Nissan Qashqai vs Mazda CX-5
What's the difference?

Nissan Qashqai

$34,665 - $54,365

2026 price

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Mazda CX-5

$37,240 - $56,150

2026 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

2026 Mazda CX-5

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.5L

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

4.1L/100km (combined)

7.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Comfortable, dynamic drive
Practical family interior
Strong safety package

Dislikes

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

No hybrid option
Engine can feel sluggish
No rear charging ports

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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2026 Mazda CX-5 Summary

The new-generation Mazda CX-5 is here, promising to be bigger, better and bolder, with fresh styling, sharper handling and more technology. But in a market where hybrid power is becoming increasingly hard to ignore, has Mazda left the CX-5 at a disadvantage? I’ve spent a week with the Evolve grade to find out for you.

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Interested in a Mazda CX-5?

Deep dive comparison

2026 Nissan Qashqai 2026 Mazda CX-5

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 Mazda CX-5 Evolve kicks some goals and with its comfortable on-road handling, robust safety equipment and practical interior, it’s still a solid choice for families looking for a mid-sized SUV. The only thing it’s missing is a hybrid powertrain, which would make this already well-rounded package even more compelling.

Nissan Qashqai vs Mazda CX-5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Nissan Qashqai vs Mazda CX-5
What's the difference?