The mid-size family SUV market is one of the most competitive around. For years, the Nissan Qashqai has been the go-to choice for many buyers, offering a reliable blend of practicality, comfort, and sensible running costs. But now there's a new challenger in town: the Jaecoo 7.
Coming from Chinese automotive giant Chery, the Jaecoo 7 aims to offer a premium feel and plenty of equipment at a competitive price. So, does the established favourite still hold the crown, or can the newcomer provide a compelling alternative?
Jaecoo 7 vs Nissan Qashqai
Practicality
Jaecoo 7 practicality score: 4/5
Nissan Qashqai practicality score: 4/5
Both of these SUVs score well for family duties. The Jaecoo 7 offers a roomy cabin with generous rear legroom and headroom, plus a boot capacity of up to 500 litres in the front-wheel-drive model. The interior feels plush and well-built, with materials that rival more expensive brands.
The Nissan Qashqai is equally capable, providing a 504-litre boot with a clever variable-height floor that helps divide up the space for hidden storage. Rear passenger room is good, and the elevated driving position gives you that classic SUV feel. It's a tie in this department, as both cars will easily handle the demands of daily family life.
Driving Impressions
Jaecoo 7 driving score: 2/5
Nissan Qashqai driving score: 4/5
This is where the two cars start to separate. The Nissan Qashqai delivers a reassuring and effortless driving experience. Its E-Power hybrid system is particularly smooth, using the petrol engine as a generator for the electric motor, resulting in a refined and quiet ride. The suspension handles bumps well, making it a comfortable cruiser.
The Jaecoo 7, on the other hand, struggles a bit here. The standard petrol models suffer from a slow-to-respond gearbox and jerky power delivery, which can make smooth progress difficult. The plug-in hybrid version is noticeably better and quieter, but the steering remains short on feel and the ride can be firm on rougher roads.
Technology and Equipment
Jaecoo 7 technology and equipment score: 4/5
Nissan Qashqai technology and equipment score: 4/5
You won't feel short-changed in either car. The Jaecoo 7 is packed with standard equipment, including a large touchscreen (up to 14.8 inches on higher trims), a 540-degree surround-view camera, and a panoramic sunroof. It’s a lot of tech for the money.
The Nissan Qashqai also offers a smart 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Moving up the trim levels adds features like a digital driver’s display, adaptive LED headlights, and a head-up display. Both cars offer plenty of modern conveniences, making this category a close match.
Running Costs
Jaecoo 7 running costs score: 3/5
Nissan Qashqai running costs score: 4/5
The Jaecoo 7 grabs your attention with its low purchase price, undercutting many rivals. However, the standard petrol engines aren't the most efficient, returning mid-30s mpg. The plug-in hybrid offers a useful 56-mile electric range, which could keep daily fuel bills low if you charge at home regularly.
The Nissan Qashqai holds its value well and offers respectable fuel economy, with the E-Power hybrid achieving around 50mpg in the real world. Just be mindful that top-spec Qashqai models can push past the £40,000 mark, which incurs a premium rate of road tax.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
|
Jaecoo 7 |
Nissan Qashqai |
| CarGurus expert rating |
3 out of 5 |
4 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating |
0.0 out of 5 |
4.6 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* |
43.2% |
34.6% |
| Overall CarGurus rating |
3.7 out of 5 |
4.4 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Jaecoo 7 Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7/5
Nissan Qashqai Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4/5
Choosing between these two comes down to what you value most. The Jaecoo 7 offers a lot of car for the money, with a premium-feeling interior and a generous equipment list. If you opt for the plug-in hybrid, it’s a capable and spacious family SUV that delivers good value.
However, based on our comprehensive CarGurus Buyer Insights, the Nissan Qashqai takes the win here. It scores higher with our experts and users, and it delivers a much more polished driving experience. The E-Power hybrid system is smooth and efficient, and the car's overall comfort and ease of use make it a strong all-rounder. The Jaecoo 7 is a solid first effort, but the Qashqai's proven formula and superior refinement make it the better choice in this comparison.
Jaecoo 7 Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Genuinely impressive cabin quality |
Petrol-only powertrains unpolished |
| Roomy and practical |
Intrusive driver assistance features |
| Lots of car and kit for the money |
Some ergonomic oversights |
Nissan Qashqai Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Lots of clever tech |
No plug-in hybrid |
| Roomy and practical cabin |
Underwhelming performance of 1.3 mild hybrid |
| Stylish looks |
High-spec cars are very pricey |
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
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