engine and transmission combination works fabulously when it comes to ease-of-driving and user-friendliness for Nissan’s compact SUV package, which is a key priority for buyers.

The driving experience around town is made significantly easier thanks to a great deal of visibility throughout the cabin, the lightweight steering rack and a relatively short wheelbase that makes the Qashqai feel agile and easy to maneuver.

The ride quality is refined around town, and while the Qashqai isn’t quite able to soak up bigger bumps on country B-roads, overall the platform feels planted on a mix of town and country driving that makes it a very viable road trip companion.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Nissan’s updated 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine powering the Qashqai has introduced some much-needed fuel economy benefits from the previous generation.

Official fuel economy figures for the latest generation Qashqai stand at a very impressive 6.1L per 100km on a combined cycle, meaning that Nissan has been able to give the Qashqai a 4kW/50Nm power and torque increase over the previous generation while improving its all-round fuel efficiency.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Some of the most significant upgrades for the Qashqai have been reserved for the interior, which has seen the design and practicality of its cabin brought into the modern age, meaning the Qashqai is much more competitive with its main rivals.

The front of the cabin has been completely redesigned, with the infotainment system sitting atop the dashboard and a new digital instrument cluster positioned in front of the driver showcasing its updated design.

Interior space and comfort are excellent, even in the base model that misses out on many of the premium touches reserved for the ST-L and Ti, with a generous amount of head room available in the front of the cabin that makes the Qashqai accommodating for a range of drivers.

Practical touches for the Qashqai’s front cabin include a storage tray that doubles as a wireless charger, a pair of cup holders and some USB ports and additional storage hiding beneath the central arm rest.

“The redesigned cabin has modernised the Qashqai’s cabin and made it far more practical.” Craig - OnlineAuto Car Buying Specialist

The design is no doubt attractive, though the Qashqai could use a few extra storage options in the front of the cabin to stay closely matched with its rivals that seem to have more storage available in the centre console.

Move to the rear of the cabin and there’s enough headroom for tall adults, even with the Ti’s panoramic sunroof fitted that eats away at headroom potential, making for a relatively spacious second row for the compact SUV segment.

The Qashqai’s boot measures in at a healthy 429L, expanding to a maximum of 1524L with the rear seats folded down to help accommodate bulky cargo and sports equipment.

Is it Safe?

The Nissan Qashqai has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, scoring 91% for adult protection, 93% for child protection, 74% for pedestrian protection and 97% for its safety assist technologies.

As standard, the entry-level Qashqai ST picks up forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking with junction, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot monitoring, lane-departure alerts, adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alerts.

Stepping up to the ST-L and the range-topping Ti adds Nissan’s ProPilot system, a set of front parking sensors and an alarm, while the Ti receives an active parking assistant.

Our Verdict: Is the Nissan Qashqai Worth it?

In its latest form, Nissan has made solid improvements to an already impressive compact SUV package with the all-new Qashqai, bringing it even closer to its rivals in terms of fuel economy, comfort and practicality.

The package as a whole is impressive, even in entry-level form, while the higher-spec variants add a heap of luxury touches that give the Qashqai impressive levels of refinement.

As a result, we highly encourage you to add the Qashqai to your compact SUV shortlist and get in touch with our car buying specialists who can save you time, money and stress in the car-buying process.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year warranty with roadside assistance and capped-price servicing 

2. 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produces 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque 

3. 6.1L per 100km fuel economy figures 

4. Five-star ANCAP safety rating 

5. e-Power Hybrid Qashqai arriving soon