Nissan Qashqai vs. Kia Sportage: Which Crossover SUV is Right for You?

You may have encountered the Nissan Qashqai and the Kia Sportage if you’re looking for an affordable, budget SUV. Both family cars are well-built, equipped, and practical. But which one is better?

This comprehensive blog outlines the key differences between the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage and highlights their practicality. Ready to make an informed decision? 

Design

The Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage crossovers have seen many design changes and now look more modern. The Qashqai has a sharper, more angular design, while the Sportage features a curvier, more flowing style.

The Qashqai has a sportier look, while the Sportage appears more refined. Choosing between them depends on whether you prefer a bolder or more elegant presence on the motorway.

The Nissan Qashqai is available in several eye-catching colours and has sleek brake lights that complement the car’s design.

Driving and Engines

Both crossovers provide a comfortable and smooth ride but have different driving characteristics. The Qashqai focuses on agility with sharp steering that feels great on twisty roads. The Sportage, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed drive with lighter steering.

Now, let’s look at the engines. Both have plenty of engine options – petrol and hybrid engines. The Qashqai has a 1.3-litre petrol engine, which is the standard at 140hp, but if you need more power, you can get the same engine at 158hp. These also come with a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox.

The Qashqai e-Power hybrid combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. The engine primarily charges the battery and does not drive the wheels, so it’s more of an electric car without needing to charge.

The Kia Sportage’s standard option has a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 148hp. It can be paired with a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. You can also get a 1.6-litre petrol hybrid with 226hp, or you prefer the plug-in hybrid with 261hp. Both come with automatic transmissions.

There are plenty of engine options for both. You just need to pick the one that best suits you.

Interior and Technology

If we compare interiors, the Kia Sportage wins here, but that doesn’t detract from the Nissan Qashqai. The Qashqai has a smart-looking interior, is pretty easy to use, is solidly built, and prioritises comfortability.

However, some models lack equipment. For example, the base-level Visia model doesn’t have a central touchscreen, which may not be convenient for some users. However, the mid-spec cars and others have an eight-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate controls, and more.

The Kia Sportage shines in the interior. It has good material quality, a nice cabin, is easy to drive, prioritises comfortability, and everything comes together smoothly. 

Regarding standard equipment, aside from the entry-level cars, all others get display panels with two 12.3-inch screens for the infotainment and digital driver display. You can also find Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. 

Boot Space and Practicality

The Sportage has a slightly larger boot with 591 litres of space, compared to the Qashqai’s 504 litres. This gives you more room for groceries or luggage. However, the Qashqai makes up for this with an intelligent split-folding rear seat, adding versatility.

As for rear passenger legroom, the Sportage and Qashqai comfortably seat those over six feet tall. While three people can fit in the back row, it will be snug, so it’s best to stick to two unless necessary.

Both family SUVS are suitable for everyday use, but the Sportage might be more practical if you often carry large items.

READ ALSO: Top 12 Best Family Cars to Buy in 2024 | Compare the Best

MPG Emissions and Tax

Comparing emissions, the Sportage wins! The Kia Sportage offers a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant with incredibly low emissions (25 g/km of CO2) and a claimed 252 mpg if carefully driven and charged. It costs nothing in tax in the first year

Then there’s the Nissan Qashqai. It is available as a hybrid and returns up to 53 mpg while emitting 119 g/km of CO2. Due to its low emissions, it costs £180 to tax in the first year.

Safety and Reliability

Both cars have a maximum of 5 stars in their Euro NCAP safety tests with good protection for adults and children. If you are looking for a good and safe family SUV, the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai are good options.

In terms of reliability, it’s a win-win for both cars. The Sportage comes with Kia’s seven-year warranty, while the Qashqai has a three-year warranty protecting you just in case an accident occurs.

Dimensions

Here are the dimensions of both vehicles:

Kia Sportage vs Nissan Qashqai: Pros and Cons of Each Crossover SUV

Before we make the final decision to find out which one is the best for you, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each:

Pros of the Nissan Qashqai

• Sporty, angular design
• Agile handling with sharp steering
• Range of petrol and hybrid engines
• Smart, quiet, and comfortable interior
• Versatile split-folding rear seat
• Good fuel economy

Cons of the Nissan Qashqai

• The base model lacks vital features like a central touchscreen
• Smaller boot space (504 liters)
• Limited rear visibility
• Snug rear seating for three
• Higher CO2 emissions (119 g/km) compared to the Sportage PHEV

Pros of the Kia Sportage

• Refined, elegant design
• Relaxed driving experience with lighter steering
• Wide range of engine options, including a plug-in hybrid
• High-quality interior with advanced technology
• Larger boot space (591 litres)

Cons of the Kia Sportage

• Snug rear seating for three
• Heavier steering in base models
• Potentially higher initial cost for PHEV and higher-spec models
• Some base models might lack advanced features
• Hybrid model tax benefits may vary
  

Which Car Wins? The Kia Sportage or Nissan Qashqai?

There’s no clear-cut winner. The Nissan Qashqai will appeal to drivers prioritizing a sportier driving experience and a more sculpted design. The Kia Sportage is ideal for those seeking maximum cargo space, improved fuel efficiency with the PHEV option, and the peace of mind of a longer warranty.

Ultimately, you can choose which affordable and compact SUV you would purchase. If you are interested in a used or older model, find out about the vehicle’s records, performance, and reliability.

How can you find out? Through a reg number check and a car history report. A car history report gives full access to past or historical records and registration information. You can even check the vehicle’s ownership history and be sure you’re not falling into one of those UK car-buying scams.

Get a full reg number check and ensure a vehicle’s original registration and records before payment. Fill out the form on this page to get a check now!