The Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai are two of the UK's most popular family SUV models, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and value for money. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll evaluate how these two contenders stack up across key areas to help you decide which one better suits your needs.
The fifth-generation Kia Sportage, introduced in 2022, showcases a bold new design language that sets it apart from its predecessors. Meanwhile, the third-generation Nissan Qashqai, which debuted in 2021, builds upon the model's reputation as a pioneer in the crossover segment, offering a refined and well-rounded package.
Kia Sportage Mk5 vs Nissan Qashqai
Practicality
When it comes to practicality, both the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai offer ample space for families, but there are some key differences to consider. The Sportage boasts a slightly larger boot capacity, ranging from 526 litres to 591 litres depending on the powertrain, compared to the Qashqai's 504 litres. However, the Qashqai's clever boot design, with a split, variable-height floor, allows for flexible storage configurations.
In terms of passenger space, the Sportage provides generous legroom and adjustable rear seat backrests, although it lacks the sliding rear seats found in rivals like the Skoda Karoq. The Qashqai, on the other hand, offers excellent legroom and headroom for rear passengers, albeit without sliding seats.
Both SUVs feature a good range of useful storage spaces, including centre console trays, door bins, and glovebox compartments. However, the Sportage, with its panoramic sunroof option on higher trim levels, adds an extra touch of luxury.
Overall, while the Sportage has a slight edge in outright boot space, the Qashqai's clever design and competitive passenger room make it a close call in terms of practicality.
Driving Impressions
When it comes to driving dynamics, both the Sportage and Qashqai strike a compromise between comfort and engagement, but with slightly different approaches.
The Sportage offers a well-judged ride and handling balance, with a composed ride at higher speeds and keen turn-in for an SUV. Its meaty steering weight and minimal body roll contribute to a substantial and engaging driving experience, although it falls slightly behind rivals like the Ford Kuga and Seat Ateca in terms of outright fun factor.
In contrast, the Qashqai prioritises effortless driving and refinement. Its pliant suspension delivers good ride comfort, although larger wheel options can introduce some noticeable firmness. The steering is responsive and well-weighted, but the Qashqai doesn't encourage enthusiastic driving like some competitors.
When it comes to powertrains, the Sportage offers a wider range of options, including a full hybrid, mild hybrids, and diesel variants. The full hybrid system delivers seamless power delivery and respectable performance, while the mild hybrids offer decent efficiency without compromising too much on pace.
The Qashqai, on the other hand, has ditched diesel engines entirely, focusing instead on a 1.3-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine and the innovative E-Power full hybrid system. The E-Power's electric motor provides instant torque and a smooth, electric-like driving experience, although overall performance is modest.
While the Sportage offers a slightly more engaging driving experience, the Qashqai's focus on refinement and ease of use may appeal to those buyers for whom handling polish is of less concern.
Technology and Equipment
Both the Sportage and Qashqai impress with their technology and equipment offerings, but the Kia takes the honours in this department.
The Sportage's higher trims feature twin 12.3-inch curved displays for the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, with sharp graphics and configurable displays. The main touchscreen is a triumph in terms of usability and control logic, although the gloss black panel below it can be slightly fiddly.
In contrast, the Qashqai's infotainment system, while easy to use, can feel a bit dated in terms of graphics and responsiveness, especially on lower trims. However, the introduction of a larger 12.3-inch screen with the E-Power model and the 2024 facelift has helped to address this issue.
Both SUVs offer a range of standard and optional driver assistance features, such as lane-keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, and intelligent speed limit assist. However, the Sportage's higher trims offer additional features like blind-spot cameras and a panoramic sunroof, further enhancing its technology and equipment credentials.
Overall, while the Qashqai's infotainment system has improved over time, the Sportage's cutting-edge displays and comprehensive suite of features make it one of the class-leaders.
Running Costs
When it comes to running costs, both the Sportage and Qashqai offer competitive pricing and decent fuel efficiency, but there are some nuances to consider.
The Qashqai is generally more affordable when purchased new, with lower monthly finance costs than some of its rivals. However, the higher-spec Tekna and Tekna+ trims can become quite expensive, potentially making larger SUVs like the Skoda Kodiaq a more cost-effective option.
In terms of fuel economy, the Sportage's self-charging hybrid and mild-hybrid petrol variants can achieve around 40-45 mpg in mixed driving, with the full hybrid offering improved efficiency in urban environments. The diesel variants are expected to return around 53-54 mpg, while the plug-in hybrid can achieve up to 43 miles of electric-only range in official tests.
The Qashqai's mild-hybrid petrol engines are rated for around 44 mpg, although real-world figures may be closer to 35 mpg. The E-Power full hybrid fares slightly better, with an official rating of around 55 mpg, but real-world figures are likely to be closer to 40 mpg.
It's worth noting that the Qashqai requires more frequent servicing intervals for the E-Power model, which could impact long-term ownership costs.
So, while the Qashqai may have a slight edge in terms of upfront costs, the Sportage's broader range of efficient powertrains and potential for better real-world fuel economy make it the more cost-effective choice over the long run.
Reliability
Reliability is an important consideration for any family SUV, and both Kia and Nissan have established reputations in this area.
The current generation of the Sportage fared well in the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, finishing 10th out of the 33 models in the family SUV class. Additionally, Kia's seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty provides added peace of mind.
The previous-generation Qashqai had a mixed reliability record, but the current model has shown improvement, finishing 14th out of 33 cars in its class in the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey.
While both manufacturers have worked to address reliability concerns, Kia's longer warranty coverage and the Sportage's strong track record give it an advantage in this area.
Verdict
In the battle of the family SUVs, both the Kia Sportage Mk5 and the Nissan Qashqai have plenty to offer prospective buyers. The Sportage impresses with its bold styling, generous equipment levels, and engaging driving dynamics, while the Qashqai prioritises refinement, ease of use, and competitive pricing.
When it comes to practicality, the Sportage edges ahead with its slightly larger boot capacity and flexible rear seating options, although the Qashqai's clever boot design and ample passenger space keep it in the conversation.
In terms of driving impressions, the Sportage delivers a more engaging and substantial driving experience, but the Qashqai's focus on effortless comfort and refinement may appeal to those who prioritise a relaxed driving experience.
The Sportage's cutting-edge technology and comprehensive suite of features give it an advantage over the Qashqai's somewhat dated infotainment system, although Nissan has made improvements with the introduction of the E-Power model and the 2024 facelift.
Running costs are competitive for both models, with the Qashqai offering a slight edge in upfront pricing, but the Sportage's broader range of efficient powertrains and potential for better real-world fuel economy could make it the more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Reliability is another feather in the Kia's cap, with industry-leading warranty coverage and the Sportage's strong track record giving it a slight advantage over Nissan's more mixed reliability record.
Ultimately, both the Kia Sportage Mk5 and the Nissan Qashqai are excellent choices in the family SUV segment, but the Kia takes a narrow victory here thanks to its range of strengths. Those seeking a more engaging driving experience, cutting-edge technology, and generous practicality will likely favour the Sportage, while those prioritising ease of use and competitive pricing may still be swayed by the Qashqai.