History/Overview
Nissan introduced the Qashqai to Canada in 2017 slot below the Rogue in its crossover lineup. It has existed in overseas markets since 2006; in the U.S., it's known as the Rogue Sport.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
This year marks a mid-cycle update for the popular Qashqai. There's new front-end styling and redesigned head- and taillights Nissan says better differentiate this car from the larger Rogue. Also, all trims now come standard with Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite of active safety and driver assist features, which the automaker says gives the Qashqai the most standard safety kit in its class.
Available Trims
Nissan offers the Qashqai in S, SV, SL, and SL Platinum trims. All use a 2.0L engine. S is the sole trim available with a manual transmission, which comes only with front-wheel drive. S FWD is optional with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which is standard with AWD.
SV starts with FWD and the CVT, and can be optioned with AWD. SL and Platinum trims are both standard with the CVT and AWD.
Standard Features
Qashqai's new list of standard safety features includes predictive forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic braking, lane departure warning and prevention, high beam assist, rear intelligent emergency braking, rear parking sensors, driver attention assist, traffic sign recognition, and intelligent automatic headlights.
S trim comes dressed with 16-inch steel wheels with covers, LED daytime running lights, heated/power-adjustable side mirrors, rear door alert, a 7.0-inch infotainment display, Bluetooth and hands-free text message assistant, air conditioning, power windows and door locks with keyless entry, tilt-and-telescopic steering, heated/manually adjustable front seats, a four-speaker stereo, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
SV trim brings 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, passive keyless entry, remote engine start, cruise control, lighted vanity mirrors, a heated/leather-trimmed steering wheel and leather-trimmed shift lever, and a six-speaker stereo.
SL adds 19-inch wheels, roof rails, an electric parking brake, ProPilot semi-autonomous driving, navigation, 360-degree exterior camera views, radar cruise control, power-adjustable front seats, and leather upholstery.
Finally, SL Platinum (technically an option package for SL) includes a nine-speaker stereo, LED headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and Nissan Connect services.
Fuel Economy
Nissan's fuel consumption estimates for the Qashqai are 8.6/7.2 L/100 km (city/highway) with the CVT and FWD, and 9.1/7.6 with AWD. The FWD/stickshift combo is rated 10.1/8.1 L/100 km.
Competition
The Qashqai's new standard safety kit gives it an edge on its many competitors, which include the Honda HR-V, the Mazda CX-3, Mitsubishi's RVR, the Hyundai Kona, Ford's Ecosport, the Chevrolet Trax, Fiat's 500X, the Subaru Crosstrek, and Toyota's C-HR.