The Nissan Qashqai is an excellent family SUV, but what if it just isn't your cup of tea?
Luckily loads of carmakers have rivals that can go toe-to-toe with the ubiquitous Nissan. We've chosen 10 of the very best Qashqai alternatives, all offering similar practicality and performance on roughly the same budget.
Hyundai Tucson
Better than the Qashqai for: plug-in hybrid driving
Nowadays the Qashqai offers a fairly conventional petrol engine with mild-hybrid tech, and a ‘full’ hybrid engine that feels like an electric car at low speeds. But even that E-Power hybrid engine won’t give you much all-electric driving. For usable battery power and the backup of a petrol engine for longer journeys, you’ll need something like the Hyundai Tucson. While a growing number of the cars on this list offer plug-in powertrains, we love the Tucson’s bold styling, space-age interior, huge amount of space and five-year warranty.
Shop used Hyundai Tucson cars for sale or read our Hyundai Tucson review
Kia Sportage
Better than the Qashqai for: warranty
If it’s warranty you want, few do it better than Kia. The Korean brand gives buyers a reassuring seven-year warranty, although it has a good reputation for reliability anyway. (So does Nissan, and you can always extend your car’s cover by purchasing an extended warranty.) But the Sportage is more than just a fuss-free way to get from A to B – in many areas it’s just as appealing as the Tucson, similarly versatile and even feels a touch more high-tech inside than the Qashqai.
Shop used Kia Sportage cars for sale or read our Kia Sportage review
Ford Kuga
Better than the Qashqai for: fun handling
We’ll admit that driving sparkle is hardly high on the list of priorities for most family car buyers. But if you do want a bit of get-up-and-go once you’ve dropped the kids off at the school gates, the Ford Kuga is one of the best-driving SUVs. Its tidy handling and lack of body roll make it feel like a big Focus, with an accuracy that you don’t usually get from anything that sits so high up. With the basic 1.5-litre petrol engine it’s eager and fun, and there are hybrid and plug-in hybrid options that offer better fuel economy.
Shop used Ford Kuga cars for sale or read our Ford Kuga review
Skoda Karoq
Better than the Qashqai for: practicality
There are some bigger and more versatile SUVs than the Qashqai, including the Skoda Karoq. With the Karoq’s seats fully back, its 520-litre space is a few litres more than the Qashqai, but high-spec versions get sliding seats that free up another 68 litres of luggage space. And, because the Karoq has so much rear-seat space, your passengers shouldn’t mind losing just a little bit. Need to help someone move house? Those sliding seats can also be completely removed for maximum luggage capacity.
Shop used Skoda Karoq cars for sale or read our Skoda Karoq review
Renault Austral
Better than the Qashqai for: infotainment
While the Qashqai’s infotainment system is pretty intuitive, it might not excite you if you’re a tech fan. If that’s you, consider the Renault Austral instead. Its dual 12-inch screens are crisp and quick, and the portrait touchscreen has Google software baked in. So the native navigation system has Google Maps – probably the best and most up-to-date mapping software available – and you can download apps from the Google Play store.
Shop used Renault Austral cars for sale or read our Renault Austral review
Volkswagen Tiguan
Better than the Qashqai for: interior quality
If you’re upgrading from an older Qashqai, the new model’s interior will feel leagues nicer than before. But the Volkswagen Tiguan just edges the Qashqai for interior quality and the softness of some materials – as you’d hope given that the Tiguan has a higher list price than the Qashqai. However, there are more physical controls in the Nissan, which you might prefer to the touchscreen-heavy approach of the VW.
Shop used Volkswagen Tiguan cars for sale or read our Volkswagen Tiguan review
Nissan Ariya
Better than the Qashqai for: electric driving
Nissan offers a roughly Qashqai-sized electric SUV, just with a different name and unique styling. The Ariya’s a really impressive EV, with a slick infotainment setup and lots of thoughtful touches. Some of the touch buttons are part of the interior trim, and become invisible when the car’s off, while there’s a thick pile carpet to snuggle your size nines into. The Ariya offers the smoothness and instant response that the Qashqai E-Power can only give you in some situations. With the big battery option the Ariya will do about 260 miles on a charge in the real world, which should be plenty if you can charge at home.
Shop used Nissan Ariya cars for sale
Peugeot 3008
Better than the Qashqai for: style
There’s no doubt that the Qashqai is a smartly styled car, but its familiarity dulls its kerb appeal just a touch. Peugeot has, for some years now, dared to create some of the boldest car designs on the road, and its new 3008 SUV is no exception. From its striking front end to its intriguing shape, the 3008 certainly draws you in. Then it keeps you there with its futuristic interior and all its tech.
Shop used Peugeot 3008 cars for sale or read our Peugeot e-3008 review
Nissan X-Trail
Better than the Qashqai for: 7-seat space
If you’ve outgrown a Qashqai, why not simply move up to the next model in Nissan’s range? The X-Trail is heavily based on the Qashqai, so you know what you’re getting if you’re already acquainted with the Japanese brand. So that’s hybrid engines and a nice interior with plenty of space. Not all X-Trails come with seven seats so make sure you get one with the third row if you need it.
Shop used Nissan X-Trail cars for sale or read our Nissan X-Trail review
MG HS
Better than the Qashqai for: low prices
Prices have gone up slightly for the Qashqai, and you might want to save yourself some money by plumping for something else. The MG HS is usually a lot cheaper than a Qashqai and it’ll get you to your destination in just the same amount of time. And most of the same equipment is present and correct. There’s also a plug-in hybrid HS that offers a decent electric range if you remember to keep the battery charged up. Its driving manners aren’t quite as refined as the Nissan’s but it’s still a decent daily driver.
Shop used MG HS cars for sale or read our MG HS review
Which family SUV is right for you?
If you've made your mind up or want to see more great choices, browse Motorpoint's selection of nearly new practical family cars. If none of these cars floats your boat, however, maybe it's time to reconsider a used Nissan Qashqai – its comfy ride and great value make it a compelling family all-rounder. Read more info in our Nissan Qashqai review.
