If you’re looking for a family-sized SUV, the Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai are two names that will almost certainly be on your shortlist. For years, they have been two of the UK’s best-selling cars, and for good reason. Both offer a desirable high driving position, a practical interior, and a range of efficient engines.
The Kuga has a reputation for being one of the best-driving cars in its class, and it’s available with a popular plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Qashqai, a car that arguably started the crossover trend, majors on comfort, quality, and its own unique take on hybrid power. So, which of these family favourites is the better buy?
Ford Kuga vs Nissan Qashqai
- Practicality
- Driving Impressions
- Technology and Equipment
- Running Costs
- CarGurus Buyer Insights
- Verdict
Practicality
Ford Kuga practicality score: 4/5
Nissan Qashqai practicality score: 4/5
Both the Kuga and Qashqai are designed with family life in mind, offering plenty of space and useful features. The Kuga provides generous head and legroom for passengers in the front and back. Its key feature is a sliding rear seat bench, which allows you to choose between maximising rear legroom or increasing boot space. With the seats slid forward, the boot holds a useful 475 litres, though this drops to 411 litres in the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model due to the battery.
The Qashqai also has a spacious cabin, although it does without the Kuga’s sliding rear seats. Its boot is a highlight, offering up to 504 litres of space in front-wheel-drive models, which is more than the standard Kuga. It also features a clever adjustable boot floor, which helps when loading heavy items. It’s a close contest, but the Qashqai’s bigger boot might give it the edge for some, while others will prefer the Kuga’s added passenger flexibility.
Driving Impressions
Ford Kuga driving score: 4/5
Nissan Qashqai driving score: 4/5
Ford has a knack for making mainstream cars that are enjoyable to drive, and the Kuga is no exception. For an SUV, it feels surprisingly agile, with direct steering and well-controlled body lean in corners. This doesn't come at the expense of comfort, as the suspension does a good job of smoothing out rough road surfaces, making it a capable all-rounder. The PHEV model offers brisk acceleration and the ability to run on silent electric power.
The Qashqai takes a different approach, prioritising comfort and refinement over sporty handling. The ride is soft and the steering is light, which makes it an easy and relaxing car to drive, particularly around town and on the motorway. Its standout powertrain is the e-Power hybrid, where a petrol engine acts as a generator for an electric motor that drives the wheels. This provides a smooth, electric-car-like driving feel, though the engine can become audible when you accelerate hard. The choice here comes down to preference: the engaging Kuga or the relaxed Qashqai.
Technology and Equipment
Ford Kuga technology and equipment score: 4/5
Nissan Qashqai technology and equipment score: 4/5
You won't feel short-changed by either of these SUVs, as both come with a decent amount of standard equipment. Entry-level Kuga models get an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus front and rear parking sensors. Moving up the range adds desirable features like digital instruments, a powered tailgate, and heated seats.
The Qashqai is similarly generous. Even the base model includes features like adaptive cruise control and a rear-view camera. Higher-spec versions feel quite premium, with options for a large digital driver's display, a 360-degree camera system, and even a Bose sound system. Both infotainment systems are easy to use, and while top-spec Qashqai models feel a little more upmarket inside, there's little to separate them on standard kit.
Running Costs
Ford Kuga running costs score: 4/5
Nissan Qashqai running costs score: 4/5
For many buyers, running costs will be a deciding factor. The Ford Kuga PHEV is the clear winner for company car drivers, thanks to its low Benefit-in-Kind tax rating. Private buyers who can charge at home and have a short commute can also benefit from its official 35 miles of electric-only range, which could mean tiny fuel bills.
The Qashqai’s e-Power hybrid is the most efficient choice in its range, officially returning around 55mpg without the need to ever plug it in. This makes it a great option for those who can't easily charge a car at home. Both cars sit in similar insurance groups and have strong predicted resale values, which helps to keep long-term costs down. The best choice financially will depend entirely on your own circumstances and driving habits.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
| Ford Kuga | Nissan Qashqai | |
|---|---|---|
| CarGurus expert rating | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* | 32.8% | 33.5% |
| Overall CarGurus rating | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Ford Kuga Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4/5
Nissan Qashqai Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4/5
The Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai are two of the most popular and capable family SUVs on the market, and choosing between them is tough. Both are practical, well-equipped, and offer efficient hybrid powertrains.
This closeness is reflected in our CarGurus Buyer Insights, where both cars achieve an identical Overall CarGurus Rating of 4.4 out of 5. With our experts and users rating them equally, and with a similar percentage of great deals available for both on CarGurus, there is no clear winner on paper.
The decision, therefore, comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy driving and want an SUV that feels agile and responsive, the Ford Kuga is the one to go for. Its plug-in hybrid option is also a huge draw for company car users and those who can charge at home. If, however, you prioritise a quiet, comfortable ride and a cleverly designed boot, the Nissan Qashqai is an excellent choice. Its e-Power hybrid system also offers a compelling taste of electric driving without the need to plug in. It’s a dead heat, so a test drive of both is the best way to decide.
Ford Kuga Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enjoyable and comfortable to drive | Interior isn't as stylish as the Qashqai's |
| Excellent PHEV model for low running costs | PHEV model has a smaller boot |
| Sliding rear seats add to versatility | Thick front pillars can impede visibility |
Nissan Qashqai Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable and refined ride | Not as fun to drive as the Kuga |
| Spacious and cleverly designed boot | No sliding rear seat function |
| High-quality and well-equipped interior | e-Power engine can be noisy when pushed |
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.