2021 Nissan Qashqai - The Crossover Daddy (ENG) - Test Drive and Review

Nissan Qashqai concept was first displayed at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. At the end of 2006 the Qashqai/Dualis went into production. I recall a static presentation here in Warsaw back in the spring of 2007, and the attempts the Nissan product team made to explain to the media what is a crossover, and how it is different from a regular hatchback, or an off roader.
Since then more than 3 million Qashqais were sold in Europe, and in total about 5 million roam the world. Meanwhile crossovers became the next big thing in the compact segment, and they are becoming increasingly popular also on supermini turf. Today in Europe Nissan Qashqai has 26 direct competitors.
The new Qashqai is clearly a very important car for Nissan. It has to take on the popular Tiguan. As far as dimensions are concerned, the Qashqai slots between the VW Tiguan, and the smaller Skoda Karoq.
As it is the trend nowadays, the new Qashqai gets an oversized grille with the Nissan V shape. The headlights are boomerang shape, with a bit of plastic trim in the middle, which says “Qashqai”. There is a shoulder line along the side of the car starting at the headlights, and hoping up to the rear lamps. There is also a strong accent at the bottom of the door. The rear resembles Lexus SUV design language with sharp vertical lines going from under the tail lamps to the bumper. For the first time the Qashqai tailgate is made of composite materials, which helped save 2.5 kilograms.
↔ Nissan Qashqai dimensions:
✔ length: 4425 mm
✔ width: 1835 mm
✔ height: 1625 mm
✔ wheelbase: 2665 mm
✔ boot/trunk: 436-504 L
💲 Nissan Qashqai starting price: 25 790 euro
💲 Nissan Qashqai Tekna+ Xtronic FWD price as tested: 43 000 euro
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#MarekDrives #Nissan #Qashqai
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0:00 intro
0:30 history
1:25 dimensions
2:05 design
2:50 boot/trunk
4:08 rear space
4:34 cockpit
6:15 driving impressions
11:10 pricing
11:20 conclusion

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Subscribe to my newsletter and receive new video updates by e-mail: marekdrives.tv/eng

[@funnyfiveminutes]

Friday already! That flew by.

[@mickdaly6537]

Saw your video and got all excited thinking the weekend is here only to be crushed when coffee kicked in lol

[@MarekDrives]

🤣

[@AzzamLah]

SAME. Disappointed that we are not even halfway through the week yet.

[@bengtlindqvist9309]

Informative as always, thanks Marek

[@HyBy]

I understand that all these improvements have an R&D cost and the fact that this pandemic is forcing governments to print more money (prices for stuff are going up), but 43.000 Euro for an underpowered small SUV by Nissan it's a hard sell.

[@mickdaly6537]

Crazy prices, and if spend time looking around it I'm sure you will find build as in door gaps, some rubber fittings, is not up there for that price,looked at a juke and its badly finished so hope QC is improved here

[@HyBy]

@@mickdaly6537 I own a 2016 Juke and i concur with your assessment. At least the maintenance costs are low. That's what Nissans have going for them (at least here in Greece).

[@mickdaly6537]

@@HyBy I asked about service costs for 2021 juke and a simple oil change was €200

[@HyBy]

@@mickdaly6537 I service my car to the local Nissan dealership (not on some dudes garage), i have the 1.5dci and the oil change is 70 Euro if i'm not mistaken (for sure under 100). My last service was oil, oil and air filters, rear brake pads changed and fluid replenishment. I payed 270 Euro (tax included). That's why i specified that at least for Greece owning a Nissan is cheap.

[@mickdaly6537]

@@HyBy was shocked by price here (ireland) had a Peugeot 3008 that got a major service for €260 so price of Nissan was crazy all at main dealers,think I visit Greece next time get service n holidays for same price lol

[@freestick19822000]

Great review 👍

[@bisersimeonov8710]

@marek , everyone: What you would advise on Qashqai MK3 reliability (as MK2 is known with plenty of defects, especially on the CVT and engine)?

[@emptyMan0]

Looks quite good, especially from the back. Hopefully the hybrid won't suck and they can bring it to the market before going out of business.

[@Alex-nt1br]

"Unfortunately, the google maps directions are not displayed on the head up display" Well spotted! Thank you! I've been so annoyed by this on the previous qashqai version too.

[@MarekDrives]

And here there's really no excuse, as they had the opportunity to design the new virtual instrument panel from scratch. Probably they didn't bother rewriting too much code though.

[@TravelCarsPasicevoPhotography]

Whats the name of the other color? That grey/blue?

[@MrNordlandfahrer]

I drove the 2nd generation of the Qashqai. The new generation looks good and the assistants are up to date. Why do I drive a Toyota now? Nissan does not have a decent hybrid for Europe and again customers have to wait for the e-power unit which is offered in Asia for many years. This is not enough. At least the X-Tronic is back.

[@cubular3000]

They should have just launched with the e-POWER system, it's been quite the smash hit here with minivans (Serena) built on it selling like hot cakes.

[@TheLisarazou]

hey marek, whats the brand/model of your smartphone? i wonder if mine will fit there.

[@MarekDrives]

Sony Xperia 1 with 21:9 aspect ratio in a Rugged Shield case. Any bigger phone in a case will be a tight squeeze.

[@panagiotisgeorgiou2866]

Maker will you have it for more time again? I feel that you were hurrying for the video. Also I noticed from other reviewers that the soundproofing in the new Qasquai is very good almost at the top of the class but you don’t agree with that? (It is my first post after following your looney videos for 2-3 years! :) )

[@MarekDrives]

No, sound proofing is bad.

[@edgaraspurlys6887]

Hello, Would you say Peugeot 3008 gt would be a better option? Thanks

[@MarekDrives]

I'd say the new Citroen C4 is the way to go.

[@srudeepk]

Well, I just test drove all three Qashqai 3, New generation Tiguan and Skoda Karoq. Tiguan has too much of body roll, more plastics than qashqai, probably they are cutting its weight this way, noisy on road as I could feel the traffic outside, tire roll etc (I was surprised actually because qashqai was much more silent & pleasant to drive), You feel most bumps on the road in tiguan including small ones even on 18 inch alloy wheels (again I was pleasantly surprised that qashqai did much better in dampening bumps), Tiguan for me is well built but not worth the price difference. Skoda is abit cheaper but you get also cheaper stuff, much more noisy, feels dated and much more stiff on suspension, no where near the competition for Qashqai. Also the DSG7 automatic gear box on VW and Skoda are worse than Qashqai's CVT gear box. I could really say when the Tiguan or Karoq change gears they are smooth but in comparison to new CVT automatic gearbox from Nissan they are not good enough. The new gearbox from Qashqai is smoother than butter, did not feel any kind of jerks, rarely it takes little time to push to speed but put it in sports mode and its all ok. Apple carplay shows instructions on HUD but not android auto and apple car play connects wirelessly. I think its more of an issue with Android than the car's infotainment, its the same case with VW's HUD unit. Seems VW is investing more in their new EV lineup and not caring anymore about their older well built thermal counter parts.

[@stefanp.9222]

Posting (also) on Mondays? This is good news! The updates for the new Qashqai are exactly what I missed on the old version (bigger boot, more backseat space, 2020s infotainment and instrument cluster). However the price (43k is a lot!) will make people look at "ze germans" (Karoq, Ateca, Tiguan) or even a regular hybrid from Toyota (CHR or Rav4).

[@MarekDrives]

The Polish launch event was embargoed until 9:00 AM Monday. But I am working on a more irregular schedule :)

[@Steve-Cross]

Hi Stefan. Yes you could buy a base level premium make of car, for the same price as a top spec Nissan Qashqai. But would you want a base level car? By the time you have Spect up the premium model to the same specifications as the Tekna+ it would cost almost twice as much I would think. With the current level of technology in the new Nissan, you could almost call it a poor man’s S Class. 😊

[@minashafik5715]

found it thanks

[@aleksandarpetrovic1847]

I know the Mazda cx5 is an older model, but what do you think would be a better choice?

[@MarekDrives]

This is more of a CX-30 competitor, so if you can get the CX-5 for this price, you're getting a bigger car. Period.

[@aleksandarpetrovic1847]

@@MarekDrives Thank you. Here in Serbia CX5 is starting from 24k, but nicely equipped is around 30k.

[@contyoutufication]

maybe you can review the electric Qashqai

[@bayezitsalgur3818]

I was contemplating on wether should I be considering this car or not. I was wondering delivery dates for Europe etc. until you mentioned the pricing. Damn thats one hell of an above average pricing for an average car. Dissapointed. For a mid range Qashqai you could easily get a 1.5 TSI DSG Passat comfortline with LED Matrix for around 31-33 thousand euros, or a Skoda Superb PHEV Style. For 40 something odd euros, you are well within the Arteon, PHEV Tarraco, nicely specced PHEV Tiguan range. For 45 you can get the new Audi Q4 E-Tron. Thats enough said I guess

[@dirtydeeds2012]

How is the bose sound system?

[@MarekDrives]

I can't say. I'm no audio expert. I expect it to be acceptable vs. utter shit in case of standard audio system in this segment.

[@g00dfeeling]

Kind of a car I imagine nice people would drive. I would honestly recommend it to my friend but for me personally, still rather 3008 or C4

[@Waechter_im_All]

cool shirt :-)

[@MarekDrives]

Thanks.

[@gg0297]

43k?! That's a lot!

[@MrAndrei4777]

43k euro! Car manufacturers gone wild with the prices nowadays...

[@gmet2300]

Nice Aqua Terra :)

[@MarekDrives]

Thanks 😁

[@michaelhyam316]

1

[@Alex-nt1br]

Addaptive cruise control is not new for this car though. Pro-pilot is also available for the second-generation Qashqai's. Same for blind spot and cross traffic alerts. All in all, not much is new with this 3rd generation apart from automatic tailgate and massage seats.

[@MarekDrives]

Improved (allegedly). This was a launch event, so I'm unable to confirm how much better it is in real life over a longer period.

[@markstafford6357]

Nice but needs more Push !

[@tamascsirik9509]

Hope that wasp did not hurt you in the cockpit part :)

[@MarekDrives]

No, but thanks for asking :)

[@tamascsirik9509]

@@MarekDrives It's about time to change my suzuki scross, and I find its biggest weaknes the sound proofing. Which is the best suv/crossover about this qashqai size in your testing experience from the last few year in sound proofing (obviously qashqai is not the best in this)?

[@MarekDrives]

@@tamascsirik9509 I'd look at options available in your market, and see who offers optional acoustic glass at least on the windscreen, preferably also on front side windows. And then I'd try arranging a test drive with a car, which has acoustic glass installed. There are also other factors to take into consideration, like tires, road surface, weather. But if wind noise and noise from the general surroundings are an issue, acoustic glass is the first thing to look for.

[@tamascsirik9509]

@@MarekDrives Thx!

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

Did I hear 10l/100km? I get better consumption from my dad's 1991 Renault 19 1.7.... Swace/Corolla have bad soundproofing, they Hyundai whatever as it too... Now this.... Is it possible car makers are reducing on soundproofing to save on weight and costs? Besides, today I was at the shop to get my car and used the time to get a second look at the C4...basic trim, 1.2 turbo, 21k. Much cheaper and also a very good car, well equipped, lots of space and probably more fuel efficient. I would save my money and go for the Citröen

[@MarekDrives]

"After a few hours of driving and filming I got around 10 liters. " Perhaps I should have stated explicitly this is not a real-life result, but a first drive result, where the car spends a lot of time idling during filming, there are acceleration tests, etc.

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

@@MarekDrives ok, that makes it much more acceptable but still high. Even in city driving I get bellow that with my car.

[@rileypart1]

In states what we called Rogue Sport.

[@andysmyth1211]

Better name

[@JohnyMcNeal]

I do not understand many things here. First of all why put independent suspension only with 20" rims. Does nothing good to ride comfort, 19" and I will say 18" also with this kind of vehicle can offer same stability, not as like we are gonna drive Nurburgring days with it. Plus 20" are harder to find and much more expensive, they last shorter too. Then there's consumption which is awful, 9-10l per 100km is very bad. Hybrid is announced but for me not proven and seen here does not give any positives to hope on. Looks like a noticeable improvement in some areas but feels like Qashkai is falling behind competition.

[@MarekDrives]

As far as independent rear suspension is concerned, some carmakers offer it on higher spec versions of the same model. The thinking is bigger wheels, better handling, etc. I agree bigger wheels deteriorate the ride quality. In case of the Qashqai the independent rear suspension also has to do with the AWD system, so it had to be incorporated, and spread across the lineup to make a better business case.

[@BoopSnoot]

most 20-30 year olds I know don't buy brand new cars. 40-50 year olds do, and then 3-years later sell it to 20-30 year olds.

[@AliHijazi]

how come you put an episode on Monday?! I really skipped the episode about the SWOROLLA; without watching didn't like the video about a re-badged COROLLA as for this Qashqai it has become mature after asserting its Cross-Over identity with the previous generations I like your T-Shirt what I didn't like is merging scenes from Official trailers with scenes taken by your camera

[@MarekDrives]

Embargo was lifted at 9 AM Monday.

[@rogeriogomesosorio4755]

Boring car. Great work from you, Keep it coming.

[@RaduB.]

Thank you for stealing the new Qashqai for us! 🙂 It'll be a success like it's predecessors, no doubt.

[@MarekDrives]

My pleasure :)

[@stuartbear6126]

10l/100km??? Good grief that is high. It looks nice but no thanks Monday is the new Friday!!!

[@MarekDrives]

I should point out this was a first drive event, and I spent 7 hours with the car, rather than my usual 7 days. The fuel economy read out may not be as accurate, as when driving the car longer (though I did put about 200 km on it while filming).

[@0verspeed]

You trashed Austral but said nothing bad about QQ!

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

Kaškaj in Czech and Slovak and Kaszkaj in Polish.

[@chrisminakoufidis6245]

QQ or Kuga? Vote 1 for QQ, 2 for Kuga....

[@entlim]

What a step back...ugh! The ev version? Why use a petrol engine as a generator for electric? A waste of time doing it that way... just get rid of the electric...

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

I put the Qashqai on seriously uncool on my cool wall.

[@MarekDrives]

Along with all compact crossovers? :)

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

The Kadjar goes on way way way beyond seriously uncool, same with the Karoq. Most others go in uncool.

[@phil8437]

@@MarekDrives I don't agree with your comment Marek. I have just changed my car to a Suzuki Vitara from a "normal" car as my wife has a disability and finds getting in and out of the Vitara easier. Plus the roads in the UK are terrible and the Vitara copes with them far better.

[@MarekDrives]

@@phil8437 the question was regarding cool/uncool, not useful/useless. Crossovers aren't popular, because they are crap. Most people appreciate greater versatility they offer. But like compact hatchbacks, also crossovers are going down the Crocs path :)

[@RusokuLab]

Never again

[@onurbektas2927]

Does not seem offer any more value than old generation, I have an x-trail, so lets hope U.S rogue or whatever name it have in EU will be batter.

[@MarekDrives]

I wish we got the US spec Pathfinder.

[@christianronn5301]

Qashqai - the official car for doing 15 under the limit. Bonus points for coming down the freeway ramp at moped speeds, expecting people already on the freeway to move over for them.

[@predragpesic3980]

Marek it is not worth it...Mazda CX5,Tiguan...

[@valtraone]

That parcel shelf nearly got the better of you. Average car - well above average review.

[@hedydd2]

It is unfortunate that they have dropped the rather good 1.5 turbo diesel. My family has a MkII version with manual transmission and it does between 50 and 60 mpg Imperial in refined comfort. I wouldn't even consider 20" wheels and the rather expensive replacement tyres that go on them in this class of car, because they compromise ride comfort and road noise for zero practical benefit. The Qashqai is a superb car providing great value for money and its historic sales figures confirm its popularity. I would certainly consider another one when the time comes to change my current one. I like most of the changes they have made on the new model but would prefer the Diesel engine, which I know is not representative of current mainstream [brainwashed] opinion.

[@wpauul]

Worst gen of Qashqai design-wise... Peugeot 2008 and 3008 won the mainstream crossover segment.

[@SeventySoyer]

I mean, it is not going to save Nissan. Acceleration and fuel economy wise, measurement error range is no longer a range, but rather a blatant lie.

[@MrPagnu]

There was a time Nissan cars were solid, over engineered, long lasting cars. Now they are just cheap re-skinned Renaults.

[@jovanmitrovic2593]

Overpriced