Nissan Qashqai vs Renault Kadjar: Which Family SUV Is Best?

Now, we know you wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t seen the two of these side by side on the road. Which means we also know that you’ll appreciate just how similar the two are, hence why they get called sisters! 

The Nissan Qashqai is presented with a sharply curved body style, giving it a very sleek and angular appearance. This is enhanced with Nissan’s recent modifications to the Qashqai, with sharp-edge LED headlights and rear brake lights, giving this SUV a really seductive, inviting appeal - it’s no wonder you're interested. In fact, the brand designed it’s recent Qashqai to be completely irresistible both inside and out. 

The Renault Kadjar may look similar to the Qashqai, but when you really break down the exterior aesthetic, the Kadjar has a much softer approach to the body. The almost curvaceous, bubbled exterior is slightly less strong and authoritative than the Qashqai, but this shouldn’t be seen as a negative. Kadjar closely resembles a smaller hatchback, giving a more inviting, less blocky appearance - perfect for family driving we think! 

In the end it comes down to your personal preference, and what car you feel better represents you and your style. However, the Qashqai tips the scale with its modern look and clean-cut styling.

Now for the defining features of Nissan Qashqai vs. Renault Kadjar - which is the better car to drive? 

The Nissan Qashqai is actually known for its driving ability, which is probably why it receives such high ratings, among other things. All Qashqai trims boast a 1.3 ltr petrol engine, and offer a very comfortable drive, handling both speed and various road conditions well, despite its bulky size. However, various driving reviews critique the gear-box and clutch, claiming them to be both stiff and spongy, affecting the acceleration power. 

The Renault Kadjar’s driving experience, competes almost directly with the Qashqai as it also hosts a 1.3 ltr petrol engine. It feels gutsy when driven - it’s powerful and picks up speed fairly quickly, but this can also result in a lot of engine noise. Much like the rest of the Renault models, the steering is precise and gives good grip, meaning corners and windy country roads are handled well. The Kadjar also thrives within cities and on motorways. 

It is widely known that mechanically the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar are made up of almost the exact same parts and share almost exactly the same specs (both have 140 HP, 1.3 LTR engines, etc.). It can be quite difficult to spot any noticeable differences in driving experience between the two. We understand that may not give you an answer to “what car is better”, but just like everything “the best” is dependent on the driver. 

Adding to its growing list of praise, the interior of the Nissan Qashqai is adorned with soft plastics and quilted leather seats meaning comfort is key. On top of this, the Qashqai is constantly praised for its - almost surprisingly - spacious interior, again enhancing the comfortable drive this SUV gives you. 

Of course, the central console hosts a 12.3” infotainment system that is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which also offers up wireless charging, 3D Maps and live traffic updates via TomTom. A major interior advantage to the Qashqai is the recently upgraded addition of 10.8” Windscreen Head-up Display, where key navigation and road information is displayed. 

Much like the exterior, the interior design of the Renault Kadjar mirrors the Qashqai, again with soft plastics everywhere you would expect. The Kadjar is spacious in both the front and back, and offers up a high driving position, giving you greater views. 

The infotainment system is displayed on a 7” digital touchscreen and is extremely user-friendly. It’s compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as offering a wireless charging addition and road sign identification. The simplistic design of this interior makes it a no-fuss car to drive. 

The two interiors are incredibly similar, but do have some noticeable differences. With the Qashqai offering up more in the way of technology (I mean it’s a Japanese car, what do you expect?), it makes the Kadjar look simplistic in comparison. Therefore, we feel that again the Nissan Qashqai is our winner in terms of giving you more than just a car to drive.

We understand that if you’re torn between a Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar practicality is more than likely a priority to you. So, to aid in your decision, we’ve assessed some of the more practical aspects of each car. 

In terms of passenger space, both cars are advertised as 5 seater SUVs, but further research shows that Nissan holds 5 passengers perfectly comfortably, but Kadjar struggles and is better suited to 4. 

Similarly, the Qashqai wins in the boot space department, with 430L compared to the Kadjar’s 427L. Arguably both have great storage capacity, and you can easily fill the boot with oodles of sports equipment, suitcases or shopping bags - but the Qashqai does have the edge on this one. 

If the family is growing up and you need a car suited to taller passengers, the Kadjar doesn’t skimp on leg room or head space, despite it being better suited for 4. Also, wide, high-set doors make access to a car seat an easy task. The Qashqai also fits those over 6-foot quite easily, but if you’re transporting the local basketball team, the middle back-seat passenger may find it to be a bit of a squeeze.

In terms of practicality, these two family SUVs are well-matched, meaning it comes down to nit-picking. For practical reasons only, the Qashqai has the edge as it sports a larger, well-shaped boot which is always a selling point to those looking for a practical car.

The Nissan Qashqai is available in a variety of trims and can be purchased with the optional addition of extra features, such as wireless charging. For the All-New Nissan Qashqai (2022), the starting “on the road” purchase price is £29,190, with lease pricing being as little as £201.22/month. Running costs for this car in terms of fuel consumption are outstandingly friendly, with the car achieving a massive 53.3 mpg. 

The Renault Kadjar, again as its newest model without any trim changes/additions, starts at a respectable price of £25,595, with lease pricing starting from £253.62/month. Undercutting the Qashqai, the Kadjar may lose some pricing appeal with its fuel economy being 44.1 mpg. 

It can be difficult to find a direct comparison of which car is better for your bank account here, as both purchase and lease pricings vary, with neither one being favoured as cheaper. But if we had to pick a favourite it would be the Nissan Qashqai with its impressive 53.3 mpg, especially with the price of petrol today!

All pricing accurate as of 28/10/2022.