The Nissan Juke and Qashqai are two popular crossover SUVs from the Japanese automaker. While they share some similarities in their rugged styling and raised ride height, they cater to different segments of the market. The Juke is a compact crossover aimed at urban adventurers, while the Qashqai is a mid-sized family SUV that prioritises practicality and comfort.
In this comprehensive comparison, we'll delve into the key areas that matter most to car buyers, including practicality, driving dynamics, technology and equipment, and running costs. We'll also provide a balanced verdict to help you decide which of these Nissan crossovers might be the better fit for your needs.
Nissan Juke vs Nissan Qashqai
Practicality
The Nissan Qashqai has a clear advantage when it comes to practicality. As a mid-sized SUV, it offers generous interior space, with ample legroom and headroom for rear passengers. The boot capacity of up to 504 litres is highly competitive in its class, although it can vary slightly depending on the specific model and options. The clever boot design with a split, variable-height floor adds to its versatility.
In contrast, the Nissan Juke, being a compact crossover, is more limited in terms of interior space. While it offers reasonable legroom, taller passengers may find headroom a bit tight, especially in the rear seats. The boot capacity of around 420 litres is decent, but smaller than the Qashqai's. It's worth noting that the hybrid version of the Juke sacrifices around 70 litres of boot space to accommodate the hybrid batteries.
Both cars offer a good driving position with plenty of adjustment, but the Qashqai's raised ride height provides a more commanding view of the road. Overall, if you frequently carry passengers or need maximum cargo space, the Qashqai is the more practical choice.
Driving Impressions
When it comes to driving dynamics, the Nissan Juke and Qashqai offer distinct experiences. The Juke's smaller size and nimble handling make it more engaging to drive, especially in urban environments. Its turbocharged petrol engines provide decent performance, and the available hybrid powertrain offers improved fuel efficiency.
However, the Juke's ride can be a bit firm and unsettled on rougher surfaces, particularly at low speeds. Additionally, the hybrid system's unconventional gearbox and the need for light throttle inputs to maintain electric-only mode can take some getting used to.
The Qashqai, on the other hand, prioritises comfort and ease of use. Its suspension is tuned for a more forgiving ride, and the steering is light and responsive, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces. The mild-hybrid petrol engines offer adequate performance, but don't expect exhilarating acceleration.
The Qashqai E-Power hybrid system is particularly impressive, providing a smooth and refined driving experience akin to an electric vehicle. However, it's worth noting that both cars exhibit moderate levels of wind and road noise at higher speeds.
Overall, if you value agility and a more engaging driving experience, the Juke hits the spot. However, if you prioritise comfort and effortless driving, the Qashqai could be the more appealing option.
Technology and Equipment
Both the Nissan Juke and Qashqai offer a good range of technology and equipment, but there are some notable differences between the two.
The Juke comes well-equipped even in the entry-level trims, with features like LED headlights, alloy wheels, and a DAB radio. Higher trims add a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and premium audio systems. The 2024 facelift brought a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster to most trims, enhancing the overall tech experience.
The Qashqai also offers a comprehensive list of standard features, including adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, and rear parking sensors even on the base model. Higher trims add dual-zone climate control, a surround-view camera, and a head-up display. The 2024 facelift introduced a new 12.3-inch infotainment system across the range, improving the graphics and responsiveness.
While both cars offer impressive tech and equipment, the Qashqai's higher trim levels, such as the Tekna and Tekna+, push the boundaries of luxury with features like quilted leather seats, a Bose sound system, and a massage function for the driver's seat. However, these top-spec models are pretty expensive.
Overall, both cars offer a good balance of technology and equipment, but the Qashqai's higher trim levels would appeal more to those seeking a more premium experience.
Running Costs
When it comes to running costs, both the Nissan Juke and Qashqai offer competitive options, but there are some key differences to consider.
The Juke is available with either petrol or petrol-hybrid powertrains. The petrol models offer official WLTP fuel economy figures of around 48mpg for the manual and 47mpg for the automatic. The hybrid variant boasts an impressive official average of around 59mpg, although real-world figures are likely to be lower.
The Qashqai has also moved away from diesel engines and now offers mild-hybrid petrol and full-hybrid E-Power options only. The mild-hybrid models achieve official figures of around 44mpg, but real-world figures may be closer to 35mpg. The E-Power hybrid is slightly more efficient, with an official figure of around 55mpg and a real-world figure of around 40mpg.
In terms of purchase price, the Juke represents good value for money in the lower trim levels, while the higher trims can be pricey, putting it in competition with more upmarket rivals. The Qashqai is competitively priced when new, but the higher Tekna and Tekna+ trims can be quite costly in comparison with competitors.
Both cars are expected to retain their value well on the used market, with the ever-popular Qashqai having a slight edge in residual values. Insurance costs are likely to be similar for both models.
Overall, while the Juke hybrid offers impressive fuel efficiency figures, the Qashqai's range of powertrains provides more options for buyers to balance performance and running costs according to their needs.
Verdict
Both the Nissan Juke and Qashqai are compelling choices in their respective segments, offering a good blend of style, practicality, and technology. However, the decision between the two ultimately comes down to your specific needs.
If you're looking for a compact, urban-friendly crossover with a more engaging driving experience and impressive fuel efficiency from the hybrid powertrain, the Juke would be the better choice. Its bold styling and nimble handling make it a standout in the city, although its practicality is somewhat limited compared to the Qashqai.
On the other hand, if you prioritise practicality, comfort, and a more refined driving experience, the Qashqai is likely to be the more appealing option. Its spacious interior, versatile boot, and comfortable ride make it an excellent choice for families or those who frequently carry passengers and cargo. The E-Power hybrid system also offers a smooth and efficient driving experience.
It's worth noting that on both models the higher trim levels can be quite expensive, putting them in competition with more premium rivals. So if you're on a tighter budget, the lower trims of both cars offer good value for money while still providing a decent level of equipment and technology.