2023 Nissan Qashqai Reviews

These small SUVs promise to be small family value heroes, but can we determine which one is the best for you?

After three months with the 2023 Nissan Qashqai ST-L, is it really the complete small SUV package? It just may be, but the coming 'ePower' hybrid version could still be worth waiting for.

The 2023 Nissan Qashqai has a lot to offer on the design and practicality fronts. So, in this second long-term review instalment, we find out just how high its ST-L variant sets its standards.

The 2023 Nissan Qashqai is a significant leap forward for the small SUV series, delivering the modern in-cabin technology its predecessor was missing. But we're spending three months with its ST-L variant to see if it has what it takes to handle city life. Spoiler alert: it's thoroughly impressive.

Competition in the small SUV market is intense, and families looking for a compact five-seater are spoiled for choice. Nissan has recently updated its Qashqai in the face of new offerings from Honda (HR-V) and Toyota (Corolla Cross). Does the top-shelf Ti version have what it takes to get your vote?

If you want the most Nissan Qashqai money can buy, look no further than the flagship Ti.At $47,390 before on-road costs, the Qashqai would tip over the $50,000 mark when you factor in on-roads. And that is a whopping $8300 more than the old Ti!But, you do get high-end features like a 10.8-inch head-up display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, quilted leather accented seats with a massage function at the front, driver seat memory function, 10-speaker Bose audio system, panoramic sunroof, hands-free power tailgate, auto parking and the Divide N Hide boot storage system.Until the 'ePower' hybrid arrives at some point in 2023, the Qashqai range uses a new 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine - found in some Renault models - pumping out a decent 110kW/250Nm, matching the Skoda Kamiq. It’s front-wheel drive and uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT).There’s a lot more safety gear too, including auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection, rear AEB with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise, rear cross-traffic alert, a front centre airbag, lane departure warning, and a blind spot warning. 

Second from top ST-L grade Qashqai’s might be the sweet spot of the new-gen small-SUV range, because you get a lot of kit for your money. Priced from $42,190, before on-road costs, the ST-L is a not insignificant $7500 more expensive than the grade it replaces. Once again, that comes with a much bigger suite of standard equipment.And that includes a heated leather steering wheel, power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, wireless charging, adaptive LED headlights, tinted windows, roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, and 19-inch alloys.Until the 2023 launch of Nissan’s 'ePower' hybrid, the Qashqai range is powered by a new 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine - found in a couple of Renault SUV models - pumping out a decent 110kW/250Nm, matching the Skoda Kamiq. It’s front-wheel drive and uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT).There’s a lot more safety gear, too, including auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection, rear AEB with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise, rear cross-traffic alert, a front centre airbag, lane departure warning, and a blind-spot warning. The ST-L also introduces the 'ProPilot' system that combines adaptive cruise control with steering and lane keep assist tech for semi-autonomous driving.

If you’re after a bit more kit from your Qashqai but don’t want to crack the $40,000 mark, there’s the ST+. It’s just like an ST but with more stuff.Pricing is set at $37,890, before on-road costs, which is about $5000 more than the model it replaces. It’s also $4000 more than an ST.But for that $4000, you get a larger 12.3-inch multimedia display with sat-nav and wireless Apple CarPlay, LED fog lights, a surround-view monitor, rain-sensing wipers and 18-inch alloy wheels.Until the arrival of the 'ePower' hybrid in 2023, the ST+ uses a new 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine - found in the Renault Captur and Arkana - delivering a more than reasonable 110kW/250Nm, matching the Skoda Kamiq. It’s front-wheel drive and uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT).There’s a lot more safety gear too, including auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection, rear AEB with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise, rear cross-traffic alert, a front centre airbag, lane departure warning, and a blind spot warning.

After eight years, the Nissan Qashqai has finally been replaced by a new-generation model. A new platform, new powertrain and a massive uptick in standard equipment - including all-important safety gear - are the headline acts.The base ST kicks things off at $33,890, before on-road costs, for the auto - there is no longer a range-opening, sub-$30,000 manual - and that’s a $3000 increase compared with the outgoing ST.Thankfully, you get a lot of gear, including auto LED headlights, 8.0-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, heated and auto-folding exterior mirrors, auto stop-start, keyless entry and start and 17-inch alloy wheels. But you also get cloth seats and a plastic steering wheel. And if you want the bigger touchscreen you have to step up to the ST+.Until the arrival of the 'ePower' hybrid in 2023, all Qashqai grades are powered by a new 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine - seen in the Renault Captur and Arkana - offering up a healthy 110kW/250Nm, the same as a Skoda Kamiq. It’s front-wheel drive only and uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT).Safety gets a big boost in the new model with auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection, rear AEB with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise, rear cross-traffic alert, a front centre airbag, lane departure warning, and a blind-spot warning.

The Nissan Qashqai lived a long life in its second generation, and was a compelling value-packed model late in its run. But tech and powertrain-wise, it lagged its newer competitors. Nissan has introduced the third-generation of its small SUV and it now comes with a lot of the safety and in-car tech missing from the old one. But is the price hike worth it?