Nissan Qashqai vs Jeep Compass
What's the difference?

Nissan Qashqai

$34,665 - $54,365

2026 price

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Jeep Compass

$14,990 - $33,850

2022 price

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Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2026 Nissan Qashqai

2022 Jeep Compass

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Tim Nicholson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.5L

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

4.1L/100km (combined)

6.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Attractive design inside and out
Strong yet frugal hybrid performance
Athletic, confident dynamics

Excellent multimedia system
New semi-premium interior
Spacious cabin

Dislikes

Requires 95 RON premium unleaded
No spare wheel in Ti-L e-Power
Getting up there in price

Overall drive experience
Badly executed driver assist systems
Poor value for money

2026 Nissan Qashqai Summary

If you think you know Nissan and haven’t driven one of its impressive e-Power models, you might be in for a surprise.

Be it the latest-generation X-Trail from Japan or the related smaller Qashqai out of the UK, this plugless petrol-electric hybrid powertrain is one of the best crossovers at any price point.

Now, barely a year after the facelift appeared in Australia, the Qashqai scores another round of changes.

We take a close look at the up-spec Ti-L to see if they make one of the best small SUVs even better (or worse).

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2022 Jeep Compass Summary

The Jeep Compass is something of a unicorn among the long list of small SUVs sold in Australia. It is now the only model in either the light or small-SUV category that is available with a diesel engine.

That diesel is found under the bonnet of just one variant – the rugged Trailhawk which is also the flagship of the range.

Aside from Suzuki’s adorable Jimny light SUV, the Compass Trailhawk is the only small SUV with some off-road ability.

After going on sale in Australia in late 2017, the second-generation Compass was overhauled as part of a mid-life update in 2021. Aside from subtle styling tweaks, the biggest change was a new multimedia system.

Has Jeep done enough to lift the Compass from an also-ran to a model that buyers should consider, or was the update too little, too late?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Nissan Qashqai 2022 Jeep Compass

Verdict

Now e-Power-only, the 2026 Qashqai Ti-L range walks a fine line between mainstream value-for-money and premium European class, providing an attractive, enjoyable and comfortable small SUV experience that also doubles up as a capable and practical family car.

We’d probably ditch this grade for either the Ti below and save a bit of money in the process, or stretch a little more for the flagship N-Design, as both provide the peace of mind of a spare wheel.

Otherwise, for its economy, agility, luxury and smarts, the latest Qashqai Ti-L e-Power is a wildly underrated Nissan that deserves more love.

Verdict

The Jeep Compass Trailhawk is a curious beast. On the one hand, it looks pretty cool, and it has a well-executed new interior, featuring one of the best multimedia set-ups in the business. It’s spacious and has a long list of standard comfort and safety gear.

Sadly, that’s where the positives end.

It is way too expensive for what you get, especially when you consider the quality of some of its rivals from mainstream and premium brands.

The driver assist features are badly in need of recalibration and the overall drive experience is a letdown.

If you really want a diesel-powered small SUV, perhaps look at one of the much better diesel models at the smaller end of the medium-SUV segment.

Nissan Qashqai vs Jeep Compass What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Nissan Qashqai vs Jeep Compass
What's the difference?