title:Third-Gen Nissan Qashqai Review: Is It Still a Top Crossover?
content:Design & Platform: Lighter, Stiffer, Bolder
If you’re in the market for a family-friendly compact crossover, the Nissan Qashqai has likely been on your list for years. As a UK staple (3 million sold since 2006), the third-gen model faces 30 rivals. Autocar’s hands-on review breaks down whether it retains its top spot.
The new Qashqai uses Nissan’s CMF-C platform, cutting 60 kg while boosting torsional rigidity by 48%—great for efficiency and handling. Key materials include aluminum (bonnet, doors, front wings) and high-strength steel, plus a composite tailgate. Exterior lines are sharper, giving it a modern edge over its predecessor.
content:Practicality: Family-Focused Wins
Practicality is the Qashqai’s superpower. It’s bigger (30mm longer, 20mm wider) but lighter, adding 28mm rear legroom and a 504-liter boot (on par with the Skoda Karoq). Standout touches: 85-degree rear doors (perfect for kids/bulky items) and a wipe-clean boot divider. Door bins hold 1.5-liter bottles, and cubbies are abundant.
content:Interior & Tech: Premium Upgrade
The interior steps up with soft-touch materials and gloss black trim (a big leap from the old model). Tech highlights: 12.3-inch TFT driver display, 9-inch touchscreen (easy to use with physical hotkeys), and a 10.8-inch heads-up display (one of the largest in the segment). Wireless charging and CarPlay add convenience.
content:Driving Experience: Composed, Not Thrilling
The platform improves handling: multi-link rear axle (20-inch alloys/4x4 models) and direct steering make it agile. It’s not as engaging as the Mazda CX-30, but it clings to roads gamely. Ride is firm on 20-inch alloys (harsh over high-frequency bumps). The 1.3 turbo mild hybrid (138/154 hp) uses a 12-volt system—lighter than 48-volt rivals. The CVT is smoother but has quirks: surge on light throttle, jerky stop-start. Manual is notchy, so CVT is better for most.
content:Verdict: Still a Benchmark
The third-gen Qashqai fixes practicality gaps and adds premium touches. Minor flaws (CVT/engine quirks) don’t overshadow its strengths: reliability, space, and thoughtful features. Rivals will struggle to dethrone it.
content:Toolbox & Action Guide
Immediately Actionable Checklist
- Test 85-degree rear doors for kid/load ease.
- Check boot space with/without divider.
- Try CVT and manual to find your fit.
- Experience the 10.8-inch heads-up display.
- Test ride quality on rough roads (20-inch alloys).
Advanced Resource Recommendations
- Autocar Video: Watch for hands-on driving footage.
- Nissan Site: Get latest specs/trim options.
- Skoda Karoq: Compare practicality side-by-side.
content:Conclusion
The third-gen Qashqai remains a top compact crossover choice. Its blend of practicality, quality, and reliability makes it hard to beat. While not perfect, it’s still the segment benchmark.
Question: Have you test-driven the new Qashqai? What feature impressed you most—or turned you off? Share in comments!