Review: Nissan Qashqai SV 1.3 (2021-2024)

NOTE: The specific model being reviewed is a pre-facelift (2021-2024) model.

As tested: €29,900

The Nissan Qashqai has been a monstrous success for Nissan since its introduction in 2006. It practically invented the midsize crossover segment here in Europe, and was able to stand atop it for years as the markets go to choice. Fast forward to 2025, and said market is now more competitive than ever. Does the Qashqai still keep its crown or have rivals finally dethroned it ?

The Looks

The “J12” Qashqai is thoroughly a modern design featuring a split head light design, floating roof, and needlessly fussy wheels. In higher trims, the Qashqai is a handsome crossover, beating other heavy hitters such as Hyundai Tucson. Sadly, this base “SV” doesn’t quite capture those good looks. It is mostly down to the 17” wheels, looking too small and being too complicated of a design. With bigger wheels, two tone paint and the optional roof rails, the design of the Qashqai is able to shine through. 

The looks of the “J12” also aims to improve ergonomics for the user compared to its predecessor. It has slimmer A-pillars for better visibility and although it is taller than before, the load lip for the boot is actually lower and deeper thanks to a redesigned suspension set up. 

The Interior 

The Qashqai’s interior is a mixed bag, but this is mostly down to which trim you get. Again, this “SV” trimmed car does let the side down, with a smaller 7” infotainment screen. While it is not as egregiously cheap looking as the base infotainment in the Kia Sportage, it suffers with the same issues as with the Nissan Juke I have reviewed, having some dated elements. The Sportage does gain back ground, using a digital gauge cluster as standard. The Qashqai comes standard with physical dials, and has a small colour screen in the centre. Also, it is a little painful being able to see the gap in the screen base that the larger screen would fill if you had paid up. If you pay more, the larger 12’3’’ display is a much more modern unit and the digital gauge cluster is highly customisable. 

The HVAC controls are simple and come easy to hand and the touch points are generally soft and yielding. I found that things like the door cards, grab handles and the dashboard itself feel rather hollow, something that translates into the driving experience. My last gripe is the non-adjustable armrest. Unless you lower the seat all the way to the floor it offers no support and its shape means your arm slips off the vinyl surface too easily.

The Drive 

Powering this Qashqai is a petrol, 138hp, 1.3 litre “DIG-T” 4-cylinder. It is powerful enough to not feel strained, but I found it can be surprisingly loud and harsh when cold. The 6-speed gearbox is pleasant being light and easy to use, although the clutch is too springy for my liking. The driving assist technology is not overbearing and the radar cruise control is smooth and reliable. 

Steering and handling is mixed. The Qashqai still gives that high driving position that made it so appealing all that time ago, but it does feel like a light car, for better or worse. The “better” is that turn in is quick and there is a sense of immediacy when flicking the wheel, especially in “Sport” mode, which does little more than weight up the steering. The “worse” is that the Qashqai feels a little flimsy and loud at higher speeds compared to rivals. The Kia Sportage or Citroën C4-Aircross feel like more substantial vehicles on the road. The heavier but more powerful Qashqai E-Power remedies this, but is a lot more expensive. 

The Conclusion

The Qashqai still has everything that made it great and doesn’t suffer from the same cost saving measures that plagues the smaller Juke. I would urge that you buy at least a SV+ trim model, this SV is just a bit too spartan for my recommendation. As for if it keeps its crown? It isn’t as cut and dry anymore. Kia and Hyundai have made leaps and bounds to catch up and their models. The Sportage and Tucson respectively, are equal  if not better in some respects. All the models I’ve just mentioned are incredibly competent vehicles, the Qashqai included, which couldn't be said for the previous generation model, which was out classed by the end of its production. It really is a matter of preference on your part as to which speaks to you the most.