When Nissan launched the original Qashqai back in 2007, it was a huge gamble. Although crossover-style SUVs are ten-a-penny nowadays, back then, the Qashqai was very different to any of the cars it competed with. It was a gamble that paid off, though, and the Qashqai instantly became a huge hit. And it paved the way for even more success, because the second-generation Qashqai, which served between 2013 and 2020, was one of the UK’s best-selling models. And it’s easy to see why. It looks great, it’s roomy and practical, it has a posh-feeling cabin, it’s pleasant and comfortable to drive, and most versions come with plenty of kit and a reasonable pricetag.

Strengths:

Roomy cabin and boot
Comfortable and easy to drive
Nicely trimmed interior

Weaknesses:

No longer a seven-seat option
Some recurring reliability niggles
Entry-level version misses automatic emergency braking

Is the 2018 Nissan Qashqai better than the 2018 Skoda Karoq?

The two cars are actually quite similar in character. Both deliver a driving experience that (rightly) prioritises comfort over fun, both deliver strong value for money, both have well-equipped, posh-feeling cabins, and both deliver plenty of space for passengers and luggage. If pushed, though, we’d just give the nod to the Skoda thanks to its more versatile seating arrangement and stronger engine line-up.