by Pros: Efficient, quiet, sporty design
Cons: Limited space, high price, engine sound
Position in the compact crossover market
The Australian market, like most countries in the world, has an excess of compact crossovers. Among the constant market participants, such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, and Hyundai Tucson, and new players like the MG ZST and Haval Jolion, buyers have a wide choice. In this saturated segment, the Nissan Qashqai finds its place.
The previous generation Qashqai was sold in North America under the name Rogue Sport, until Nissan discontinued its production at the end of 2022, leaving the larger Rogue as the main contender in this popular class.
Review: 2026 Toyota RAV4 finally feels like the crossover it was meant to be
Although Nissan has often been in the news for negative reasons over the past year, this does not mean that the company has forgotten how to build good cars. The current, third-generation Qashqai, introduced in 2021, meets many buyer requirements and impressed us during testing in the e-Power version last year.
Quick Facts
Now an updated version has appeared with a sharper look and a new flagship trim level called N-Power. Although we did not test this specific model, we spent time with the mid-range Ti e-Power version to find out if it still holds its own in this extremely competitive segment.
What exactly has changed?
The updates made to the Qashqai for 2025 are not global, but they are noticeable. The most obvious is the installation of a new front end with distinctive LED headlights and a redesigned radiator grille.
It looks a bit more modern and sophisticated than the previous model, showing a nice level of aggressiveness without excess. In addition to the changes at the front, Nissan updated the rear, adding clear LED taillights and a new bumper.
Unfortunately, the company did not make changes to the available powertrains, so two engine options are offered. For economy-minded buyers, Nissan sells the Qashqai with a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 110 kW (148 hp) and 250 Nm of torque, which is paired exclusively with a continuously variable transmission.
Then there is the e-Power version we tested. As before, it is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 115 kW (154 hp), which acts as a generator for the 2.1 kWh battery and powers an electric motor with 140 kW (188 hp) and 330 Nm of torque.
For 2025, the Qashqai lineup continues to start from AU$39,037 ($25,500) for the base ST version and AU$43,205 ($28,200) for the ST-L, both with the petrol engine.
Buyers can move up to the Ti model we tested, available either with the 1.3-liter engine from AU$46,990 ($30,700), or with the e-Power for AU$50,990 ($33,300).
Above the Ti in the family is the Ti-L, priced from AU$51,990 ($34,000) for the petrol version and AU$56,990 ($37,200) for the e-Power, while at the top of the lineup is the N-Design at AU$58,990 ($38,500), which is only offered with the e-Power hybrid system.
Familiar interior
Nissan made very few changes to the Qashqai’s interior for 2025; which is not surprising, as it did not require serious updates. In Europe, the updated interior includes a new Android-based multimedia system with built-in Google Maps and Google Assistant. Unfortunately, Australian models did not receive these updates.
Instead, the 12.3-inch multimedia system screen remained the same as in the pre-facelift model, continuing to support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Nissan also retained the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster from last year, although it is only available on Ti, Ti-L, and N-Design models.
The build quality and finish are good and meet expectations for a car in this price category. Our test car’s interior was executed in a combination of black and brown leather with white contrast stitching. Ti-L models also get soft Alcantara material on the dashboard for added premium feel.
The multimedia system is quite fast, but not as good as some competitors, for example from Hyundai and Kia. Fortunately, Nissan retained physical quick-access buttons and a volume knob under the screen, although I didn’t really like the glossy black plastic finish.
One part I liked was the digital instrument cluster. It offers several display modes and has many settings.
Read: New Nissan crossover drives like an electric car but runs on petrol
Other key features include customizable ambient lighting, an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat, and a 6-speaker audio system. Unfortunately, the latter leaves something to be desired. For audiophiles looking for something better, the Ti-L is a must, as it comes with a 10-speaker Bose system.
Overall, the interior space in the Qashqai is good, but not as large as in the Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia models it competes with. This won’t be a problem for couples who own it, but it might be too small for some families. In that case, the Nissan Rogue – which is sold in Australia as the X-Trail – would be a better option.
Smooth operator
It’s no surprise that Nissan offers its e-Power hybrid powertrain in many models. Although it is not a plug-in hybrid and can only travel a few kilometers before the engine starts, it is undeniable that it is efficient and pleasant to use for daily trips.
Since the petrol engine never directly drives the wheels, but only serves as a generator, it’s easy to forget that you’re driving a hybrid, not an electric car. You can start moving the Qashqai in complete silence, and when the engine does start, it remains quiet and unobtrusive.
Nissan claims the Ti e-Power can consume only 4.8 l/100 km in mixed conditions. I couldn’t achieve such figures, but ended the week with an average consumption of 5.3 l/100 km, which is impressive. For comparison, in last year’s model I used 5.8 l/100 km, but that included more highway trips.
Obviously, the Qashqai e-Power is not a sports model, but it doesn’t feel underpowered. It can accelerate to 100 km/h in about 8 seconds, which is more than enough for the type of people looking for a family crossover.
However, prospective buyers should note that the engine doesn’t sound particularly pleasant when you floor the accelerator and rev it up. It also falls short in power compared to the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, which has 172 kW (231 hp) and 367 Nm of torque.
The Qashqai’s handling is surprisingly pleasant. I like how Nissan tuned the steering. Although it doesn’t provide enough feedback, like many new cars on the market, it is well-weighted and direct.
As before, the 2025 Qashqai Ti e-Power retains an excellent regenerative braking system. Although there is no one-pedal mode, the e-Pedal system can handle braking in most scenarios.
Verdict
As I predicted, the 2025 Qashqai maintains the same level of appeal as the old model. It now looks more stylish and retains all the advantages, including the excellent hybrid powertrain.
Although some buyers might hesitate to get behind the wheel of a new Nissan due to the company’s financial troubles, the Qashqai is definitely worth considering. However, it doesn’t stand out against the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, which starts from AU$47,664 ($31,100) and goes up to AU$63,811 ($41,700).
Competition in the compact crossover segment continues to intensify, and every manufacturer is trying to offer unique technologies. The e-Power hybrid system remains one of Nissan’s key advantages, but to maintain the brand’s position, a more radical update of technologies and design may be needed in the next generations.
