Nissan Qashqai (2010-2013) review | Carbuyer (2024)

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The Nissan Qashqai comes in four main model specifications that follow Nissan's standard pattern – entry-level Visia, then the Acenta, followed by the Qashqai 360 and top-of-the-range Tekna. Nissan has a strong reputation for reliability that isn’t quite what it was but still better than most, and the Qashqai rarely suffers from any electrical or mechanical problems as a result.

The Qashqai follows the usual pattern for most modern cars – for efficiency and economy, you have to choose a diesel engine. We recommend the 1.6-litre dCi, which is the cleanest and most efficient engine on offer, coming fitted with stop-start technology to further boost fuel economy. It claims to return 62.8mpg in combined fuel economy and emit 119g/km of CO2, putting it tax band C, which will cost you about £30 a year. Not far behind is the 1.5-litre dCi Pure Drive, which returns 57.6mpg and emits 129g/km of CO2 (band D, £105 a year), but you do have to pay quite a lot more to buy this model in the first place. The standard Qashqai still manages to return a respectable 55.3mpg, however, and the least-efficient 2.0-litre petrol also claims to return economy in the high 30s with CO2 emissions of 177g/km (band I, £220 a year). Just be aware of the quite brief 12,500-mile service gaps and the three-year/60,000-mile warranty, both of which will probably increase costs if you intend to keep the car for a long time and clock up a lot of miles.

Engines, drive & performance

The Qashqai’s supple suspension and light steering offers a soft ride

Given that the Qashqai has been set up to give the most comfortable ride it can, so has soft suspension and big, chunky tyres designed to soak up any major bumps that it encounters on the UK’s rough roads, and it’s surprising how good it still is to drive. Let’s be clear, the steering really doesn’t compare to many of its hatchback rivals, the class-leading Ford Focus in particular, because of its lack of accuracy, but it is easier than many of them to drive around the city and is very easy to park, thanks to all its sensors and rear-view cameras. It also surprises by having very little body roll when driving through corners – which you don’t expect from a car with such soft suspension.

You can get a four-wheel-drive option on the 2.0-litre diesel and petrol models that easily handles any light off-roading that you might need the Qashqai to perform – as it should, considering that it will cost you an extra £1,500 to get it. Note - it's not designed for mountainous terrain, so if you think you expect to really encounter some genuinely rough conditions, then the larger Nissan Pathfinder is the car you should really be looking at. We’d recommend the 1.6-litre dCi diesel for the best balance of performance and running costs, with the 1.5-litre dCi feeling too underpowered and proving to be less efficient overall. All models come with a six-speed manual gearbox fitted as standard, but some models can be equipped with a six-speed automatic or a slightly noisy CVTautomatic gearbox if you truly wish.

Interior & comfort

The car is very easy to get in and out of thanks to its raised ride height

The Qashqai remains one of the most comfortable family cars on the road. Inside it offers a lot of space, with well-designed and supportive seats for all occupants, and giving the driver a good, high driving position that gives great visibility of the road ahead (but not out of the back – see Practicality, below).

The raised suspension also makes it a doddle to get in and out of, and you can just slip behind the steering wheel without any stooping or bending to get in. There’s hardly any road, wind or tyre noise inside the car, even when you’re driving at motorway speeds, while the Acenta models also have the option of a panoramic glass roof that floods the interior with light, making the Qashqai a really enjoyable place to spend long journeys – even rain is interesting splashing on it. The sunroof is equipped as standard on higher-spec Tekna and n-tec models.

Practicality & boot space

The boot is wide and long, so loading bulky items is easy

The Qashqai’s interior is nicely laid out, spacious, easy to use and offers lots of storage options, with cubbies dotted about and a large centre console compartment for front stowage. Because of its large exterior dimensions, it also offers loads of legroom for anyone travelling in the back and gives the driver plenty of excellent visibility. But those passengers in the back may have to duck their head down a little if they’re six foot or above, because the sloping roof does cut into headroom quite a bit.

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Nissan Qashqai (2010-2013) review | Carbuyer (2024)

FAQs

Is the Nissan Qashqai 2010 a good car? ›

The engine provides punchy and refined performance, while the gearchange is slick. It's easy to get 40mpg with regular driving. Nissan has slightly altered the suspension, and the result is sharper handling, but the ride hasn't been compromised and is very comfortable.

Is the 2013 Nissan Qashqai a good car? ›

Well built, generously equipped and easy to drive, the Nissan lacked the body control on the road of its more conventional hatchback rivals, but otherwise it was hard to fault. Buyers loved it, too, and the crossover featured regularly in the UK's top 10 best sellers chart.

What are the main issues for Nissan Qashqai? ›

What are the most common problems with a used Nissan Qashqai hatchback?
  • Exhaust oxygen sensor failure. The rear oxygen sensor can fail due to an electrical short on cars built between 10 April 2014 and 7 May 2016. ...
  • Brake hose wear. ...
  • Indicator failure. ...
  • Incorrect VIN plate.
Feb 15, 2024

Is the Nissan Qashqai a good reliable car? ›

The popular Nissan Qashqai is quiet, comfortable and frugal, but its reliability is questionable.

How many miles will a Nissan Qashqai last? ›

What is Nissan Qashqai lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Nissan Qashqai is 140,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.

Is Nissan Qashqai expensive to maintain? ›

In fact, the Nissan Qashqai has been voted the UK's most reliable car in a 2023 Which? survey. Qashqais are popular models so finding parts for repairs and maintenance is easy and inexpensive. The cars also come with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty from new, so you know Nissan has faith in its work.

Is Nissan Qashqai engine good? ›

Of the mild-hybrid petrols, we've tried the Qashqai in manual and automatic 158hp forms. In both cases, it's a smooth and refined little engine that's unobtrusive at low revs and settles down to a quiet hum at motorway speeds.

Does Nissan Qashqai have resale value? ›

The Qashqai's enduring popularity means strong resale values, which helps keep monthly payments low if you're running it on finance. Pricing also looks pretty reasonable for the equipment you get, with the vast majority of buyers opting for the top two trim levels with all the kit.

Why is Nissan Qashqai so popular? ›

One of the standout features of the Nissan Qashqai is its innovative e-Power drivetrain technology. Originally conceived for the all-electric Leaf, this system now features on the Qashqai's e-Power models, combining the efficiency electric power with the practicality of a traditional petrol engine.

What is the disadvantage of the Nissan Qashqai? ›

Reportedly, the Qashqai suffers from various common issues, such as a weak battery, water getting into the cabin and the air-conditioning failing. Sometimes water gets into the parking sensors as well, which will cause them to fail.

How much should I pay for a Nissan Qashqai? ›

NISSAN QASHQAI Prices & Specifications
Version SpecificationPriceRoad Tax
1.3 MHEV 158PS SVE XTRONIC AUTO Auto 5 dr€51,700€270
1.5 EREV SV Auto 5 dr€44,000€190
1.5 EREV SV PREMIUM Auto 5 dr€47,400€200
1.5 EREV SV TECH Auto 5 dr€50,400€200
11 more rows

Is Nissan Qashqai good for long distance? ›

It left me feeling pretty fresh and relaxed at the end of long motorway runs, such as from West London to Helmsley, North Yorkshire, and it fares pretty well at lower speeds and on cratered urban roads, too. However, while it's a painless way to get to your destination, it doesn't do much to entertain you en route.

Is Qashqai fuel efficient? ›

Both 138bhp and 156bhp versions of the 1.3-litre engine offer the same fuel economy figures, starting from around 46mpg if you choose an automatic model, or about 44mpg in the manual version.

Is the Nissan Qashqai expensive to insure? ›

Nissan Qashqai models range from insurance groups 13 to 21, so the cost of insurance can vary significantly. For example, a 30-year-old driver in an average postcode could pay around £639 for cover on a Nissan Qashqai 1.2 DiG-T Visia 5d, or around £715 for a Nissan Qashqai 1.6 dCi Visia 5d.

Does a Nissan Qashqai have a timing belt or chain? ›

The 1.5-litre diesel has a timing belt that must be changed at least every 150,000km or five years. The 1.6-litre diesel engine has a timing chain.

Does the Nissan Qashqai hold its value? ›

Taking position as the tenth fastest depreciating car on Motorway, Nissan Qashqai may come in as a surprise to some. It's consistently one of the UK's most popular cars, to buy new or used. This is, in fact, the very reason why the median pricing of the Qashqai shows higher depreciation.

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