Nissan Qashqai 2023 review: ST-L long-term | Part 2

I’ve now ‘owned’ my 2023 Nissan Qashqai ST-L for two months, and I’ve genuinely found myself appreciating it more and more every day. After all, as far as I’m concerned, it’s ‘no nonsense’ motoring in the best way possible.

But as promised, in this second instalment of my long-term UrbanGuide review, I’m going to share my thoughts on the new-generation small SUV’s design and assess just how well it stacks up on the practicality front. So, let’s get to it!

When it comes to exterior styling, there’s no denying this Qashqai is a lot more modern than its predecessor. That said, it’s still quite obviously a member of the popular series, such is the resemblance between the generations.

Up front, Nissan’s signature 'V-motion' grille and boomerang-style headlights are still present, but they’ve been sharpened up for the new generation – literally. The LED daytime running lights (DRLs), in particular, are very distinctive. But it all makes for a more purposeful look that isn’t too aggressive.

And then you’ve got the origami-inspired front bumper, which just looks plain cool. There are no fog lights here.

But before I go too much further, it’d be remiss of me not to mention the redesigned Nissan badging seen here and elsewhere. Hello, white and matte grey. Goodbye, chrome. Yep, it’s a bit different.

Around the side, the Qashqai reveals its surprisingly compact footprint, but it’s a stylish one nonetheless.

Up front, Nissan’s signature 'V-motion' grille and boomerang-style headlights are still present. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

The most interesting element is behind the C-pillars, where the roof sharply rakes into the rear haunches to continue that origami theme. And to highlight it even more, my test car is fitted with the optional black roof. Very smart.

Being an SUV, the Qashqai has the obligatory black plastic cladding around its bumpers, wheel arches and side skirts, but it’s not overdone like some of its rivals.

In fact, I kind of like it here – don’t judge me. Then there’s the ST-L’s alloy wheel design. It’s dual-tone and has a unique 10-spoke layout.

Points for effort to Nissan, but that’s not the type of innovation that excites me.

Our test car is fitted with the optional black roof. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

At the rear, this new Qashqai remains familiar with its design, mainly the tail-lights, which again have a boomerang influence and are nicely integrated into the defined angles of the bodywork.

And then the model’s lettering is spaced out in the middle of the tailgate, which is the fashionable thing to do these days.

And a quick word on the shape of the tailgate. It’s definitely style-focused, but it’s welcome. The rear glass is angled heavily, while there’s a nice roof spoiler to cap things off. If only the wiper was integrated into it. And let’s not talk about that unremarkable bumper.

Inside, the Qashqai ST-L impresses even more with its clear semi-premium focus. If you had any doubts that Nissan was pushing upmarket, this interior should put an end to them.

At the rear, this new Qashqai remains familiar with its design. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

Mind you, I was impressed by how luxurious the previous model felt, but this one helps lift the mainstream segment standard even higher.

Navy synthetic leather trim is found not only on the ST-L’s seats (which are otherwise cloth), but also on its armrests, large dashboard insert and unexpected front knee rests.

And then there’s the nice soft-touch plastics used on the upper dashboard and front door shoulders. My only criticism here is the use of gloss-black accents on the lower dashboard area. Fingerprints, scratches, you know the deal.

Technology-wise, the ST-L delights again. All the attention goes to its 12.3-inch central touchscreen, which ‘floats’ atop the centre stack.

Navy synthetic leather trim can be found throughout the ST-L’s cabin. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

It’s a high-quality display made better by Nissan’s best multimedia system to date. It’s leagues ahead of the previous generation in that department.

My favourite part is how quickly the wireless Apple CarPlay connects and how reliable it remains. It’s the little things.

Then there’s the instrument cluster. You might be surprised to find a traditional speedometer and tachometer in the penultimate grade, but that’s the case here.

It’s certainly not terrible, but I do long for the versatility of a proper digital instrument cluster.

Nice soft-touch plastics have been used on the upper dashboard and front door shoulders. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

That said, the 7.0-inch multifunction display on hand does a great job of handling everything unrelated to satellite navigation.

While we’re on the topic of usability, the Qashqai hits a home run with its physical climate controls.

I know it might seem a little silly to praise a car for having actual buttons and dials to control the air-conditioning, but such is the state of the current market, where digitalisation has been taken too far, to the point that it’s arguably become unsafe.

Needless to say, the ST-L doesn’t fall for that trap – and it also has a real volume knob!

The ST-L boasts a 12.3-inch central touchscreen. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

But the Qashqai doesn’t get everything right. See, the gear selector isn’t as user-friendly as it could be. It’s a shift-by-wire unit, which isn’t unusual these days, but this implementation leaves a little to be desired.

Point being, it’s very hard to know which gear you’re in without looking at the selector, as it always defaults to the same physical position.

And add to that the fact that it’s very easy to knock into neutral when driving, as I’ve done a few times now. Yep.

Either way, the Qashqai ST-L is more than just good looks and tech, it’s also pretty damn practical.

Upfront is a traditional speedometer and tachometer. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

Measuring 4425mm long (with a 2665mm wheelbase), 1835mm wide and 1625mm tall, it’s on the larger side for a small SUV, which bodes very well for everyday usability.

In the first row, there’s not only plenty of space for the driver and front passenger, but also a decently sized central storage bin, which has a lid that can split in two to reveal an additional storage tray.

It’s perfect for hiding a phone – and maybe charging one, too, as USB-A and USB-C ports are located in the same area.

Alternatively, there’s the wireless charger at the base of the centre stack. It has a 12V power outlet above it. So, you’ve got options.

The Qashqai hits a home run with its physical climate controls. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

And if first-row occupants are feeling thirsty, there are two cupholders between them, in addition to the front door bins, which are capable of swallowing a large bottle each.

Amenities also extend to an overhead sunglasses holder and a glove box that’s deep and tall – but not particularly wide. You know what would be nice, though? LED interior lighting. I am not about that halogen life. 

Now, rear occupants have access to a fold-down armrest with two cupholders (there’s no ski port), as well as their own door bins, which also accommodate a large bottle apiece.

And then there’s the back of the centre console, which boasts directional air vents and USB-A and USB-C ports. Nice. Plus there’s the map pockets on the front seat backrests.

In the first row, there’s plenty of space for the driver and front passenger. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

When it comes to passengers, though, I personally have a welcome three inches of legroom behind my own 184cm driving position. There’s also plenty of toe-room and two inches of headroom for me.

See, that swoopy roofline isn’t so scary after all. And while the transmission tunnel is wide, it’s relatively short, so feet don’t have to compete as hard.

That said, you’d only want three adults in the second row occasionally for the obvious reasons. But if you need to transport young kids around, then there’s three top-tether and two ISOFIX anchorage points on hand for child seats.

The large aperture and stunning 90-degree range of the rear doors will make getting in and out quite easy, though.

Rear occupants have access to a fold-down armrest with two cupholders. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

Then there’s the boot, which has a solid 429L of cargo space with the 60/40 split-fold rear bench in use. Stow it using the two easy-to-reach manual release latches and you all of a sudden have 1524L to play with.

But there is a significant square hump in the boot floor to contend with when doing so. It’s quite prominent, which is a shame - but I can still fit my pushbike in without any gymnastics.

That said, there are four tie-down points, two bag hooks, one 12V power outlet and an underfloor space-saver spare wheel on hand, so it’s mainly good news.

Now, a quick note on fuel consumption. In my second month with the Qashqai ST-L I averaged 8.6L/100km over 897km of driving.

There’s map pockets on the front seat backrests. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

That’s a 1.2L/100km improvement over my first result, but it’s mainly due to a much higher proportion of highway driving, as I went for a Victorian weekend trip from Melbourne to Sorrento and back (roughly 200km).

Either way, we’re still not talking about hybrid levels of efficiency here. For that, would-be Qashqai buyers should seriously consider waiting for the upcoming ePower version I detailed in the first instalment of this long-term UrbanGuide review.

Although it will depend if the price is right, so stay tuned for the announcement of that all-important detail.

And with that, we’re now staring down the barrel of my third and final update on the Qashqai next month, when I will have to begrudgingly hand back the keys.

In it, I’ll finally cover off if it’s any good to drive and deliver my final verdict. Spoiler alert: it should be on your short list. See you then!

Acquired: February 8, 2023

Distance travelled this month: 897km

Odometer: 2568km

Average fuel consumption this month: 8.6L/100km