The Renault Symbioz and Nissan Qashqai are rivals in the popular family SUV sector of the UK car market. The Symbioz is a relatively new name and Renault's latest offering in the crowded crossover segment, slotting between the Captur and Austral in the French firm's line-up. Meanwhile, the Qashqai is a long-running sales smash hit for Nissan, and is credited with pioneering the crossover genre when it first launched back in 2006.
While both vehicles target the family SUV buyer, they take distinctly different approaches. The Symbioz aims to blend the compact dimensions of the Captur with enhanced interior space, while the Qashqai has grown larger and more SUV-like with each new generation. Here's how the two models compare across key areas.
Renault Symbioz vs Nissan Qashqai
Practicality
The Symbioz offers impressive practicality for its size. Its boot capacity is 492 litres with the adjustable boot floor lowered, expanding to a cavernous 624 litres by sliding the rear bench forward, though at the expense of rear legroom. The rear seats split 60/40 for added flexibility. Rear passenger space is good overall, with sufficient legroom for adults sitting behind an average-sized driver. However, the Symbioz's narrow body means three adults across the rear bench can feel like a squeeze.
In contrast, the Qashqai provides excellent rear passenger space and legroom. While it lacks sliding rear seats, the 60/40 split-folding rear bench liberates a competitive 504 litre boot space. An adjustable boot floor allows for a flat load area when the seats are folded.
It's a close run contest for outright practicality and versatility, but the Qashqai just takes the win.
Driving Impressions
The Symbioz is only available with Renault's E-Tech 1.6-litre petrol hybrid setup producing 145bhp, while the Qashqai range encompasses 1.3-litre mild-hybrid petrols and Nissan's innovative E-Power full hybrid system.
The Symbioz hybrid's performance is adequate rather than exciting, with a 0-62mph time of 10.6 seconds. It works best in urban environments where it can rely more on electric driving. However, the petrol engine can become vocal when worked hard. Ride comfort is a mixed bag - a little fidgety at low speeds but smoother on the motorway.
The Qashqai mild-hybrids need revving to make brisk progress, which can make them sound raucous at times. But they strike a good balance between performance and efficiency. The E-Power delivers a more electric-like driving experience with linear power delivery, though it's not that quick.
Both cars handle predictably for family SUVs and are easy to live with, but the Qashqai is the smoother, and more grown up vehicle to drive.
Technology and Equipment
Both the Symbioz and Qashqai come well-equipped with digital instrument displays and large touchscreen infotainment systems offering smartphone mirroring. The Symbioz gets a slick Google-based system with impressive voice controls, though the low-res reversing camera is disappointing.
The Qashqai's system has sharper graphics post-2022 but can feel overly complex to navigate at times. Higher trims of both cars add niceties like wireless charging and premium audio.
While the Symbioz has generous kit even in base trim, the Qashqai still feels like the more premium of the two cars when it comes to overall interior build quality and materials.
Running Costs
The Symbioz impresses for fuel efficiency, with real-world testing indicating 48-50mpg - impressive for a hybrid family SUV. Pricing starts from under £30,000, which is keen for the generously-equipped base model.
Meanwhile, the Qashqai is priced competitively when new and should hold its value well. However, fuel economy of around 40mpg for the E-Power and 35mpg for the mild-hybrids is less stellar. Service intervals are also shorter on the E-Power models.
On balance, the Symbioz has the advantage for day-to-day running costs, though the Qashqai's stronger residuals should offset this over a longer ownership period via better resale values.
Verdict
The Renault Symbioz and Nissan Qashqai both have plenty to offer family SUV buyers. The Symbioz delivers excellent interior packaging and fuel efficiency from its hybrid powertrain, and is well-equipped. However, it lacks the outright versatility and roominess of the larger Qashqai, and interior build quality is a little disappointing.
In contrast, the Qashqai provides superior passenger space, more engine options, and a more polished driving experience. It's also priced keenly when accounting for equipment levels. That said, the Symbioz undercuts it on upfront costs and running costs.
For buyers focused on value, efficiency and clever packaging, the Renault Symbioz makes a strong case. But if you ask us which is the better car overall, well, that'd be the Qashqai.